Some lessons learned about teaching, research, and academic disputation

Abstract

In teaching I learned the importance of student assent to learn, and the power of students to withhold that assent. In research I learned the importance of being open to surprises and changes of mind, looking closely at all your evidence and not sweeping any of it under the rug. In academic disputation I learned about tribal isolation and siloing across disciplines in the field of education, and the difficult but important matter of trying to avoid “othering” those with whom you disagree. I also learned a great deal from my early experience in Lawndale [on Chicago's West Side], recognizing over time that in trying to help kids and adults there I had received much more from them than I gave. [Download the PDF and read more]