In the Fall of 1964, I took the required Piano Pedagogy Class at NU. I was a junior in college and very distraught about our educational system in general. This class was taught by the nationally know pedagogue, Dr. Guy Duckworth. Every week I observed him teaching two fourth grade boys, teaching them in an atmosphere of fun and discovery, in an environment where mistakes and confusion were valued and most importantly, where there was respect for the learner. I was furious!
So I decided to act out my frustrations. I cut class, I arrived late, I talked during class, I sent notes. A few weeks into the term, Dr. Duckworth asked me to come see him. He began our meeting with "I have noticed lots of frustration and irritation from you, and I'm curious what that might be about." I was suspicious and thought, "Why not." So I blurted out all my pent up feelings, even calling Dr. Duckworth's ways of teaching "fake!". Then I felt like Chicken Little and waited for the sky to fall. He just looked at me and calmly said ""No one's ever called me fake before." I was stunned. He continued, "Let's make a bargain. You come to class regularly, and whenever you feel something is 'fake', challenge me, challenge the process and let's see where this takes us."
That was a major turning point in my life. I had been heard. I never cut class again, and I challenged what confused me. I was listened to, I was respected and I learned.
Guy Duckworth was a major influence in my life. Because of him and his modeling, I became the teacher I am today.
Because of him, I teach using the question, I respect the learner and I teach with joy, curiosity and affirmation.
Guy Duckworth died two weeks ago at the age of 91. For the last fifty years, there has not been a day in which I did not think of him and thank him for all he taught me. And I know I will continue to thank him daily. I am truly and eternally grateful to you, Guy Duckworth.
So I decided to act out my frustrations. I cut class, I arrived late, I talked during class, I sent notes. A few weeks into the term, Dr. Duckworth asked me to come see him. He began our meeting with "I have noticed lots of frustration and irritation from you, and I'm curious what that might be about." I was suspicious and thought, "Why not." So I blurted out all my pent up feelings, even calling Dr. Duckworth's ways of teaching "fake!". Then I felt like Chicken Little and waited for the sky to fall. He just looked at me and calmly said ""No one's ever called me fake before." I was stunned. He continued, "Let's make a bargain. You come to class regularly, and whenever you feel something is 'fake', challenge me, challenge the process and let's see where this takes us."
That was a major turning point in my life. I had been heard. I never cut class again, and I challenged what confused me. I was listened to, I was respected and I learned.
Guy Duckworth was a major influence in my life. Because of him and his modeling, I became the teacher I am today.
Because of him, I teach using the question, I respect the learner and I teach with joy, curiosity and affirmation.
Guy Duckworth died two weeks ago at the age of 91. For the last fifty years, there has not been a day in which I did not think of him and thank him for all he taught me. And I know I will continue to thank him daily. I am truly and eternally grateful to you, Guy Duckworth.
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