I most identify with the approach Ender used with the Launchies. I believe education and any task should be facilitated and coordinated with multiple participants. Ender and the launchies seemed to have more achievements obtained by combining their experiences. I also identified with Ender in that my own teaching practices are usually group based but I do take individuals aside and try to make corrections or praises when needed. I believe this can build relationships within the classroom and create more confident students.
I think this method would also work well with adults and the staff of a school. As we have talked before in class, everyone wants to feel appreciated, encouraged, and as an important componenet to a group.
I am going to stick my neck out and say that I actually think as teachers we can sometimes all be a Graff and push students and manipulate situations to get students to achieve what would like them to. Kids are vulnverable and most of the time believe what adults tell them. I don't think any of us may manipulate to the severity of Graff, but we have at one time pushed buttons of our students to make them the best.
As an administrator, I don't know if Graff's method would work well. There are times, I'm sure, that we will encounter when a staff member may not want to work to their best potential and we may have to create methods to push the individual to perform the best. I don't believe Graff's methods should be used to push an individual to do what we personally think is the best. My personal question, is how do I push people to be the best for creating an outcome that will benefit everyone without coming across as a drill sergeant?
Overall, from an administrative perspective (even though I'm not one yet
) I want to create an environment in which students and staff members are valued as people. I don't want to follow the isolation traits mentioned in Ender's Game. I also don't want the school I work in to be controlled or manipulated by "Big Brother." There is a phrase in the book where Ender says the real enemies are the teachers and a person must learn to beat the game. Education isn't a game and it's not a war between students and teachers. We have to create collaboration, individual value, and a community while pushing people to excel. The biggest question always remain, How? My answer, it depends on the situation and the people involved. I think any of the methods in Ender's Game could be used as long as they are used appropriately and are beneficial.