Collaboration Kills Hubris

An overwhelming topic of discussion among adults over the age of 35 is the idea that the younger generation, anyone under 33,  suffers from a sense of entitlement.  I have to admit that I often agree hardheartedly  with this statement; all too often young people think that they are entitled to praise and good grades simply because they showed up for class.

The easiest way to cure this entitlement illness is to remove the cause, hubris. Hubris, or an overdose of pride, is what causes these kids to think they are, and I quote, "Tha BomB!"  After years of being told how cute and talented they were for doing very little, they have developed the idea that they can do no wrong.  While this is not a fatal disease, most will snap out of it as soon as they are turned loose into the "real world", it is difficult to deal with 25-30 ego maniacs in one classroom.

I found that by having students collaborate and work together on a project egos are set to the side.  When working on a  collaborative team with others, everyone has equal say.  Successful teams play to the strengths of all members but it also creates a dialogue that allows for critique.  Students engage in critical analysis of the information and want to present the best collaboration of ideas.  All members of the team must therefore evaluate what has been shared and determine how the pieces will be combined.  There isn't any room for a one man show when everyone is playing a major role in the production of the presentation.

Collaboration is not to be confused with Coopearative groups.  Collaborative groups do not assign roles as in Cooperative groups but allows everyone to partake in each aspect of the project.  ALL members will gather information. ALL members will evaluate the research. And ALL members will design the final product.  When everyone gets to have a say, diplomacy allows all voices to be heard and no one person can is king.

I am not a violent person but I do appreciate the quick death of hubris and entitlement.  Collaboration is key. Sharing ideas and allowing for evaluation of those ideas holds everyone accountable and creates a level playing field.

Until next time...