TSL Educator Blog

Webster, that smart guy,defines criticism as the act of criticizing, usually unfavorably. I thought you weren’t supposed to use a word in its own definition? Criticizing is defined by the same guy as, to find fault with. According to that definition, I don’t believe criticism has a place in the classroom. We won’t criticize someone’s work. We don’t criticize decisions and we will never criticize the president. Why would we want to examine a fault that someone has? It may make us feel superior. It can simply put down a person or their work so we feel better.

What would be the antonyms of criticism? The same Mr. Webster offers these three: approval, compliment, praise. Surely these three words are more becoming the climate of a Christian classroom! But I don’t give my approval to Joshua who continually interrupts the learning process. I won’t compliment my students because as soon as I do, they misbehave. Praise? What do I have to praise my class for? They should behave because Jesus loves them!

I will agree with you. At times students need to be told privately or in a story that a behavior is disruptive, un-Christian, or wrong. But what is wrong with approval, compliment and praise? Maybe the terminology is wrong. Perhaps you would prefer the word edify. Edify your students.

I remember the first time I heard that word used. It was almost 22 months ago. I was reading a leadership book, “Launching a Leadership Revolution” (Brady & Woodward). I’m sure I couldn’t find the section of the book now that spoke of edification, but I remember the gist of the idea. Build people up…to instruct and improve as Mr. Webster says…hey, wait a minute…I should know that concept! Ephesians 4:16 speaks to the topic of building up the body of Christ, in love. This edification concept isn’t that new after all.

How can you edify your students? There are so many ways. Say “Hi!” to them and call them by name. Catch them doing something good. Encourage them in a task they are working on. Get to know their personalities. Know what their likes and interests are outside of school. The list could be longer, but you are smart and can “pick up what I am laying down”, I’m sure.

Use edification. Try it. You’ll like it! So will your students and your relationship with them will change and your classroom climate will improve exponentially!!

I find it simply amazing how there are four different, basic personality types (Dr. Rober Rohm, Florence Littauer), yet they can be assembled by God into so many uniquely created people that no two of them are ever alike.

As I teach children and young adults, as I work with adults, as I coach various teams, as I try my hand in the entrepreneurial world, it never ceases to amaze me that people are different. AND, different people are different at different times.

There are conflicts and disagreements. Knowing personalities helps you understand how to deal with people involved in the conflicts. Can I challange a person, do I have to empathize with them? Will they forget about it when they have fun again, or will this be a deep seated event that will be hard to forgive? These questions and there answers will help decide your best course of action.

The thing that troubles me is leading industry and sales executives hire new employees based on 30% hard skills (what they can do and have done) and 70% soft skills (people skills, relationships, conflict resolution, integrity, leadership). Who is teaching those skills to the next set of Americans? That troubles me. I teach math, science, computer and physical skills according to established curricula at Trinity-St. Luke’s. But soft skills are important enough that I feel they should be taught along side of the curriculum. Why couldn’t a teenager read “How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling”, by Frank Bettger. Everyday we try to sell people on a great day of weather, who the best football team is and other trivial sales items. When it comes to building leaders and making disciples I can not think of anything more important than the Bible…then Mr. Bettger’s book.

Yes, that type of information is unique in a standard school setting. It is important. It helps millions of people everyday. How good of a friend, a wise a father, how great of a loving Christian would I be today if I had been studying soft skills for 41 years? How much better could I have influenced young Christians over the last 18 years? How much greater of an impact should have I had on the youth that God entrusted me to serve? Father forgive me!!