Sundials in the shade

I have just begun reading Now, Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. On page 12, I read that Benjamin Franklin called wasted strengths "sundials in the shade." When I read this I thought about the many students who are not being given the opportunity to personally demonstrate their learning by their strengths and interests. Can you picture a classroom of 20 students? Now, picture 15 of them as "sundials in the shade".

In education jargon, differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching essential content in ways that address the varied learning needs of students with the goal of maximizing the possibilities of each learner. As each child is unique, there is not one comprehensive way to learn or demonstrate knowledge. Therefore, lessons and assessments must include a variety of approaches. Students will grow most when their learning is complementary with their abilities and interests.

What is true of students can be true of anyone. What are your strengths? How do you enjoy learning? Are you striving to maximize your strengths? Or, are you finding yourself fitting into a restrictive mold? Adults who use their strengths are more powerful and effective than those who try to measure up to an unnatural profile. Where you are naturally strong will be where you will grow the most. With this in mind, and our month's theme of "packing" I believe this process and simplify packing for you!

May I encourage you take some actions?

1. Read Now, Discover your Strengths, or the updated book entitled Strengths Finder 2.0 as soon as you can.
2. Evaluate your strengths. This book will help you do that through an on-line assessment related to 34 strength themes. I took the test and was most strong in five areas (3 qualities and 2 roles): responsibility, belief, connectedness, developer and achiever).
3. If you are a manager or leader, assess your employees or colleagues. With the book as your guide, evaluate your organization to see if you are among the 20% or 80% (you'll have to read the book to know).
4. Adjust what you can to maximize working from your strengths.

May you be a well-packed sundial in the sunshine!

(photo from schwong at Flikr.com)

Comments

[Angela Maiers]

Dean, this really post hit home with me. Most schools still operate in a "restrictive mode", following a scope and sequence of predetermined skills and content. Though, we talk big about differentiation, this "checklist" still drives decisions about teaching and learning. It leaves little room to "let the sunshine in." I can't wait to read the book. Thanks for the insight and the recommendation. Lots to think about!

[tim]

I keep coming back to my strengths. Here is another good reminder of how important it is to help others recognize their strengths as well.

I would encourage others to review Rosa's Learning Project in regards to Marcus Buckingham's work. She wrote a number of great posts that take the reader through his process here on JJL. Plus, Buckingham has released his six part follow-up phone seminar from this summer on iTunes as a podcast. Simply search "Buckingham" on iTunes for the free downloads. This has been wonderful to listen to.

[Dean Boyer]

Tim, thanks for the reminder about Rosa's posts and the iPod information. I have downloaded the podcasts and will eagerly listen!