One Step Further

So often we hear people say, "Knowledge is Power!" But is this true? Where did this phrase come from? Why do people recite it? What does this phrase mean?

If "Knowledge is Power!", why is it that so many children and youth, who attend schools with great teachers and are surrounded with a strong curriculum, tools and the resources they need to succeed, still grow up to become illiterate adults?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am a BIG supporter of education.

I spend quite a bit of time collecting information and studying a variety of topics. In fact, not only am I a Personal Development Guru, but I am also a Community Educator for adult women and teenage girls addressing topics that span from Leadership Skills for Women to The Young Woman's Guide for Personal Success. I've even volunteered for 3 years as a Community Educator for the American Cancer Society, addressing Women's Cancer Issues.

Over the years, I've addressed a variety of learning institutions that range from elementary schools to universities. I've co-authored 3 books, etc..... But tonight, as I thought about this phrase, I had to ask myself, "What does the phrase 'Knowledge is Power!' mean?" "Do I agree with this phrase?" "Why does it seem like something is missing?" Maybe because it is!

Oftentimes, we pick up phrases that sound good, so we use them without really analyzing what the phrase is saying. The phrase, "Knowledge is Power!" I believe, is one of those phrases. Not because the phrase in and of itself is inaccurate, but because we don't take the time to dissect what is beneath the surface of phrases such as this one.

Let me explain.

On the surface, having knowledge of something has to do with a general or in dept understanding or awareness of the subject at hand. It may even involve personal experience with the subject. But does general or in dept understanding, awareness or even personal experience of any given subject give one power?

If I believe something is missing, than what is it? What do I believe is the missing link?

Well, I'm glad you asked.

I believe the missing link is the absence of teaching not from the core of the curriculum, but the absence of teaching from the student's core.

The core is that central, inner portion, or essential part that goes far beneath the surface.

With that being said, what is the student's core and how do we, as educators, knowing that each individual student is different and brings to the table, varying life experiences and cultures, reach the core level of each student?

This question is a challenge, to which, I don't have an absolute answer.

However, I do believe, that the answer lies within allowing the student's to teach us, the educators!

What if students began by holding informal, mini-workshops, that they would put together and we, as parents and educators would attend? Not only would educators be required to attend, but we could earn C.E.U. credits?

What if these informal, mini-workshops were created by the student's to reflect what they have learned from the subjects that we taught them? All the while, we would be observing them to determine their individual core? Because we would allow them to teach us in a manner that works best for them, (In taste, of course!), we would not limit them to only speaking in front of us with visual aides, but we would allow them to simultaneously use multiple learning styles if they so choose.

As we observe them, we would for instance, be able to read from their body language and their vocal tone, what excites them! For some, maybe they would teach via in writing or through the creation of a computer game, (In taste, of course!), or some other form of media outlet. Maybe then, we would know where their individual core lies and expand our curriculum to reflect our findings.

The student's would also get credit for their individual participation.

The possibilities are endless! And yet a far way off - Or maybe not!

Let's add to the previous phrase by reciting, "Knowledge is Power! (When taught from the student's core!)"

Be Blessed!

Yolanda McIntosh
President/CEO/Founder
McIntosh Mo2vations
http://mo2vate.blogspot.com