I have been thinking a lot about discipline recently, and I have also been watching a lot of baseball. I occurred to me that the outcome of a class is a lot like the outcome of a baseball game, or even the microcosm of a single at-bat. Success depends on the performance quality of the batter, the pitcher, and a good dose of luck. And in the classroom it’s the same – the outcome depends on whether I have “got my stuff”, how my students are doing, and some luck. It isn’t entirely in my control.
When I set my expectations and hold myself accountable as if it is entirely in my control, I lose my sense of humor, tend to take things personally, and can fall into making power struggles out of student confusion or misbehavior. When I remember that it’s only 1/3 me, I can ease up on myself and gain some distance. I am still accountable, but that shift in perspective makes it easier to stay calm and respond with my best stuff. And when things don’t go the way I want them to, it is sometimes comforting to know I get another chance tomorrow.
When I set my expectations and hold myself accountable as if it is entirely in my control, I lose my sense of humor, tend to take things personally, and can fall into making power struggles out of student confusion or misbehavior. When I remember that it’s only 1/3 me, I can ease up on myself and gain some distance. I am still accountable, but that shift in perspective makes it easier to stay calm and respond with my best stuff. And when things don’t go the way I want them to, it is sometimes comforting to know I get another chance tomorrow.
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