How May I Serve You?

by Desautels, Lori L., Ph.d.

• ISBN13: 9781469958187
• ISBN10: 146995818X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-07
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub

Summary

Isn't the purpose of "education" about living outside the walls of our classrooms and schools? Yet, as a society, itfeels we tend to separate and isolate the components of school topics and agendas from real life, real time experiences.How we handle disappointment, stress, and the values we embrace begin in classrooms where our firstintroductions to an expanded social life are formed.This is a story of "perspective and service" initiating the power of emotional and social learning in schools.One simple question could change our perspectives and therefore the outcomes of how we view conflict and handledisagreements in our homes and classrooms. Those conflicts that appear to suck us dry of energy, enthusiasm anda willingness to look deeply at the possibilities of change. What if you implemented a five word question trustingthat an emotional connection with your students, colleagues, family members and friends could re- ignite compassionand therefore rebuild or renew a relationship that is awaiting understanding?There is such a question and it begins with a gentle philosophy that warms up the heart, much like a dress rehearsalbefore a performance. This question is so powerful that it stops a heated conflict with such force that persons growquiet trying to process the question long after it has been asked. "How May I Serve You?"We observe our public schools floundering, with an increase in standardized assessments and conflicts growingover teacher evaluations based on student growth models. Yet, it feels to be the same dialogue originating from theoutside in; a desire to fix and control what is broken without a deeper understanding of relationships and self andsystemic reflections. Open up and look inside - discovering that educational reform begins with the creation ofrelationships and a compassionate presence, felt by all.