Swimming Circles

In class today we talked about the options we have when we don't know how to solve a problem.
Copying them from a friend gets the answer on paper but it doesn't move our thinking.
In fact, no thinking is even involved!
When I asked what happens to a student who chooses this method,
I loved the answer I got in one class...
"They just keep swimming in circles".  (in reference to my goldfish jumping out of their bowl).

It's frustrating to just keep swimming in circles.
Not to mention BORING!
It's better to ask questions and become an active participant in the learning process.
Yes, it takes time.
Yes, it takes focus to be in the moment.
Yes, it takes a positive attitude instead of jumping on board of the "I-Don't-Get-This" bandwagon.

The rewards of moving our thinking are much more beneficial than just swimming in circles.
You get to see new things!
You get to experience the exhilaration of understanding something and then applying it!
You get to help others.
You get good grades.
You increase your self esteem.
You have just helped yourself to maybe get the next concept a little easier.

This year let's "swim" to move our thinking.
It can get quite dull if we just stay in the same fish bowl all year long!