Let's say that you are put in a physical resistance test which is measured by the amount of laps you can run around a track. Whatever the amount of laps you ran, you must then create a cardio plan for a month that will increase your physical resistance (amount of laps you are able to run) and you must then make a reflection about how your plan helped you increase your physical resistance. Sounds easy and simple, right? Not so fast, what if I also told you that you will be graded on your improvement and justification for such improvement? A very important element has now been added to the table, and although some people will interpret this in a straightforward and honest way, some others will "play the game", meaning, that the "honest" people will put all their best effort in the first physical test and then run the chance that they do worse in their final test, while the people who "play the game" will put very little effort in the first test and a lot of effort in the final test to guarantee a show of improvement and a successful plan. One might now think that it is very smart to play the game, because you put less effort and ensure successful results, but are you actually getting smarter?
Naturally, when we are given a heads up to what's coming in the near future, we prepare ourselves and analyse everything that must be done so that when that day comes, it goes by as smooth as possible. We prepare the conditions so that the end result comes to our convenience, and it is alright to do so, because it makes us have control over situations and be present in the moment. But what is not alright, is to prepare the conditions to where the take away is not the learning, but the grade or other reward. So yeah, it might be a "smart" move to play the game, but you are definitely NOT getting smarter. We have all played the game at least once. Not so long ago I found myself playing the game in different situations. The first example of the physical test was an actual legitimate example were I played the game. In design technology class I've also played the game by making errors to my first prototype in order to show how I have modified my final prototype in my evaluation. Playing the game can go from cleaning up your room just before your mom checks it, to doing community and service just for the credits. No matter the situation, I have come to realise that playing the game makes us nothing but fake. It's a bunch of lies we make ourselves which represent someone's forced actions, someone who isn't even yourself. It's the act that goes against being principled and honest, not only to others, but to yourself. At the end of the day, we can choose to play the game no matter the situation and it is up to us to think critically and ask ourselves: "Am I doing this for the learning or for a reward like a grade or to please someone?" If you are unsure of what you want, then just remember that learning stays with you for ever and a grade or someone's reaction is temporary. There are no shortcuts in life.
2 Comments
rafael dasso
11/13/2015 10:58:08 am
Hey, Nico, I really like your Blog post, I feel 100% connected because I have those mile runs in P.E and most of the time I play the game.
Reply
Bon
11/15/2015 08:32:53 am
Hey Nico,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
May 2016
Categories |