WK 2-Weekly Reading Blog Post MAC

MAC Wk 2 Blog Response - Valencia Winston

WK 2-Weekly Reading Blog Post MAC

This image taken by Valencia Winston, from the digitally downloaded textbook.

I loved, loved, loved reading the “Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Throughout my journey, I have read similar books in the genre and have gained enormous insight from most. The concept that looking outside of our own boxes, and boxes defined by society, our teachers, parents and friends, really would open up an entire world of new possibilities. The time spent in the text, discussing Ben Zander’s decision about giving all of his orchestra students an “A” grade, illustrated this viewpoint. The criteria to write from a point in the future, in which they had received the desired grade, allowed them the freedom to learn their way.  This was brilliant!

I tried a similar approach with my advanced students, this past school year.  Often after finding out what grade they would receive on their report cards, negotiations would begin. I begin to really resent these discussions, because many of these were from students who had done nothing to improve their grades. I decided to give them a rubric for every project, and have them grade themselves based on those standards.  Each standard was given a point value that would together equal 100pts. My only requirement was that they be honest, and provide evidence for giving themselves the grade. The plan worked beautifully. They no longer questioned me, because it they did not do the work and have evidence to provide, they had no choice but to be honest.

This week’s reading provided me with different perspectives on a personal relationship with a family member, that has been strained and full of friction at times.  I’ve decided to give this person an A. I am so excited about what possibilities will unfold, since I have decided to “draw some lines” outside of the box!


Vee,
This is my first time reading a book from this genre, but I must agree that I have gained enormous insight from it. This concept of Giving an "A" mat be difficult in my math class, but the philosophy of it will surely be attempted next year. In ministry and my relationships outside of academia, I have always tried to give people "A"s, even when their behavior and actions did not warrant it. My experience with this has been positive for the most part and even though I have been burned sometimes, the good I have seen come out of it far outweighs the negative. I wish you blessings on your endeavor to give your family member an "A". I pray that it alleviates the strain on your relationship. Remember...there is no box.