Timetable > 21.10.2022 > Keynote VI.

Keynote VI.

Keynote VI.
English

Fri 21.10.2022 17:00-18:00
Lecture hall: Room A
Chair: Maruška Željeznov Seničar
  • Thoughtful Change Agents: Gifted Students as Cultural Catalysts in the Making
    Paper
    Practice
    English
    Presenter(s): Richard Cash
    Elizabeth Jennings, Nelson Mandela, Caesar Chaves, Martha Graham. Rebels rock! Change happens when ideas are challenged. To support gifted students as cultural catalysts, we must provide them the tools to be the change agents. Divergent thinking, authenticity of heart, and social kindness and care are the fundamentals. This session will guide you toward developing thoughtful leaders and change agents.

    There is a fascination with rebels, think Ferris Bueller. Rebels without a cause can create chaos and disruption. Whereas rebels with a cause can be change agents.
    Elizabeth Jennings, a young teacher in New York City, refused to give up her seat on a whites-only trolly. She sued the company and won damages in 1855. Her rebellious actions pre-date Rosa Parks by exactly 100 years. Her courage to make change did not come without great bodily harm, but it did bring about a reckoning for others to follow (New York Times, Overlooked).

    Great Thunberg, John Lewis, Dolores Huerta and many other change agents had to endure being maligned and at times, physically assaulted for their beliefs. What all positive change agents possess are the abilities to think divergently, listen without judgement and a willingness to except alternative viewpoints (Kashdan, 2022).

    Our gifted students can be the change agents for their futures. To be a successful rebel, one must hone the skills of critical reasoning, curiosity, and exploratory behaviors. During this session, participants will engage in steps to build a leadership program for thoughtful change agents. Classroom activities around being comfortable with being uncomfortable, dealing with criticism, learning to expect and respect differing viewpoints and studying worthy causes will be shared.
    Three main components to being a Thoughtful Change Agent are:
    1) Listen to those who disagree with you to increase your creativity
    2) Be patient as change takes time
    3) Make openness your default as other ideas may be discovered.