Wk 2 Blog Comment 1: Art of Possibility, Chapters 1-4

Curt Isakson:

One of the most compelling points bought across in this book, and what has stuck with me the longest, was the concept of giving an ‘A’ for a particular project to free one-self of the grade, and to let a person fully experiment, fail, or succeed without the worry of getting a bad grade.  I believe this can be a wonderful way of letting loose the chains that bind us creatively.

screenshot by Mike Colletti

I find myself in this course having to make decisions about whether I do what I really want to do (which usually is more involved), or just make sure I fit the criteria for the grade.  Many times I have made the conclusion that I want the grade and have not taken it as far as I wanted to.  The projects I am most proud of though are the ones that I really didn’t care about the grade and did what I felt was right in my mind.

This course has used this concept many times, and I use this same idea in the classes I teach.  A ‘no-fail’ approach to some of my learning environments really brings out the best in my students. 

@ Curt Isakson

As I mentioned in my post on this month's readings, the EMDT program has created this train of thought within each of us over the past ten-plus months. My immediate response was like yours, Curt. This concept has been used many times in the assignments and projects we have created. When we forget about the grade and just work from our heart and soul, we get the greatest satisfaction for our accomplishments, and in fact, earn an A in our mind. The grade on paper becomes insignificant. And while we try to duplicate this idea in our own classrooms, we unfortunately have the restrictions that state standards and test scores place on us. I do know that the most rewarding assignments my kids work on are those with low threat levels and where the students can just enjoy what they are doing.