In his book 5 Minds for the Future, Howard Gardner (2008) wrote of “The Respectful Mind”. This is when one can seeks to understand others. Gardner
In the beginning of the chapter, Gardner
“If one wishes to raise individuals who are respectful of differences across groups, a special burden is accordingly placed on education in the social sciences, the arts and literature. Put bluntly, such education cannot bypass issues of respect under the rubric of “pure” disciplinary study. Rather, it is necessary to confront directly the value of respect, the costs of respect, and the infinitely greater costs of disrespect (in the long run).
I would agree the cost is far greater not to teach our children to have respect. Respect for themselves but also for others. Putting the practice of respect above the group mentality is not easy, not even for adults.
-Will Rogers
I had some of the same connections you did when I read that portion of 5 Minds! I was intruiged that even though Gardner does not identify himself as a Christian, he certainly does advocate the Christian value of respect. I had found that respect is nearly impossible to teach in school unless it is reinforced at home and school AND has solid Biblical backing. Even though you may not be able to directly quote from the Bible in class in a public school, your foundation for teaching respect certainly can mirror that in the Bible. What a great opportunity we have as teachers to teach repsect!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you guys. I had a presenter at a workshop last week ask the question to the group..."What is the number skills students will need in the 21st Century to be globally successful?"...the answer was, empathy. I baffled me at first, but explained that if student do not have empathy they will not be able to view others for the cultural contributions and viewpoints they bring to the collaboration table. The Bible teaches us empathy by teaching us to love the Lord our God with all our Heart, our Soul and our Minds...and to love thy neighbor as thyself; on these two commandment hang all of the Law and Prophets.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I think you mentioned at some point having gone to Capturing Kids' Hearts. I love the commitment of mutual respect that comes from developing a social contract with students. Teachers and adults that give respect often find it returned by students, even teenagers. I think it's especially difficult for teenagers because they are trying to transition to young adults, but they don't have the maturity or the skills to push back without asserting themselves boldly. Being the parent of a teenager is one of the toughest jobs on earth. Hang in there. I thought I would die or have to kill someone, but the joy on the other side is delightful! Surround yourself with other adults of teenagers or adults that have survived them. You're not crazy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the sentiments shared by Gardner in this chapter and can only hope and pray the book gets better. Think that it is difficult to help adolescents navigate the terrain of respecting multiple viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteMy experience as a parent of three teenage sons somewhat mirrors Donna's thoughts. It was difficult and many times heartbreaking to see them facing a world where all was not live and light. The difficult lessons of life we walked throuh with them as their parents made us stronger, as well as them. What magnificent men of God they are now! My heart is full of thanksgiving for the grace, mercy, and love of our Heavenly Father.
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