GStephens

The magic ratio:  5-1.  That's to say that five positive comments to 1 negative comment is the ratio that brings the greatest productivity.  Teacher morale is down in America.  Perhaps that is because we receive so little recognition or praise for what we do.  I remember watching a recent episode on 20/20.  It was a segment which pointed a finger at teachers in our country, saying that we were failing.  Students from other countries were given the same test as American students--we did not do well.  After watching a bit of that program, I had to change the channel--I was so depressed because it was all so negative.

In our everyday life at East Central, we have many reasons to feel positive about our work.  We have a fine principal who supports us and gives us freedom to do our jobs.  We have fine families who are bringing up fine students for us to teach.  We have materials needed for teaching.  Yet, many times I feel negative at work.   I suppose it is because we are all so busy that we don't have much time to interact with each other as teachers.  It's hard to work day after day, doing my best on my job, if I don't have the positive feedback mentioned in this section of the book.  That makes me realize how I need to look for opportunities to give positive feedback to my fellow teachers--if I need it, then they must need it as well.

The impact of negativity in our lives is strong.  After reading the first section of this book, I decided to try the "positive approach" at school the next day.  It does seem to not only change how others feel, but I felt different, as well.  It's hard right now for me to feel positive about my work at East Central because of the pressure I feel to get the musicals ready in time.  I also have a 6th grade chime performance at the school board meeting in May, as well as 6th grade graduation music to prepare.  It is simply overwhelming to think about.  It makes me feel tired.  I work too many hours to feel very positive about anything.

However, when I did pretend I felt positive, I found that my day went easier.  Perhaps it is simply a decision not to be negative.  Being negative certainly doesn't change the situation at work.  It doesn't make the musical go away.  It doesn't make time pass quicker nor does it get more work done with the students.  This is certainly food for thought.