JANE SHAPIRO MASTERING THE ART OF MIDRASH 3

I was very honest with the class during the first session about how little I really know about Midrash. Long ago I read a book by Stephen Brookfield called Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. One of the most vivid chapters is about Brookfield’s experience taking a swimming class as an adult. One person dived into the lane next to him and starting doing some complicated stroke, making it look easy. Brookfield was frightened and intimidated until another student in the next lane leaned over and said: when I was learning how to do this, not too long ago, I found it helpful to put my arms, so and kick my arms so. Brookfield learned the stroke.

This is what I said to the class: “Folks, I am no expert in Midrash. I am friendly with experts in Midrash ( Dr. Marc Hirshman of Jerusalem), I have taken classes in Midrash and even used Midrash in my own teaching but I AM NOT AN EXPERT. On the other hand, this is a huge advantage for you because I am just beyond a beginner and remember all the steps that I needed to begin to learn Midrash. So, I can be a good help to you.

The room got quiet and I was not sure what would happen. And then L (the class decided that I could use their first initials but should respect them not wanting to be cult heroines on the internet.) broke the silence with: “Jane, we loved you before and now you are being so totally honest I have even more respect.” Then we got to work.

What did this mean and what does this mean for teachers of adults? We need to be truthful with ourselves about what we know or don’t know. Faking and posturing is not the best strategy. You can tell when you are “winging it”; trying to create an answer out of bits and pieces which you hope you are selling with an authoritative voice. And you know from students’ faces that they are trying to look like you said something comprehensible, but for the life of them they have no idea what it is. Credibility comes from being authentic and honest. Tell them what you know, but when you don’t, tell them that you can find out. Being an advanced beginner is an asset not an embarrassment.
No posturing allowed if you want to help folks find their truth.