Know your why
Recently, the senior leadership team was involved in two day workshops and one of the key ideas that was discussed was this idea of finding your purpose or your ‘why.’ It is a very powerful concept and last week I did a lesson with Year 13 where we examined our why. The results were very interesting. I forced students to distill their why into 5 words and there were some great efforts. They know what they are doing, it’s the IB Diploma. It is more powerful to understand why.
This chimes with work done by Simon Sinek. He emphasises the significance of knowing our purpose and why we do what we do. In the context of education, finding your ‘why’ involves understanding the underlying reasons and values that drive your engagement with teaching or learning.
Helping students find their ‘why’ is very important. When students understand the purpose behind their education, they become more engaged and motivated learners. By connecting their learning to real-world contexts and personal aspirations, students can see the relevance and significance of their educational endeavours. This intrinsic motivation leads to a deeper commitment to learning, improved academic performance, and the development of lifelong learning habits. Several years ago, Marc Prensky reported about some Grade 9 students doing real-life work in some towns and cities across the USA, finding solutions to homelessness, parking, clean water availability and poverty issues. They found their ‘why.’
Understanding your ‘why’ in education encourages a shift from a focus on rote memorisation and standardised tests to a pursuit of meaningful learning experiences. Educators can design curriculum and instructional approaches that connect with students’ interests, tap into their strengths, and address real-world problems. This approach fosters a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Discovering your ‘why’ in education is an ongoing process that extends beyond the classroom. It encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and personal growth for both educators and students. By continuously seeking purpose and meaning in their educational journeys, individuals are motivated to explore new ideas, acquire new skills, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. This discovery of purpose can be equally effective with the youngest students too. I was recently in a nursery class (PS) and I asked one of the little boys what he was doing. He told me he was playing with magnetic blocks. I then asked him why. He said he was trying to build a house that would stand up. He knew his ‘why.’ He did make a mistake by calling me M. Bonin, but that’s another story!
Discovering the ‘why’ in education is a transformative journey that brings purpose, passion, and meaning to teaching and learning. By understanding the underlying reasons and values that drive our educational pursuits, we can inspire and motivate ourselves and others. When educators and students connect with their ‘why’, they create a positive classroom culture, embrace growth mindset, seek meaningful learning experiences, and foster lifelong learning habits.
