Tutor: The Stuff of Growth
That's what collaboration is
Educator Ken Robinson is best known for asking the question "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" in his 2006 TED Talk—still the most viewed TED Talk of all time. Rather that rehash a thorny question most tutors conveniently sidestep, let’s consider one of Robinson’s other insights: “Most great learning happens in groups. Collaboration is the stuff of growth.”
Those were exactly my thoughts just a few days ago at the NTPA National Conference in Minneapolis. Obviously, as President Emeritus of this august institution, I have special place in my heart for the National Test Prep Association. But even a first timer to an NTPA event—of which there were many—would agree that magical things happen when you bring dedicated educators together in the spirit of learning and collaboration.
I was scheduled, as has become custom, to deliver the opening remarks and tell the story of the NTPA (so far). However, before I could take the podium, current President Michael Jordan surprised me with the first NTPA Distinguished Service Award. For once, I was rendered speechless with profound gratitude.
From that point onwards, the event became a blur of expert insights, rich networking, exceptional food, and, of course, karaoke. Don't worry, I didn't sing--instead, I was recruited to provide the visuals for a slope-intercept inspired version of YMCA. Yikes!
There's no way to mention all the friends and colleagues who made this event one of the best I can remember. However, I do want to give a shout out to Kartik Sarda of Evallo. Kartik came up with the inspired idea of a preconference networking event and invited me to be the speaker. Even with only a week to organize everything, the event exceeded expectations.
I know that for every regular attendee at an NTPA conference or similar professional development powwow, there are countless other educators who just can't get their heads around the idea of spending money and travel time to meet potential competitors. Don't worry about revealing the recipe to your secret sauce, such as it is. The world is full of students hungry for quality instruction, but far too few tutors are committed to getting better over and over.
The next NTPA conference will be the Winter Workshop in San Diego in December. Check out the organization now or wait until then to find out what you're missing. If you don't believe me, consider Ken Robinson's words of wisdom...
Most great learning happens in groups. Collaboration is the stuff of growth.
Tips, Tools, And Thoughts
Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
Enjoy the most viewed TED Talk ever.
The Hidden Frictions in Educational Consulting: 5 Pain Points That Deserve Our Attention
All service providers supporting students seem to struggle with the same challenges.
Rx for Prolonged Sitting: A Five-Minute Stroll Every Half Hour
Prolonged sitting is hazardous to your health.
The TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System is ready for the Enhanced ACT. Are you? Licensees not only get access to a set of professional student lessons and teacher’s guides but also a video reviewing every change to how the Enhanced ACT should be taught. All this plus free monthly office hours make TestBright ideal even if you already have a curriculum. Why not set up a meeting and find out?