Fact Based Optimism

I have been meaning to introduce my other blog, Fact Based Optimism, which I started the December of 2015 after my first semester as a doctoral student. This blog is a place for me to share the connections I make in my research through the semesters. The goal in sharing this information with you is to generate a dialogue grounded in points of quantitative and/or qualitative data. I wanted a space to give people access to the connections I am making when I dive deep into all the information I have access to as a student.


The title of this blog space comes from the mind of Bruce Mau and is named with him in mind for two reasons. When I came across the simple, powerful phrase, "Begin with fact based optimism", I felt an immediate sense of connection because it neatly summarizes my current perspective of education as a doctoral student. After many discussions of what I "felt" was right for students, I realized the only way I can motivate institutional change is with facts. Finding the facts and data to transform practices in education is what drives my optimism during my doctoral studies. 

Secondly, Mau represents my curiosities of the creative minds outside the often impenetrable world of education. These minds includes the artists, problem solvers and innovators I look to for inspiration and a breath of cerebral fresh air. I find solace in their comfort to be amongst organized chaos and admire their ability to express their observations with evocative visuals.

I will continue to write here when I'm inspired to reflect about practice, observations and share what is happening in my teaching spaces. I look forward to us having a conversation in whichever space we meet.