Seek Council (Part 2)

How to Conduct an Educational Council

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

Nature of Knowledge

It is only natural that we, as educators, seek council from others.  That we seek advice and input from those, like us, who are experienced and have experience in education.  We do not possess all knowledge.  If we were to be able to possess all knowledge we would be divine.  Even if we were to possess all knowledge, we would still have to share it with those who want to learn, and we would have to share that knowledge equally and successfully in order for knowledge to grow and expand.

On Knowledge

Knowledge grows and expands.  It can be stored and it can be forgotten.  Knowledge can become lost long ago and found ages from now.  It can be rediscovered and it can be reapplied.

Knowledge, like matter, can change from state to state, time to time, and place to place.  One of the better ways to share knowledge with others is through the conduction of an educational council.

Council Example

Many cultures have developed a suitable method of conducting council meetings in which knowledge is shared.  The Maya, for example, in their ancient book of council, the Popol Vuh, describe how the first council took place.  The council was called, in the darkness, to address an issue.  In the council, the participants share their thoughts, and express their concerns.  In the council, the participants reach an accord, and knowledge became clear, and the participants became enlightened.

Conducting a Council

In a similar matter, Educational Councils should be held regularly as a way to share knowledge.  They can help us solve problems and issues we face.  Councils can be held with as few as two learners, or as many as a whole classroom.  A council should be a place where learners can exchange knowledge, express concern, and reach solutions that illuminate the learners' educational problems.  Some guidelines to keep in mind when conducting a council should be: What is the purpose of the council?, How will the participants share their knowledge?, How will the participants share their concerns?, and What is the agreement reached by the participants?  Educators should encourage their learners to share and exchange knowledge in the classroom.  Allowing learners to seek knowledge is a suitable method of education which should come natural to us as educators.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Seek Council

Seeking Educational Council

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

Time
We are now just three months away from graduation.  It is the end of the 2012- 2013 school year.  It is time for end of year testing, evaluation, promotion, graduation, and/or retention.  Soon the days will become longer as there will be more daylight.  As educators time is coming to an end.  The school year is closing, and stress can be created by the pressure of the end that is approaching, but there is still time.  We have gone past the half-way mark of the school year.  We are close to the 75% completion point, but that should also serve as a reminder that there is still 25% which has not yet happened.

Council

As we begin to feel the pressure applied by the passing of time, and the changes that have taken place, in our places of learning, we should also feel the need, to seek council with our peers.

Seeking council should never be viewed as a failure or weakness, but rather an opportunity to exchange advice.  Seeking council gives us a chance to present a concern and received advice on how best to solve it, as well as receiving concerns others may present to us, and counsel them on how best to solve them.

Seek Council

Talk regularly with your colleagues and meet with them specifically for the purpose of having a council.  Choose a place and a time in which to have council, for example: Before school at a coffee house, during lunch in the cafeteria, after school in the library, or other time and place that is suitable to all participating in the council.

Talk about and brainstorm ideas that can be used to face the challenges that are present before us.  The council can be used to create lessons, plan field trips, address basic skills, and review standard knowledge.  Seeking council will also help create an environment of social interaction and friendship, as well as professional collaboration.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.