Blog Assignment 7

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

This lecture was inspiring to say the least. Randy Pausch seemed like a wonderful, driven person. I love the fact that he did this lecture for his children. I have a daughter, and I cannot imagine what things I would want to say to her if I were in the same situation he was in. I cannot imagine how difficult knowing that he did not have much longer to live, to see his children, his wife, etc. was for him. I am glad he had such a great positive attitude about life. He has done so much for others. He inspired me to be better and follow my dreams as I am sure he has done for many others.

One of my favorite things Mr. Pausch told us about was when he created his class at Carnegie Mellon and his students amazed him. He asked his mentor what he should do and he suggested Mr. Pausch tell his students, “That was pretty good, but I know you can do better.” I love this. It is a great technique to get children to go beyond even what you think they could be capable of doing. It makes them want to push their limits, and try to do the best that they can. I will use this teaching strategy in my classroom to help my students reach their full potential.

Another thing Mr. Pausch said that I agreed with was, “The best way to teach somebody something is to make them think they are doing something else,” otherwise known as a “head fake.” Parents do this with their children all the time when they are trying to get them to behave or do whatever it is that they want them to do. I played soccer in high school, and you really do learn so much more than just soccer when you are out there playing. You learn discipline, teamwork, critical thinking, sportsmanship, etc. Parents let children play games and do other “fun” things, and kids think they are just playing but they are really learning. This is another teaching strategy I plan to use in my classroom.

Mr. Pausch also said, “Get a feedback loop, and listen to it.” This is so important. Everyone needs someone to criticize them, give them advice, offer suggestions, support and/or help, and just basically let them know how they are doing. If you truly listen to your “feedback group,” you can improve things that need improving, or completely change whatever it is you are doing. You can also learn things that you might have overlooked without the outside view of your “feedback loop.”

“Don’t complain. Just work harder.” This is excellent advice. Most people complain when things get rough and are not going the way that they want them to go. It is hard to stay positive and motivated while being discouraged and upset. I know it is hard for me. However, even though it is hard, I believe that if you work through whatever problem(s) you are having it is that much more rewarding when you finally do figure it out. What is the lesson here? Complaining gets you nowhere. Hard work can get you anywhere. These are truly words to live by.

Randy Pausch’s last lecture was very valuable. It is hard to follow your dreams and get through the “brick walls” that life throws at you. I plan to start trying to do some of the things that Mr. Pausch mentioned in his lecture because I believe it would be incredibly beneficial to do so. I was truly touched by Mr. Pausch, and I think everyone should watch this video. (Thanks, Dr. Strange.)