I just finished auditioning for a role in a commercial video course on statistics in a studio in Austin, TX. It was a “screen test” where I presented two 10-minute segments on stat topics of my choice. It brought new meaning to the phrase putting it on the line.
I recently published “A Tribute to Teaching: Putting It on the Line” (College Teaching, 2009, download from www.ronberk.com). The video series combines the human element in teaching with the high tech capabilities of video graphics. It put my teaching mind, body, heart, and soul on the line in front of the camera in a different way from teaching in the classroom. I don’t know what will happen yet, but it was a challenging and humbling experience.
LESSON LEARNED: At every turn in academia, we are given two choices:
(1) thoroughly do your homework and prepare to the max (aka 150% effort) in all of your close encounters with teaching, research, RFPs, publications, committee leadership, etc. OR
(2) compromise that preparation in favor of other priorities. I still live with these options daily in my speaking and writing.
A lesson that was indelibly etched in my brain by the fictitious law Professor Kingsfield in the 1973 movie The Paper Chase (and subsequent TV series) was NEVER EVER COMPROMISE your preparation for the courtroom, classroom, video studio room, or any other room. It is so tempting to pull back, rather than preparing and practicing over and over again up until the last minute. This screen-test experience affirmed the Kingsfield message. At least, when it’s all over and you’ve finished class, submitted the RFP or article or book manuscript, or completed the screen test, there’s the consolation that you know you have done your best. Even if you get whacked, which will happen, you put it all on the line. That’s still worth a lot. You can win or lose with your integrity intact.
COPYRIGHT © 2009 Ronald A. Berk, LLC
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