Posted on January 21st, 2025

By Dr. Emir Cruz Fernández

As educators, we all face challenges that test our resilience and creativity. I remember the day I stood before one of the most challenging classes of my teaching career. The students were disengaged, disrespectful, and seemingly uninterested in learning. Frustration weighed heavily on me, but I knew that I had to connect with them more profoundly to make a difference. That's when the idea for a game called "Passion Points" was born.

The Birth of Passion Points

While brainstorming ways to manage this challenging class, I designed a game that involved funny, purposeful questions, a pair of dice, and a spinner that resembled something out of a casino. The goal? To create a space where students could share their personal and professional interests, hobbies, and aspirations. Initially, I was hesitant. Would this work? Could something so simple break through the walls of disengagement?

To my surprise, the game was a success! It captured the attention of even the most disruptive students. The classroom transformed into a hub of curiosity and connection as students shared their passions and interests. This newfound engagement allowed me to rethink and align my lesson plans with their interests. Little by little, students began to explore their passions in meaningful ways, finding relevance and joy in their learning.

A Turning Point

What happened next was remarkable. The students who once skipped class started showing up eagerly for Spanish lessons. They began taking ownership of their education, sharing their interests with one another, and building a sense of community. Passion Points became the turning point for this classroom dynamic, fostering an environment where students felt seen, heard, and valued.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: the power of letting students take the lead in their learning journey. I discovered a profound sense of purpose and joy in teaching by creating opportunities for them to share their voices. Witnessing their transformation reinforced my belief in the importance of student-centered approaches.

The Essence of Student-Centered Learning

Empowering students to take ownership of their education is more than a teaching strategy; it's a philosophy. By stepping back and allowing students to lead, we create an environment where intrinsic motivation thrives. In doing so, we unlock their innate curiosity, creativity, and thirst for knowledge, igniting a lifelong love for learning.

This approach also reminded me of the importance of authentic human interactions in the classroom. It's crucial to balance technology's use in an age dominated by it. Incorporating technology judiciously—such as for collaborative projects or accessing resources—can enhance the learning experience without overshadowing the value of face-to-face connections. A classroom should be a place where students learn, socialize, connect, and develop essential interpersonal skills.

A Stoic Perspective on Teaching

As educators, our role extends beyond imparting knowledge. We are mentors, guides, and facilitators of personal growth. The principles of Stoicism—resilience, mindfulness, and the cultivation of positive relationships—align perfectly with the ethos of student-centered learning. By embracing these principles, we create a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions, develop confidence, and navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom.

This realization reaffirmed my commitment to creating a classroom that inspires both students and educators. It's not just about the lessons we teach but about the legacy we leave in our students' lives. By fostering resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, we equip them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Final Thoughts

The transformative power of Passion Points showed me that effective teaching begins with listening. By valuing student voice, we connect with our students and reignite our passion for teaching. It's a reminder that the classroom is a shared space for growth where both teachers and students can inspire and uplift one another.

As we embrace this philosophy, we unlock the potential for deeper connections and more meaningful learning experiences. Let's continue to create classrooms where every voice matters and every passion is celebrated. After all, the true essence of education lies in empowering our students to become active participants in their journey—and in doing so, we transform not just their lives but our own.