The Power of One

I heard this statement this week, as part of this podcast in a whole school assembly. It was an interview with Matt Mullenweg for the Whoop podcast on Navigating the Path to Entrepreneurial Success. In the early part of the podcast he talked about the power of one.

Matt tells the story of how when he was blogging many years ago, he wrote about how the platform he used was being shelved. This received one comment from Mike Little and from that WordPress was born.

If you don’t know much about WordPress, nearly 40% of all websites are made using the WordPress platform, including this one.

Matt talks about the power of one. He believes that we shouldn’t be aiming for viral status, thousands of likes or shares. Matt thinks we should be aiming to impact one person, becuse this is where true influence lies-to impact one person to change, learn or grow.

I got to thinking about the EdTechist platform and why I do it. Is it for viral status, thousands of likes or shares? No, not really. Don’t get me wrong, I want as many people (teachers) as possible to read what I write – especially if it can help them in the classroom with their use of technology.

The concept of ‘the power of one’ in education refers to the significant impact that a single individual, such as a teacher or student, can have on the learning process and outcomes. It emphasises the belief that each individual has the potential to make a positive difference in the field of education. Here are a few aspects that highlight the power of one in education:

Teacher’s Impact: Teachers have a profound influence on students’ lives and learning experiences. A passionate and dedicated teacher can inspire and motivate students, ignite their curiosity, and instill a love for learning. A single teacher has the power to shape the academic, social, and emotional development of numerous students throughout their educational journey.

Student Empowerment: Each student possesses unique talents, interests, and potential. By recognising and nurturing individual strengths, educators can empower students to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their goals. The power of one lies in the ability of students to take ownership of their education, make choices, and pursue learning pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.

Advocacy and Leadership: Individuals within the education system, including teachers, administrative staff, and parents, can all advocate for positive changes and improvements in educational policies, practices, and resources. One person’s voice can raise awareness, influence decision-making, and drive systemic transformations to create inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments for all students.

Innovations and Ideas: Education thrives on innovations and new ideas. The power of one lies in the ability of educators, researchers, or entrepreneurs to bring forward those innovative approaches, methodologies, technologies, or learning resources that can revolutionise the educational landscape. A single person’s creativity and vision can spark transformative changes and improve educational outcomes for students globally.

Ripple Effect: The power of one in education extends beyond individual impact. It can create a ripple effect that influences and inspires others. When one educator adopts innovative teaching practices or demonstrates exceptional dedication, it can inspire colleagues, students, and the broader education community to embrace change, collaborate, and strive for excellence.

Social Change and Community Engagement: The power of one can extend to addressing societal issues through education. By fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and social responsibility, individuals within the education system can play a crucial role in promoting positive social change and engaging with the community to address challenges and disparities in education.

Lifelong Learning: The power of one is not limited to formal education settings. It extends to the lifelong learning journey of individuals. Each person has the capacity to continue learning, growing, and adapting to new knowledge and skills throughout their lives. The power of one lies in the self-motivation, curiosity, and commitment to lifelong learning that can lead to personal fulfillment and professional growth.

In summary, the power of one in education recognises the profound influence that individuals, whether teachers, students, or other stakeholders, can have on the learning process, educational outcomes, and the broader education system. It emphasises the belief in the potential for positive change, innovation, leadership, and advocacy within the field of education.

For many of us, this is something we get to do, not something we have to do. And that excites me, even at the business end of the year, in a state of exhaustion, counting down the days, striving for the finish line and waiting for that final school bell of 2022/23.