Blog Assignment #6

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

After watching "Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture" , he used lessons he learned as a student and brought them to his classroom. He learned the technique of teaching fundamentals from his football coach. After fundamentals, came teamwork and enthusiasm. These techniques should be a requirement for all educators and should be what all of our teaching should be based upon. Indirect learning, or the “head fake,” is amazing. I hope I can replicate this type of learning in my classroom. To make learning fun while learning something hard is fabulous.

Constructive criticism is another technique that Pausch used. He tells us that critics should help one to become better. Being critical of your students is a way of telling them that you will never give up on them. There is a wrong way and right way to do this. He also tells us to give credit where credit is due. This teaching technique will bring positive results. While praising your students, a bear hug also brings confidence. I do not know if this would be feasible, but it sure makes sense.

The “brick wall” theory is a way of explaining how it will determine how bad we want something. Brick walls will come to us, even in the flesh. The technique of surrounding yourself with smart people will only make you a better person. This tells me to always be ready to ask for help. Never try to be a one-man show. Seek advice from your mentors and role models. Some of the most important techniques he used in his teachings were to focus on others and not yourself, apologize when you need to, and always tell the truth. I only hope I can carry these traits to the classroom.

Perseverance is probably the technique Pausch used that is hardest for me. People will impress you if you wait long enough. Never give up. Sometimes impatience is a virtue that rears its ugly head. Pausch also teaches us to teach by example. Getting your hands dirty, or spilling ice cream on your clothes, is the technique of being involved, literally. Working in groups is a masterful way of teaching students to focus on people and learning. Giving feedback to your students gives them something to build upon. Never losing your child like words is a technique that tells me to never think you are better than anyone else is.

The teaching techniques of Randy Pausch are inspiring for me as a future educator. Everyone has to make his or her dreams come true and if you have the opportunity make someone else’s dreams come true. Hard work and dedication will pay off in the end. Having mentors is absolutely some of the best advice. From teachers to parents and friends, mentors will always help when all else fails. I think he sums is up exactly right when he says, “You have to decide if you want to be a “Tigger” or an “Eyore.” I will not only be a better teacher but a better person as well if I take these teaching techniques and advice to my classroom. Pausch says,” You can have your cake and eat it too!”