Think back to the most powerful educational experiences you’ve ever had. I’m willing to bet you’re thinking of a time when you felt an emotion. If that sounds weird, let me explain a little more.
Say your experience was a speaker that came in to talk to your high school. Her story spoke to you in a way that you had never experienced before. You felt understood by her narrative and inspired by her success. You left the event uplifted and optimistic. Those are the powerful emotions that we’re talking about.
Now, if you’re a teacher, how do you integrate emotion into your lessons? First, recognize that no lesson works for everyone. When you’re in the business of changing minds and touching souls, the process is not quick. Instead of designing lessons where we tell students what is right and wrong, how can we show them and better yet, let them feel what is right and wrong.
At the end of day, we don’t remember what was said, we remember how we felt. The most transformative and important experiences are those that inspire, empower and understand. You can accomplish these things through story, activities or simply listening. Being heard and understood is an emotion that very few people feel on a regular basis.
When we’re thinking about what students should learn, let’s also consider what students should feel. You’re doing beautiful work. Thank you.
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