I really appreciate this. There’s something so important about recognizing that experience can give us confidence, but it doesn’t necessarily give us the answers in a new context. I especially love the reminder to balance action with genuine curiosity.
“Tell me more” and “What might I be missing?” are such simple questions, but they can open up so much. Wishing you a wonderful start in your new school and country!
You know, this really made me stop and think about this specific observational drawing lesson that I want to give at my new school. I consider it one of my strongest lessons and I particularly enjoyed teaching it and seeing the results. Reading this article, I stopped and thought — do I need to be more mindful about coming in and applying it like a band-aid solution? After thinking for a bit, I felt a lot happier about it, remembering I had done pre-assessment and check-ins with students, seeing their skill levels and asking if they wanted drawing instruction, and if they preferred more imaginative drawing instruction or more observational. I saw a good foundation, and students said they wanted both. Doubly happy to come in and have them tighten up their skills with this lesson now, while now being more mindful to acknowledge how impressed and satisfied I am with their current work.
That sounds so familiar! https://mindshiftingwithmitch.blog/2026/08/14/leading-complex-change-why-new-initiatives-fail-and-how-mindsets-must-shift-3/
Like the analogy. Rings true.
I really appreciate this. There’s something so important about recognizing that experience can give us confidence, but it doesn’t necessarily give us the answers in a new context. I especially love the reminder to balance action with genuine curiosity.
“Tell me more” and “What might I be missing?” are such simple questions, but they can open up so much. Wishing you a wonderful start in your new school and country!
ooh, well put— experience gives us confidence, but not necessarily the right answers.
Yes, the trainings I did in cognitive coaching help me interrupt some of my natural tendencies, helping me become a better listener.
You know, this really made me stop and think about this specific observational drawing lesson that I want to give at my new school. I consider it one of my strongest lessons and I particularly enjoyed teaching it and seeing the results. Reading this article, I stopped and thought — do I need to be more mindful about coming in and applying it like a band-aid solution? After thinking for a bit, I felt a lot happier about it, remembering I had done pre-assessment and check-ins with students, seeing their skill levels and asking if they wanted drawing instruction, and if they preferred more imaginative drawing instruction or more observational. I saw a good foundation, and students said they wanted both. Doubly happy to come in and have them tighten up their skills with this lesson now, while now being more mindful to acknowledge how impressed and satisfied I am with their current work.