Randy Pausch created a masters degree program based solely on project-based learning and it was unbelievably successful. It is one of the only if not the only program in the United States that guarantees jobs to its students before they even get accepted and I think the reason for this is that they are getting their experience before they graduate. Everything that they will have to do in their career is being taught with hands on experience. I think more teachers should adopt this method especially in college. Maybe then we wouldn't have so many people that are unhappy in their careers because if you do all of those things ahead of time you will know whether you like it or not.
One of the main things I got from Randy Pausch's Last Lecture is that we have to have fun teaching and that will make the students have fun learning. When discussing his project "Alice" he said it has been so successful because you have, "Millions of kids having fun while learning something hard." The program has had well over a million downloads because teachers and professors have figured out that when you incorporate having fun into a lesson the information is retained much better.
Another thing I learned from Randy Pausch is that teachers should always attempt to make their students dreams come true. Ultimately that is what teachers are for. Be the teacher that makes a difference in your students' lives. You'll be a better teacher and person for it.
Randy Pausch also left us with a few things to not only take with you when it comes to teaching and learning but also to take with you in your everyday life. These are the ones that I took the most out of.
1. Brick walls let us show our dedication
2. Don't bail...
3. Don't complain, just work harder
4. Find the best in everybody. Even if you have to wait a while, everybody has good in them.
5. SHow gratitude
6. Be loyal to others and they will be loyal to you
7. Be prepared;luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
Pausch was an amazing teacher who helped many become stronger and how to face their challenges. Believing everybody has good in them is something I took seriously because I do honestly believe that everybody has good in them, sometimes it just takes awhile to show.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful. Interesting. Well done.
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