Commonly interpreted as ‘teacher’, the literal
translation of the Japanese term ‘Sensei’ is ‘one who has gone before’. It is
from this interpretation that the tenets of respect and compassion are best
understood. The karate ka (student) from the outset of his or her training is
taught to show respect toward the Sensei and toward fellow students. By way of
counterpoint, instructors and senior students are expected to show compassion
for students who have less experience or need extra help. Ongoing respect and compassion help to create a positive, collaborative and harmonious learning
environment in the dojo.
Is this so different in SCDSB schools and classrooms? When
I have the opportunity to observe student learning in our classrooms, I am pleased
to see evidence of respect and compassion in our students’ work, our teachers’
lesson plans and in the classroom environment. Listen for the evidence of respect
and compassion in the following SCDSB student’s account of his grade 9 mathematics
experience:
The third tenet of martial arts training that I remember
well is gratitude. In the dojo we were grateful for our Sensei, our training facilities
and partners and our loved ones. As an educator in SCDSB I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and teach, my students, my supervisors and colleagues, available learning tools and my loved ones.
I wonder if we had more explicit discussions with our
students and colleagues about respect, compassion and gratitude if it would
help to create an even more positive learning environment in our classrooms. I
wonder how this way of thinking could complement our dedication to the fostering
of growth mindsets. My humble challenge to the reader is to look for, encourage
and celebrate with students the evidence of respect, compassion and gratitude
in our daily work.
References
Sensei Phil McColl, McMaster Goju Ryu Karate Dojo
O’Sensei Don Warrener, Don Warrener’s Martial Arts
Academy
