Dinner and World Peace
John Hunter, an award-winning teacher and inventor of the World Peace Game, joined the MSA book club for dinner and conversation on Tuesday, May 8.
The book club meets regularly at the Head of School’s house for dinner and discussion. Its latest book was John Hunter’s World Peace and other 4th-Grade Achievements. The book chronicles John’s experience playing the game that he invented for his elementary classes back in the late seventies.
Since those humble beginnings, John has presented for teachers all over the world and for officials at the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon. The State Department was so impressed by John’s presentation that it is interested in using the game to help teach diplomacy to State officials and diplomats.
“It is not easy for teachers to allow students to make mistakes, but authentic learning happens when students experience failure and come to realize the answers on their own.”
“The book club engaged in a lively discussion about failure and relinquishing control over to the students. It is not easy for teachers to allow students to make mistakes, but authentic learning happens when students experience failure and come to realize the answers on their own” remarked Head of School and book club member, Mike Drude.
John spoke of “empty space” where students are encouraged to think, reflect, and just be. For it is in these moments where powerful learning happens.
“It was fascinating to hear John speak about the collaborative efforts of his students and the critical thinking necessary to navigate the purposeful chaos that is a major part of the game,” remarked Mr. Drude.
Three of John’s former students joined the dinner to talk about the game and the impact the game (and John) had on their lives.
John teaches a master teacher class on how to facilitate the game. According to the World Peace Game website, participants are “led through a series of reflective questions and activities that uncover the grounding assumptions of their teaching practice.”
MSA will be investigating ways to incorporate the game into its curriculum. Perhaps a WWOWW class? - stay tuned!