Diffusion - from control to cooperation

I believe that the goal of a teachers should be to work to diffuse their power base through the building of a strong classroom identity and sense of community. Diffusion in the scientific sense (Kinesiology 101) refers to the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration. Equilibrium exists when the molecules are at an equal concentration. In the sense of classroom management this to me refers to the idea that students seek to gain power over their lives and choices. It is our responsibility as teachers not to control them but to guide them and to facilitate their own social and intellectual growth. If our longterm goal is to empower our students to be independent problem solvers than we need to allow them the freedom to make choices, learn from their successes and failures, and teach them how to incorporate those experiences as they grow and blossom into strong and capable individuals.

I have learned through my students and children that they only person I can control is myself. I can influence and act as a facilitator for others but I am not in control of them even though I might feel responsible to and for them. We have spent a large part of this course disscussing how to handle power struggles with students, colleagues, and even other teachers. Mamchur's book provides us with insights as to our own personalities and predispositions which hopefully will allow us to empathsize better with those individuals who see the world in a different lense.

If we seek to empower students then I think it is paramount for us to create a cooperative learning environment where decisions and responsibilities are shared. It may seem hokey but I do believe in TEAM- that together everyone achieves more! Cooperative learning is a valuable preventative strategy and while we know that all students can or will misbehave, setting up a positive learning environment can lessen the need for discipline interventions. The text refers the five basic elements as being: individual accountability, face to face interaction, positive interdependence, social skills, and discussion and review of social skills performace (B&S, pp. 125). I beleive that a teacher needs to leesen the need to control the class and in doing so promote the self control of the class community. I see it as a balancing act between control and independence or choices for the student. In a cooperative environment the teacher has less control as they function as a facilitator rather than the authority. While they maintain the organizational and academic direction they empower their students to be involved and engaged.
As a future teacher the idea of allowing my students to direct their learning is both daunting and invigorating. Being in control is perhaps far easier than facilitating independence.

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails."