Just in case you needed a reminder to look at the sky, sometimes we do..
Why to be a writer is well answered by a lot of other authors, the question may better be posed, why write about being a writer? Why read the writers writing about writing? I'm about to teach writing that's why, and partly it's thrown me into these whirly states of philosophy, and partly it's left me kind of on a plateau of self propelled exist here I am here is my boundary between my keyboard and your computer screen, and am I not already a teacher of writing, insofar, as i write? and attend readings? and critique, and applaud and more. Nevertheless I'm reading Margaret attwood and Bill Manhire, and a collection of english authors and a novel by Lessing thrown in for good measure... so I think 'reading' is the best answer to 'writing?'
Having just completed the very initial layer 1 course in Te Reo, at Te Kura Po, Unitec, -highly recommended... I'm pondering on the efficacy of the teacher / student relationship in its different cultural contexts. In Maoritanga, and certainly in the kawa for the Kura Po, there is an understanding that all the students bring a teaching to the class, and so the student to student encouragement is even a little more. When you feel able to give guidance ( I mean when you know something someone doesn't know really) you do it. The whole class moves itself forward. Implements its own learning and extends itself further as a group and as a group of individuals.
Nothing new here, it makes good sense. But doesn't it come hard up against concepts of learning in schools and ... the city. I'm trying not to say institutions...
There's a slightly different politic going on in learning in one business compared to the one next to it. It's to do with just how much status and rank is playing a part in the natural forces of unity and competition. On a personal level it's about being brave in your emotional sector, and for some allowing the possibility that you have something to learn, and for others allowing the possibility that you have something to teach...
It strikes me that in the same way that a parent must be careful not to feel the pressure to 'know everything' so as to parent efficiently, and yet step up to the mark as brave and responsible and knowledgeable too, in other learning environments we should be wary of leveling off our accomplishment with the tenure that an appointment provides, we have to be careful not to stop learning from the process of teaching. The awhi in community and small business groups, especially industry communities can, well can be missing altogether. A browse through the job sites will give you and indication of how much business and administrative bodies looking to manage arts are willing to exploit and harvest from the arts. After you've read this, try for example : part time / arts / 30-80 grand a year, and see how many 'competition' style job opportunities you come up with... pay rate to be advised.. 40 hours a week at 15 per hour several degrees required.
The situation my friends is dire, no wonder it's competitive out there. But I will urge all teachers, administrators, busy busy people hooning around with the power to influence, use your powers wisely and be humble enough to remember to learn as you go. Different strokes for different folks! Whether your students are 4, 40 or 80, you have plenty to learn from them.
Why to be a writer is well answered by a lot of other authors, the question may better be posed, why write about being a writer? Why read the writers writing about writing? I'm about to teach writing that's why, and partly it's thrown me into these whirly states of philosophy, and partly it's left me kind of on a plateau of self propelled exist here I am here is my boundary between my keyboard and your computer screen, and am I not already a teacher of writing, insofar, as i write? and attend readings? and critique, and applaud and more. Nevertheless I'm reading Margaret attwood and Bill Manhire, and a collection of english authors and a novel by Lessing thrown in for good measure... so I think 'reading' is the best answer to 'writing?'
Having just completed the very initial layer 1 course in Te Reo, at Te Kura Po, Unitec, -highly recommended... I'm pondering on the efficacy of the teacher / student relationship in its different cultural contexts. In Maoritanga, and certainly in the kawa for the Kura Po, there is an understanding that all the students bring a teaching to the class, and so the student to student encouragement is even a little more. When you feel able to give guidance ( I mean when you know something someone doesn't know really) you do it. The whole class moves itself forward. Implements its own learning and extends itself further as a group and as a group of individuals.
Nothing new here, it makes good sense. But doesn't it come hard up against concepts of learning in schools and ... the city. I'm trying not to say institutions...
There's a slightly different politic going on in learning in one business compared to the one next to it. It's to do with just how much status and rank is playing a part in the natural forces of unity and competition. On a personal level it's about being brave in your emotional sector, and for some allowing the possibility that you have something to learn, and for others allowing the possibility that you have something to teach...
It strikes me that in the same way that a parent must be careful not to feel the pressure to 'know everything' so as to parent efficiently, and yet step up to the mark as brave and responsible and knowledgeable too, in other learning environments we should be wary of leveling off our accomplishment with the tenure that an appointment provides, we have to be careful not to stop learning from the process of teaching. The awhi in community and small business groups, especially industry communities can, well can be missing altogether. A browse through the job sites will give you and indication of how much business and administrative bodies looking to manage arts are willing to exploit and harvest from the arts. After you've read this, try for example : part time / arts / 30-80 grand a year, and see how many 'competition' style job opportunities you come up with... pay rate to be advised.. 40 hours a week at 15 per hour several degrees required.
The situation my friends is dire, no wonder it's competitive out there. But I will urge all teachers, administrators, busy busy people hooning around with the power to influence, use your powers wisely and be humble enough to remember to learn as you go. Different strokes for different folks! Whether your students are 4, 40 or 80, you have plenty to learn from them.
