Quote for the day: Something teachers need to learn

"The ability to listen and learn from participants [students] builds mutual respect. It affirms the dignity of all; it is the basis of empowerment. To listen is to be on an equal footing; listening means putting yourself in the place of the other. How can educators construct a setting in which there isn't a growing 'we versus them,' no matter how genuine our intent to do otherwise?...the art of listening is an important pillar in building structures that counteract some deeply ingrained, top-down teaching habits. At the base of all this is the educator's genuine belief in people's potential and [his/her] willingness to let go of some power and control." ~~ Rick Arnold et al, Educating for a Change (1991)