In comparing Ruby Payne and Monty Roberts, I have been told they are apples and oranges.
The Dr. Ruby Payne session, Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 24, was excellent. Ruby explained that her company is named “Aha! Process, Inc.” because when she began many people would come to her and say “Aha! This is eye opening learning.” Her presentation provided many concrete tools and valuable resources for educators (as well as others in our community) to use directly in the classroom in order to strengthen the educational process. She explained how socio-economic levels effect the learning process of students.
Monty Roberts, known as the man who listens to horses and a honorary doctorate from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, came to our school district last year. Many people came to me after his presentation to the school district and community, to say he had inspired their hearts with his stories of non-violence and the use of contracts to create Join-Up with students. He explained how horses, being herd animals are similar to humans. His experience (and translating those experiences to the “human world”) of teaching horses for more than 60 years, along with raising 47 foster children, and his own three children, taught Monty how to enhance student cooperation, respect, and to create personal responsibility for their own learning. Be sure to listen, communicate, earn trust for Join-Up, as Monty Roberts says, to create working relationships.
At first glance, one might say the aha! and heart felt presentations are not comparable. There were many differences which reflect Ruby Payne”s social studies background and Monty Roberts” behavioral studies backgrounds. However, the “fruitfulness” of hearing these speakers was valuable and enriching. Both reminded their audience that students are excellent at reading body language. Each speaker”s “core concepts” rested on mutual respect, high expectations, consistency and 100 percent support for every student.
Teacher-student relationships, without a doubt, are necessary to inspire and empower students. Educators must help the student learn how to make quality, responsible choices. They can accomplish this either by learning from mistakes or to make informed decisions, with reasonable and consistent consequences. These were the core of each speakers” message.
Although some of the ideas the two presenters shared are apples and oranges, the main principles educators should employ come from the same tree. Thank you Konocti Unified School District, Dr. Louise Nan and the school board members for this opportunity to become our best in educating our youth.
Reprinted at the author”s invitation from the Konocti And Monty Roberts Educational exchange (KARE) newsletter for Aug. 28, 2006.
