Reply to Brandy

@Brandy
As I read this specific chapter it made me realize that this is the reason why so many teachers resist change. This chapter fit perfectly with the discussion board that we had this week as we talked about education and it's resistance to change. As I discussed earlier teachers don't want to look dumb, they don't want to feel bested or inadequate, and no one really does. If teachers could only remember Rule Number 6 I think that change would come much more naturally to the profession. Change would happen as we are up to just try something new, to give the students a different perspective, maybe something out of our comfort zone. Rule Number 6 would allow us as teachers to embrace change and roll with it, it would allow us to make a mistake in class and say "ah well" or to not have the answer to a technological question or hiccup in a lesson and say "we'll figure it out, no big deal". These responses are what make a classroom function as a place of real learning, and not just a room to instruct. Rule Number 6 would allow us to attempt something that we might not have had the guts to before and warn the students that you're not sure if this is going to work but hey we'll give it a try. Not only does this attitude by you allow you to be more free in your teaching but it also sets an example for the kids that it is ok to try and fail as long as you are willing to learn from your mistakes and not let it stop you from trying something else.
Rule Number 6 is a great lesson to teach ourselves so that we can better teach our students.

Brandy,
This is so true! I think trying to get on the same level with the students and be involved with them and not over them can eliminate any of the friction that can come along in a teacher/student relationship. Being honest about whether something is going to work or not, and be thoroughly into putting it into effect can help all members involved the change to relax.