"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Show Me Your Jalwa; or, Neroli's First Day at Her New Job

Dear reader, one of the most essential things that we do in our work with our children is to pair ourselves with reinforcers in order to establish instructional control.
In other words, we provide students with things and experiences that they like; in so doing, we make ourselves appealing to our students so that they can tolerate our presence---and ultimately enjoy our presence enough to be able to begin all the good work that we can do: show for me, I'll show for you.

A, B, C, D---they're ready for me to show them the good stuff.

Have a great day, dear reader.

10 comments:

bee said...

wish you a fantastic 2008, my dear.

neroli said...

My dear Bee, after a long day, your visit and kind wishes are most welcome!

Pelicano said...

I'm so glad that your first day went so well; I look forward to hearing about the new colours in the coming year!

neroli said...

Thank you, Pel! I'm looking forward to it all as well.

captain corky said...

I hope that Max has teachers that are half as caring as you are. Happy New Year, Neroli!

neroli said...

Captain, you are certainly a wonderful reinforcer---and boy,did I need it. Thank you :-D !

Pelicano said...

Neroli...what's a jalwa?

neroli said...

Pel, honestly, I really don't know---can't seem to find a translation with my limited search skills.
I liked the imagery of the scene in the video as paired with the music---I like the idea of people encouraging other people to do things they wouldn't normally do---or do it in ways that they weren't normally already doing...
(neroli wishes someone would *give* her some of that-there jalwa ;)

Anita said...

jalwa (Hindi/Urdu) = Luster, Splendor, Display, or Show. Usually refers to (positive) qualities in a person you desire; this is the best I can do. :D

neroli said...

Thank you!
As always, your best is Just Right.