Journal Post #11 - August 4, 2015

This is my final journal post, in the form of an original rap song called "Questions? Answers. Answers? Questions!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPELUNKERS!  EXPLORING PLATO'S CAVE!

Questions? Answers.

Answers? Questions!

Questions? Answers.

Answers? Questions!

Yeah, every question generates more

like a garden where you don't pull the weeds any more

follow the messy trail of vines up to the door

where you open it up and you just find four more

my introspective research gives me a conceptual framework

I use it to honestly assess if my practice is a lame work

I have to change up my work so that I don't do the same work

Is it hack work? Do I lack work? As I stack work do I make work?

Recursive cursive serve a volley till you swerve it

and it recurs and recurs as you write it down in cursive

subversive universive recursion spitting verses

practitioner versus practice until revision reverses

I took a mirror and I held it to a mirror

and the mirror reflected the mirror at the mirror

and the mirror reflected a mirror in the mirror

which reflected the mirror reflected by the mirror

Questions? Answers.

Answers? Questions!

Questions? Answers.

Answers? Questions!

Epistemology -- what does it mean to know?

How do I know or don't know if I know?

The thing that I know, what does it mean to say I know it?

I don't know if I know or if I don't know if I know it!

(What just happened?)

(What was the question? Is it a different question now?)

Every road of inquiry leads to intersections

where the nature of your research isn't safe from redirection.  Peace.

Journal Post #10 - August 4, 2015

"Making it (teacher research) visible" is not only important so that others can benefit. My opinion is that it is important in helping to repair this profession's image.

Teaching = Art

Except the problem is that it is largely an invisible art. You can't have invisible art.

Invisible art commands no respect.

Journal Post #9 - August 2, 2015

Today my wife and I took our son to see the new Pixar movie Inside Out. For anyone not familiar with the basic premise, it entertainingly depicts the emotional processes of an eleven-year-old girl who moves from Minnesota to San Francisco with her family. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust were all entertaining cartoon characters who collaborated in helping the girl, Riley, navigate her complex emotional landscape in the middle of a stressful time of big changes.

I do not wish to spoil the film for anybody. But as a teacher researcher I will say that this film entertainingly reminded me of the necessity of emotions that are not happiness. The others are all vital, and sadness is capable of saving the day.

Also, I had previously volunteered to work for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. Today was my day to serve. I was given a list of 25 phone numbers. My task was to invite them all to a national conference call taking place in two days, and to solicit more donations and/or volunteers for the campaign.

I was provided a script, but for those who picked up when I called, the script did not provide for the myriad unpredictable responses I might get to my questions. I was easily flustered and very uncomfortable. I thought of the teachers in "Leaving the Script Behind," one of our journal review group readings. Like the researchers in that piece, I found myself dynamically adapting. I adjusted some text of my script and texted information to recipients at their request. I returned all my data to the campaign staffer who gave me the list, including my findings on my personal phone canvassing experience. Call it "canvasser research."

Journal Post #8 - August 1, 2015

I'm journaling today from the stage in the main room of Cipriani Wall Street, a former mercantile exchange space with imposing granite pillars and an extraordinarily high ceiling. A trading floor of the Guilded Age, it has since been converted into a posh downtown catering hall in which the aristocracy can have their weddings and special parties. I've played lavish bar mitzvahs here. I played P. Diddy's 35th birthday party here. 

As a venue for plying my craft, it is terrible. The acoustics are a cavernous nightmare of reflections off of hard, smooth surfaces.

Also, I'm a substitute tonight. This particular bandleader requests me to fill in when his normal bassist is not available. I was emailed a half-dozen requests to prepare for tonight but I am being trusted to know whatever other tunes he calls. I hope I do.

Rehearsal is practically unheard of in this business. I'm expected to show up and help the entire band sound like they were born knowing what to do.

I'll be on my feet a total of 7.5 hours between the 2-hour cocktail, 4-hour reception, and 1.5 hour after party. Bathroom breaks will be at the bandleader's discretion, not mine.

Sound familiar, teachers?

Two major differences: politicians don't make a regular practice of insulting me in the mainstream media, and I'll get paid far, far better for my work today than what I figure would be my per diem teacher pay.