Glass is transparent, something which students often are, even while believing they are an enigma to everyone, or hard to understand. They need discipline, firm and reasonable guidelines, understanding, patience, and love. The more we use these guidelines, the more transparent students become as they increasingly trust the instructor who cares.
Glass is made from simple elements: sand, limestone, soda ash, and borax. Hard to imagine from such simple powders comes the array of glass in the world. Can you pull the analogy from this on your own? We are working and learning in a technologically sophisticated environment, but we need to remember the basic elements at play: ability to read and relate, willingness to listen and learn from our students and colleagues and experts, and above all else, the recognition of how different every student is and what he brings to the kaleidoscope of our classrooms no matter where those classrooms are located. So simple yet so complex.
Glasses are in one of four conditions: half full, half empty, full, or empty. While there is a reality to each state, how we view each reality is a "state" of mind. How do you view your students' need or desire to learn? Which one indicates an enduring belief in the right of every child to learn? And what does each condition say about a teacher's mindset?
Glass is durable but also fragile. One wrong move and it can be shattered. Sometimes even our best intentions can end up shattering self-esteem or an eagerness to learn or teach. And just as a person's view of self, once damaged, is often beyond repair, so too a glass once broken, is impossible to reassemble perfectly. However, the good news comes in a description of the final element used in glass making: cullet. Cullet is recycled glass, added to the process to strengthen the final product and shorten the length of time it takes to heat the elements to a molten state.
The parallel? Even a student severely behind grade level, one who is disenchanted with learning, or one who has had few positive learning or teaching experiences can be recycled and made stronger through the exposure to those who care. There is no time limit for this - even disenfranchised college students can be infused with the excitement of learning. A person is strengthened by joining with others. Makes simple yet profound sense when you consider how this plays out daily in our lives. No one teaches or learns in complete isolation, invigorated instead by community.
Reflection: Set a glass on your desk and look at it throughout your day. Are you up to the glass making challenge?
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