How many pounds of oxygen do we "eat" each day?
As teachers we feel the need to do more than merely teach basic facts and concepts. We want to make the subject matter more relevant; we would like to help integrate the various threads of the students' education and life experiences; and, finally, we wish to increase the students' interest and involvement in the learning process. There is the temptation, however, when thinking along these lines, to consider the use of time-consuming, complex methods of approach. These might involve slide presentations, videos, special lectures, special assignments, student, reports, etc: The very complexity of these approaches often reduces their effectiveness. Moreover, the time and effort required often keeps us from attempting them more than once or twice. Are simpler and more effective approaches to enrichment possible? Reflecting on our own education, many of us may recall the disproportionate impact of some revealing aside thrown by a teacher unexpectedly into an otherwise mundane lecture or discussion: perhaps a short, penetrating observation providing an unexpected perspective on what was being discussed, a bolt of lightening that briefly illuminated the dim landscape of the classroom. This we may remember when much from the course has been totally forgotten. These jewels of thought--epiphanies--can be shared by teachers to enrich, enlighten, and refresh their students and each other. The jewels we speak of need not be precious or rare. Indeed, the metaphors "a bolt of lightening" and "jewels" may mislead by their intensity and drama. Is it not in the often unexamined, simple, and humble all around us that wisdom can be found? The following is an example.