One Life To Live

By far the best video to blog about so far. I loved the video. The guy's outlook on life was exactly what everyone's should be. Randy Pauch's teaching style wasn't stated clearly; but if it is parallel to his personality and beliefs, then his students should be honored to learn from him. However, there were some teaching styles he did discuss briefly. Mr. Pauch obviously believed in setting goals, leadership, participation, different forms and appoaches of learning, and also having fun while doing so.

Most teachers in today's learning environment simply follow the curriculum. These teachers produce children who aren't exactly on fire for their education. The students affected simply stroll through their time as students meeting the "average" requirements set by their average educators. Pauch, on the other hand, seems to be a believer in believers. He says setting goals and sticking to them for your entire life is the way to achieve them. What a surprise, right? He also is a big fan of fundamentals. Afterall, what dream isn't complete without a fundamental gameplan?

As for the basis of his students' learning experience, he seems to be right on point. But it is hard these days to actually keep a dreamer dreaming, what with all the professional criticism out there. Exactly how are tomorrow's leaders expected to stick to their dreams of being whatever it is they would like to become one day? Pauch believes several forms of indirect learning and student involvement are key to a good learning experience. As for indirect learning, most students would make a more valiant attempt if they didn't feel like the material was being shoved down their throats. And as for student involvement, that's pretty self-explainitory. Any educator must keep their students involved and intrigued in their education.

Randy Pauch had many great theories and beliefs about education. But the one that truly inspired me was the man given six months to live saying, "don't let the brick walls keep you from achieving your goals." We all only have one life to live. Why not spend it in the pursiut of happiness, and at the same time trying to help eveyone else a little as we go.