The Synthesizing Mind?

I thought that the fact that Gardner chose to start this chapter off with a biblical reference to the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Knowledge was very provocative on his part.  He sounds rather agnostic as he makes mention of the fact that even the Bible itself represents an effort to collate or synthesize the most important sacred knowledge.  Honestly I have been having a really hard time reading and diving into this book as I vascillate back in forth as a fan and then a skeptic of his latest work.

How to Discipline a Mind-Personal Reflections

Sorry Cohort 4, but I missed my Sunday deadline due to technical difficulties with internet at the house.  Unfortunately that leaves my options to try and catch up at work-finding time to due that has been virtually impossible, but I think it is appropo with respect to what I read over the weekend with respect to what Gardner recommends when it comes to disciplining one's mind.  I found his recommendations very introspective: 1-Identify truly important topics or concepts within the discipline(i.e. the laws of supply and demand), 2-Spend a significant amount of time on the topic(i.e. adequate depth and complexity of the topic). 3-Approach the topic in a number of ways.  Consequently, this reminded me of Dr. Rose in our Research I class telling us that we should become experts in our dissertation topic and to read broadly or narrowly around our topic.  4-Lastly, set up "performances of understanding" and give students ample opportunities to perform their understandings.  Not sure how this quite correlates to educational institutions as it might be more appropriate for the private sector.  I thought he gave interesting insight into "Changing Minds" or developing habits of mind.  Very similar to Covey's approach.  What do you think?

Reader Response-Five Minds for the Future(Preface)

Sorry guys, but this is Fashionista Diva signing on since I recently found my blog again.  Finally found some time since I have made the leap of faith and officially seperated by moving this past Friday-whew!! I can't believe I actually moved in two weeks-God is good and all the time God is good.  Anyhow I read Gardner's preface and chapter 1-A Personal Introduction and what struck me the most was how I discovered new thoughts Gardner suggested like there is no way to stop globalization.  He suggests being ever more vigilant to its costs and the need to maintain highly respectful and ethical standards with respect to all parties.  I couldn't help but wonder why Gardner didn't admit that he believed in a higher source and power.  In fact he seemed to elude to the mysticism that exists in Bolman and Deal's Leading with Soul, but lacked the courage and conviction to say it-what a disappointment.  I have been a huge fan of Gardner's work centered around Multiple Intelligences, especially the discovery of the newest intelligence-existentialism, but I sure hope he redeems himself.  Consequently, I wasn't surprised that some of the themes prevalent in the preface and Chapter 1 compared to Pink's theory of why right-brainers will rule the Conceptual Age and thought it was somewhat of an intellectual risk for Gardner to go out on a limb by agreeing and disagreeing with Pink's theory and presenting readers with two sides of the coin.  I like the idea of being allowed the intellectual freedom to take two opposing views or perspectives and make my own decisions based on the evidence and facts presented.  Likewise it was somewhat refreshing to find out that Gardner is focusing on teaching ethics and meaning to his students.  Lastly, I thought that what he said about being disciplined and taking ten years to develop mastery or become an expert in a field was rather odd.  I thought about the time it will take us to write our dissertation- three years.  Is he suggesting that we will not be experts on our research/topic of study? What are your thoughts/feelings about his idea?  Sounded similar to what Gladwell suggests in Outliers...

My week in Reverse or Review?

THE LOWS: Where do I even begin?  Seems like the harder I try the worse it gets.  First off I was extremely burned out on Monday and took my first sick day for the year.  Body just completely shut down.  Ever since I decided to pursue my academic and career goals seems like my personal life has taken a turn for the worse. Guess my body is responding to the emotional turmoil. I did try and apologize to my husband Sunday, only to feel sick to my stomach again.  Why should I have to apologize for wanting to be happy in life and in love?  To top it all off my secretary told me on Thursday that she feels as if  morale is low amongst staff and students. What else is new? She has been at my campus for more than five years and for the first time heard a parent and student tell her things seem really negative.  She suggested hosting a Town Hall meeting so that staff(professional and classified) could voice their concerns and then hosting a separate meeting with students to empower their voice. THE HIGHS:  I'm all for it, but I couldn't help thinking how do I explain this to my boss who is drowning in yet another grievance from our Health Science Teacher.  What does everyone want from me?  Will I ever be able to deliver? People think that leaders have all the answers.  How do we get people to follow a vision and commit to value system, mission and a purpose?  Leadership first begins with self right? Lord knows I am trying, but can I get a little help walking this tightrope from my guardian angel. THE BEAUTY OF IT ALL: Somehow I envision myself being carried by some man in a leotard riding a purple bike carrying me curled up like a baby in a fetal position navigating  the tightrope for me.  Wouldn't hurt to have someone else take over for just a little while so I can catch my breath. Just want to be free and fly away like a butterfly.  Until next time........21st century/Transnational Diva Tiptoeing on the Tightrope!