Want something taught? Ask a busy teacher!
{just an update – Bill Gates recently caught onto Khan and gave him his endorsement. Also, like myself, calls for more “online” learning and taking the learning out of the 4 walls and into the great wide open. The following post appeared Dec. 09}
I often get asked the same questions over and over again. “How many hours a day do you spend on the computer?” “How do you have enough time to do so much?” “Do you ever stop?” “How do you do so much?”
I have to admit that I’m often puzzled by these questions. I’m rarely without words but these questions really have me at a loss. Usually, I just say that – “I love what I do – things get done.” It is hard to see oneself – like the old Hasidic saying goes, “The eye cannot see itself”.
Until today that is. I could see a little of myself in Salman Khan who BY FAR outdoes anything I contribute to education. He’s a brillant self made online teacher who just gives lessons / tutorials freely through his Youtube channel. Superb tutorials and lessons, I may add. He does this all from a closet in his apartment, sometimes 4-5 a day!
He’s no expert but he loves learning and “finding out”. He doesn’t just skim his subjects before he teaches them, he bear hugs them! He finds out everything, gets to their bottom and foundation and builds from there. He’s an “essentialist” if there is anyone of that educational philosophy still around.
He also sends out a big message. People (teachers) who love what they do – always have “the” time!
Thank you Mr. Khan, you inspire me! I may not see myself but I do see myself in you and that is also precious.
I do much less than you, and my answer would be “By constantly trying to convince my wife that it is all worthwhile”!
Alex,
I have that same “fight” but I’m probably more selfish than you and should be more considerate about things….
You are too humble though! Isn’t it really amazing how we both and many others, write a little each day and then it translates into this gigantic volume of “mindfullness”? I’m totally frazzled and shocked when I think of all the things I’ve thought and made (both overtly and obliquely educational). Some days I think – what is it all for/about? Other days it inspires me. I accept that struggle and it will probably continue. Just like the struggles with the wife!
Appreciate you dropping by.
Came here via that Random ELT Blog thing that some geezer came up with. Highly recommended!
I’m going to work on a more flexible, attractive button design and promote more. Also take my banner off the page and make it truly generic and non promotional…. hopefully others will then use it more. Good to know it isn’t getting rusty! http://eflclassroom.com/randomeltblog.html
Here’s my own take on blogging without a mission:
http://www.tefl.net/alexcase/teaching/tefl/man-on-a-mission/