The Power of Curiosity

“I wonder…”

“What if…”

“What would happen…”

“Why?”

These are the questions of a curious mind and that’s one of the most powerful attributes of a successful student. Going beyond the facts and wondering about how and why and when and who is the hallmark of someone who will do great things. 

Questioning is critically important to understanding. It’s easy to memorize and recall, but to understand at more than a superficial level, requires questioning.

I think some people are naturally more curious about some things than others, but you can use that innate curiosity to bring even topics you find dull and boring to life. 

For example, I do not enjoy teaching about cell structure. I find it boring. It’s all about memorization. It always seems to come down to simple, superficial tasks: Learn these cell parts, be prepared to describe their function (The Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell) and label the diagram you have memorized. 

Big yaaaawwwwwn.

But, I am fascinated by the evolution in cell theory based on advancements in technology and understanding. That’s the hook I use to force myself to spend time on the boring parts. 

If you’re not interested in a topic that needs to be covered, find where you can use your built-in in curiosity to bring it to life…or at least to muddle through it. 

I once worked with a guy who had dropped out of high school because of a family situation. I think he felt there were amazing things all around him and he did not have the education to appreciate or understand them. He set up a rule for himself: If he had to look something up online (and wikipedia was his go-to reference), he would require himself to look up five more things related to what he found in his initial search. He was using his curiosity to educate himself.

As you move on in school, keep thinking about the who, what, when, where and why.

Keep wondering. 

Keep asking.

Rock On!

Ever since I became a teacher, I’ve always played music in my room.

At the Bartlett, my room came with a sound system…and I use it…and I play it loud. 

In the early morning hours, long before students and even most teachers arrive, I plug my phone into the sound system and hit “play.” 

Playing music pumps me up helps me focus on what I need to get done before all you students show up. It’s like audio-caffeine.

I’ve created a couple of school playlists that are, generally, upbeat, happy songs. They are all school-appropriate as far as language and content and are a mix of, really, all genres. 

I often play music during my prep at 10am and I know students can hear it as they stroll past my room on their way to the restroom or office. There’s nothing like hearing screaming guitars when I’m grading science notebooks or building a test.

I’ve got Pop, Rock (a lot of Rock), Soundtracks, R&B, Blues, Folk, Alternative, Country, Easy Listening (My parents style of music), Jazz, Punk, World, Soul, Disco, Zydeco and Latino. It’s a little bit of everything, because there is nothing I like more than variety.

I will occasionally play music while students are working, especially during STEM Club meetings.

At one school where I taught, the rule was that we could only play classical music during class. I’m not a huge fan of classical and the kids groaned whenever I put it on - they would rather nothing than classical. But, I found a workaround. I played some Emerson, Lake and Palmer - a 1970’s group that played classical music with rock instruments and selections from Electric Light Orchestra and the Brian Setzer Orchestra (Heck, they’re Orchestras, right?).

Of course, we’re all working towards that glorious day, waiting for that one song to come on, the last song of the year, the one I play on the last day…by Alice Cooper…School’s Out.

Rock on - less than ten weeks to go!