IMMERSION
Have you ever had a bad day at work and gone home to your significant other, called a friend, or talked to a lovable pet, and you can tell that you do not have their full attention? You need to vent about your upcoming observation, the test your students bombed, or even the annoying administrator who sent a last minute email saying that report cards are due tomorrow, and no one will give you the attention you deserve?
If you understand this feeling and it gets you annoyed, then you understand the importance of immersion in daily life! If the scenario above hits home with you, then imagine you are in front of your class - texting someone really quick, taking a phone call that has nothing to do with school (unless it is an emergency, which are understandable), or talking to a fellow teacher when a student really needs your attention. Trust me when I say, your students know when they do not have your undivided attention.
Burgess gives the illustration in the book by using a lifeguard analogy. FOCUS vs. IMMERSION (p. 14-15)
- Be on the side of the water
- Watch the occupants of the pool/water hole
- Be mindful of what is going on around the pool and call warnings accordingly
- You're gonna get wet!!
- You are interacting with the swimmers
- You are close and available in case of danger or problems in the water
"I'm suggesting that when delivering first instruction, especially to struggling learners, you need to leave the comfort of the lounge chair or lifeguard tower and jump into the water with your students." (Burgess p.15)
"It's OK to surrender your structure in the pursuit of something far more valuable in the moment." (Burgess p. 18)
DISCUSSION QUESTION #1: What are 2 things you can do in your classroom to truly be immersed - or to switch from focus to immersion?