There is something atmospheric about old photographs. This photo was taken circa 1919 in Brooklyn New York of my husband grandfather shortly after he arrived from Italy. I am passionate about a number of activities, two of which are photography and genealogy. The excited squeals I emit when discovering an old family photo is probably usually reserved for amusement rides for others. At family events and vacations I have become the de facto photographer.
So today's Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess (@burgessdave) is: Completely ouside of your profession, what are you passionate about?
Incorporating photography into my teaching is something I have done many times. Of course in my yearbook, graphic design, and journalism classes that is hardly pushing the envelope as it is a core element of the curriculum. Bringing it more often into my English classes is something I intend to try. I have sat in the doorway on the first day of school with my digital camera and snapped photos as each student entered the room. It puts a twist on the get-to-know presentations when I project their photo on my SmartBoard while they tell the class a little about themselves. Great photography tells a story - it can also inspire story telling in students. It can evoke a time period and its clothing, automobiles, architecture, etc. much more effectively than a PowerPoint bullet point.
A greater challenge is genealogy. How do I incorporate my passion for our roots and where we come from? I am certainly open to ideas and suggestions. I have used my passion for genealogy as an example to prod students into their own passions when they choose an area of research. When you are passionate about your topic you will dig into places you wouldn't have thought about for a topic of lesser import to you; you will spend your free time actively searching; you will seek out experts; you will talk to anybody who is willing to listen about what you have found; you will learn new skills if they aid you in your search; and you will continually try to improve on what you have already discovered.
A greater challenge is genealogy. How do I incorporate my passion for our roots and where we come from? I am certainly open to ideas and suggestions. I have used my passion for genealogy as an example to prod students into their own passions when they choose an area of research. When you are passionate about your topic you will dig into places you wouldn't have thought about for a topic of lesser import to you; you will spend your free time actively searching; you will seek out experts; you will talk to anybody who is willing to listen about what you have found; you will learn new skills if they aid you in your search; and you will continually try to improve on what you have already discovered.
One of my central goals as a teacher is to spark that intellectual curiosity in my students. I have taught more than 20 years and it is still a challenge for which I haven't found the magic bullet solution. I am always look for ways to see that spark light up in their eyes and know that they can't wait to go home and dig some more on their own. To have them come rushing back the next day eager to share what else they learned about the topic is an event I want to see happen more regularly.