Submitted by Kenn Agata (not verified) on December 9, 2006 - 18:15.
I thought about the question prior to reading the eight comments which were posited before responding. Like Mr. Isenberg, I had the opportunity to teach abroad, as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Settat, Morocco (1968-1971). I agree with much of his commentary.
Obviously, the times and the circumstances were far different throughout the world in 1968 than they are today and the above success stories prove that, in many instances, a strong, consistent and persistent teacher can reach individual students. However, I feel, from a holistic point of view, there MUST be many supportive conditions within the community itself that constantly serve to reinforce the idea that not only are "goals" worthwhile to consider, but the sacrifices needed to develop the tools that are necessary to have a chance of succeeding at attaining one's lifetime goals are worth the effort. I do not think this is innate, since, as human's, it is our miracle of language that truly differentiates us from other beings that course through life primarily through instinct alone.
This is not a new idea at all. However, perhaps ironically, our progress in technology, changes in familial relationships and other factors which have tended to slacken the bonds between people makes it an even greater challenge to even envision the definition of life-long success.
What truly needs to be considered as far as developing confidence is, as trite as it may sound, is the ability/facility to communicate social norms and expectations which, irrespective of how they have changed and will continue to change during the course of human existence, will remain the common denominator and compass rose for one's direction and movement through one's life.
I thought about the question
Submitted by Kenn Agata (not verified) on December 9, 2006 - 18:15.
I thought about the question prior to reading the eight comments which were posited before responding. Like Mr. Isenberg, I had the opportunity to teach abroad, as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Settat, Morocco (1968-1971). I agree with much of his commentary.
Obviously, the times and the circumstances were far different throughout the world in 1968 than they are today and the above success stories prove that, in many instances, a strong, consistent and persistent teacher can reach individual students. However, I feel, from a holistic point of view, there MUST be many supportive conditions within the community itself that constantly serve to reinforce the idea that not only are "goals" worthwhile to consider, but the sacrifices needed to develop the tools that are necessary to have a chance of succeeding at attaining one's lifetime goals are worth the effort. I do not think this is innate, since, as human's, it is our miracle of language that truly differentiates us from other beings that course through life primarily through instinct alone.
This is not a new idea at all. However, perhaps ironically, our progress in technology, changes in familial relationships and other factors which have tended to slacken the bonds between people makes it an even greater challenge to even envision the definition of life-long success.
What truly needs to be considered as far as developing confidence is, as trite as it may sound, is the ability/facility to communicate social norms and expectations which, irrespective of how they have changed and will continue to change during the course of human existence, will remain the common denominator and compass rose for one's direction and movement through one's life.