Pausch had many inspirational quotes throughout this lecture. The main one was, "Brick walls are there for a reason, they let us prove how badly we want things." I believe this quote is a great motto to abide by for everything in life. If we want to achieve something, whether it be learning the alphabet, helping a student in class, becoming a football player, or writing a book, we cannot let obstacles hinder us from being successful. In regards to learning, Pausch reiterated the fact that fundamentals are key. Similar to an athletes perspective, you have to master the fundamentals before you can attempt anything else. When you are learning, it is important to remember that your critiques are not your enemies, they are your support system. The minute you stop having critiques is the minute people have given up on you. There will be times when we, as learners, fail and it is important to remember what Pausch said: "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted".
Educators must realize that most of what is learned, is learned indirectly. Therefore, the best way to teach someone is to have them believe they are learning something else. Pausch called these head fake lessons. Teachers do not have all the answers, but there are ways to say I don't know. Pausch explained how there is a good way and a bad way to express your uncertainty. One of the best things an educator can do, is set the standards higher than the norm, allowing students to reach exceptionally high expectations. The end goal is for the students to be self reflective. Educators are learners themselves; therefore, it is essential to be willing to learn from your students.
Pausch's Last Lecture was a very insightful and encouraging lecture. The most important piece I attained was preparation meets opportunity. Those three words sum up his entire speech and shed light on the world around us. I learned that, in time, people will almost always surprise you and the way people perceive you can limit the things you accomplish.
"When you are learning, it is important to remember that your critiques are not your enemies, they are your support system." What a wonderful point to make that is good for each of us to remember. Constructive criticism can always help us to grow and learn and we are to be lifelong learners.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, your post was thoughtful and thorough.