Can passion and learning really work together?
Plato pitted passion and reason against each other: reason as something
that gives temperance to passion, and this philosophy has underscored
classrooms for a long time. Passion is what we do outside class.
Reason is what we practice inside class. The dynamics of passion are
unique though. Passion involves motivation and agency. Passion
involves a dropping of the ego, a period of pure immersion, a complete
addictive dedication, and an uncaring attitude toward outside judgment.
"I loose track of time."
"I don't know who I would be if I didn't do it."
"I just can't stop doing it".
These are the comments of passionate students. Why was Plato concerned about a mixing of passion and reason? If passion is a fuel for dedication and action, then ought we not invite, or better yet, cultivate passion in the classroom?
(By the way, I think the answer is "Yes" and "Uh, big time.")
"I loose track of time."
"I don't know who I would be if I didn't do it."
"I just can't stop doing it".
These are the comments of passionate students. Why was Plato concerned about a mixing of passion and reason? If passion is a fuel for dedication and action, then ought we not invite, or better yet, cultivate passion in the classroom?
(By the way, I think the answer is "Yes" and "Uh, big time.")