Monday, April 19, 2010

On Being An Effective, Healthy Adult

I'm doing a project in my health class in which students are to create and defend a thesis answering the question "How can I become an effective, healthy adult?" The project requires the students to self-direct and find whatever answers they want. They then write the thesis and present it to me and I determine if it moves on to a panel of three teachers, who will then decide if the student passes the project. Two of the three most vote that the student did well enough to pass. The student will then present their finalized product to the class.

My object in posting this is to ask those who read this to give their opinion on what an effective, healthy adult does or is. You don't need to create the thesis but just help me out by offering what you feel ought to be included in the evaluation so that I might have more recommendations, suggestions and understandings than mine alone. I could break it down this way: what skills does an effective adult have? what is your definition of health? how does one move from childhood to adulthood (I hope your answer isn't "by turning 18")? what keeps a person healthy? and any other insights you have.

I want the students to create well-thought-out and introspective response, which might be asking a lot, but if they want to pass they need to prove to me they've thought about it. I'll appreciate any help you can offer.

3 comments:

C and MC said...

Chris, nobody wants to comment. Don't feel bad. I already told you this at dinner, but to me becoming an effective, healthy adult comes down to thinking more about others than ourselves. Not because we have to. Not just because we have a family now. Not just because you have a spouse and a child. Because you are happy enough with yourself and your own life, that you can look beyond that and think of others. In just being aware that others exist, what their concerns may be and how you can make them more comfortable and happy in their lives. I think it is a noble quest and one that can be worked on for a lifetime.

C and MC said...

Thanks, sweetie. I think that you're right about that. The more you can peel back the layers of selfishness, the more effective you become as an adult. I'm often apalled at how often I don't think of others. "Happy enough with yourself and your own life life." You must know yourself, discipline, control and master yourself. When you give up your life for others, you find your life. That's a powerful idea. It is in that idea that you put off childishness. You're so thoughtful. I love you, Marianne.

mere/tay(xoxo) said...

taylor and i have been discussing and we think that understanding internal value and worth is important for health and effectiveness. if we know how valuable we are eternally, than we can effectively love others and the world around us.
love you guys....