Last night I filled some of my time by playing a game on line that tested my ability to name all 50 states. I was, needless to say, overconfident. I began by trying to name them alphabetically (shamelessly adding another piece to this simple task). Then I changed my approach and started to list them based on region. I was truly thumbing my nose at this ever so simple task.
Soon two things started happening. First, it was clear that I was forgetting states. Second, and more of a concern, is that I was running out of time. Oh, I guess I didn't mention that this game involved a time limit which likely explains why I suddenly started to forget the names of states. Funny things happen when we add time limits to seemingly simple activities.
Have you ever had to run out of your house and then later remember that you've forgotten something? I did just last weekend. In a tremendous rush to get out of my house and on the way to a wedding when I remembered that I had forgotten shoes. My only guess is that time played a factor in my forgetfullness. The time factor increased my stress to a point where my ability to remember simple things was debilitated.
Of course, forgetting Minnesota doesn't mean I suddenly lack the knowledge of a 6th grader it only means that I needed more time. The use of time in a classroom is a powerful tool underappreciated by teachers. It is clear to me that it is a delicate tool that needs to handled with care. Too little time and it may lead to wrong or forgotten answers. Too much time and it may lead to lazy performance. The use of time at all, however, will always provide a level of stress that will keep students and me it seems working fast.
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