Happiness
You have a responsibility to yourself to think and participate in those activities that bring you a fulfilled life, one that brings you happiness. Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish-American writer wrote, “There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.” Here...
B.F. Skinner vs. Marvin Marshall
“Several years ago, I had the opportunity to do a lengthy interview with B.F. Skinner. I concluded that I do not subscribe to much of what he taught—for example, his rejection of all inferred states such as attitudes and motivation. “Dr. Marvin Marshall’s book addresses...
Self-Esteem
While finishing my dinner after a presentation for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in San Antonio, a few years ago, I thought I recognized one of the three people sitting at the next table. Their order had just been taken, and so I took advantage...
Responsibility Finds a Way
Whenever my students gave me an excuse for something within their control, my standard comment was, “Responsibility finds a way; irresponsibility finds an excuse.” The purpose of this mantra was to encourage responsible thinking and behavior. Since being responsible requires...
Responsibility, Stress, and Procedures
A thought to keep in mind in promoting responsibility with the young is not to do something for them that they can do for themselves. When we want the young person to do something and he or she does not, oftentimes stress is induced—on the adult. The youngster is aware of your emotions...
America the Beautiful
Years ago my family and I took the cog railway up to Pike’s Peak, just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cartographers named the peak after Zebulon Pike, who first reported the 14,110 foot peak in 1806. The view of the majestic purple mountain range was so inspiring that...
Fostering Social Responsibility
At a meeting of representatives from the schools, a very interesting comment was made. A representative said that her school did not have major discipline problems. The concern of the school had to do with the social skills and responsibility that students would carry with...
Moving Forward
As creatures of habit, we find new ways more difficult simply because they are different. Yet, to keep pace with our changing and technological times I often find that I need to let go of what seems most familiar and reach out if I am going to stay current. I am using my past experiences...
Advice to Harry Potter
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” —Professor Aldus Dumbledore speaking to Harry Potter From “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by JK Rawling See the second practice of Part II of the Teaching Model.
Character Education
Character can be measured by what we do when we are sure no one else is watching. This education and learning book gives specific suggestions to anyone interested in the growth of young people in order to help ensure that they develop responsible character and behavior. —Margaret...