This post is for Day 10 of the 2019 Slice of Life Challenge. Thanks to the Two Writing Teachers for bringing this community of writers together to share our writing in the month of March.
I went to the gym this morning. I had a great workout. Now that I am home with a cup of coffee (and my water bottle) sitting next to me, I am thinking about the word "push" and how it comes into play during my workouts. I am not an athlete and never have been. My goal is to get and stay healthy. (I will turn 70 this summer.) My workouts don't match the athletes at the gym but I am making progress.
I start my workout knowing that I want to push myself today. I have health goals in mind and I know what I need to do to get there. I begin a treadmill workout and think about my plan for this portion of my gym time. I walk at a quick pace to get my heart rate up a bit. My goal involves me running at nearly double that walking pace for 30-45 seconds and then bringing it back to my brisk walking pace. My heart rate jumps up and I am pushing - 20 seconds - 30 seconds - 45 seconds before I drop back to a walking pace. Then I repeat.
I recently started this "running" routine. I know it will take me awhile to build this routine into my workouts. It will take time and effort to raise my walking/running pace but it will happen. I have no doubt.
I am wondering this morning about the learners in our classrooms. It's easy for them to sit passively and perform what is asked of them. But is the "push" something that comes from inside when they shift from a passive to an active learner?
Do they believe that their efforts will make a difference?
Have they set goals for their learning?
Do they understand that it takes time?
Do they know that there will be setbacks?
Can athletes (and gym folks like me) teach them about learning?
