When the right thing is the hard thing

 

In a couple of my classes, .   we talked about character this week.  With that in mind I wanted to post a couple of old posts in which two hall of fame coaches taught me character.  WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK

I remember coaching our basketball team during a tight game when a critical moment unfolded. The referee blew the whistle and signaled a foul on the opposing team’s best player. Immediately, I jumped off the bench to inform the ref that it was the player’s fifth foul, meaning he should be disqualified. However, when the ref checked the official scorebook, our home team’s book—it showed the player only had four fouls.

As I sat back down, I suddenly heard the opposing coach call out to the ref, “Coach Bressler is correct—that was number 24’s fifth foul. You either disqualify him, or I’ll take him out myself.” The referees conferred and ultimately ruled that the player had indeed fouled out.

In that moment, I realized something profound—I wasn’t sure I would have done the same if the roles were reversed. I probably would have rationalized keeping my player in the game, convincing myself that the book was the final word. But that day, I learned an important lesson about integrity. From that point on, whenever I faced similar situations, I thought back to that coach’s example, and it helped me make the right decision.

Every year, I find myself reflecting on the topic of cheating. Most people justify it in one way or another, everyone does it, the homework is pointless, or it's not really hurting anyone. The real danger is that when we want something badly enough, like winning a game, our reasoning becomes biased, and we convince ourselves that bending the rules is acceptable.

Many believe that the best way to prevent cheating is through punishment. While consequences may deter behavior in the moment, they often fail to change how people act when no one is watching. So, what’s the solution?

Gratitude. Studies show that when people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for, they not only treat those who have helped them with kindness but also extend that goodwill to complete strangers. In one study, participants who recalled a moment of gratitude were significantly less likely to cheat. The deeper their gratitude, the less they felt compelled to cut corners.

So, the next time you feel tempted to cheat—whether in sports, school, or life—pause and think of something you’re grateful for. That simple act can give you the inner strength to do the right thing, even when it is the hard thing.

Let Chat GPT enhance your learning

 As a teacher, I often hear people talk like Chat GPT is the enemy. In this blog, I want to propose how it might help my students learn AP Economics. ChatGPT can be an incredibly useful tool for students, not as a shortcut to answers, but as a companion for deeper understanding. Rather than simply providing solutions, it can help students grasp complex concepts, practice critical thinking, and refine their knowledge through explanation and interaction. Using ChatGPT effectively can enhance learning by encouraging students to engage with material in dynamic and personalized ways. 

Students can use ChatGPT to break down complicated economic concepts. When struggling to understand topics like supply and demand, elasticity, or monetary policy, students can ask ChatGPT to explain them in simpler terms or through real-life examples. This process allows students to refine their understanding by asking follow-up questions. 

  An example of this is if students were struggling with monetary policy. Chat GPT might explain how to fix a recession using monetary policy. The Federal Reserve can implement expansionary policies to stimulate economic growth. They might lower the federal funds rate by buying government securities in a limited reserve system, which increases the money supply and lowers interest rates. Cheaper borrowing encourages businesses to invest and consumers to spend, shifting aggregate demand.  

Students can also use ChatGPT to practice applying economic theories. By presenting hypothetical scenarios or asking for practice problems, they can test their knowledge and reasoning. For instance, students might describe a situation and ask how various economic principles apply, then analyze ChatGPT’s response to see if it aligns with what they have learned in class. This kind of practice reinforces theoretical knowledge through active applications. 

Lastly, ChatGPT can serve as a tool for reviewing and summarizing material. This can be especially helpful for exam preparation, as it enables students to consolidate information and identify areas where they may need more focused study. 

By using ChatGPT as a learning aid rather than a shortcut, students can deepen their understanding of AP Economics, strengthen their analytical skills, and become more confident thinkers. The key is to approach the tool as a resource for exploration and growth, leveraging its capabilities to enhance their educational journey rather than bypass it. In doing so, students will be better equipped to tackle the complexities of economics, both in the classroom and beyond. 

The challenge for all of us is to maximize the use of AI to increase student learning. Please leave an AI tool or a method you use AI for in the comments below. The only way to keep up with AI is to share our knowledge of it. 

Community: Key to happiness

 In today’s fast-paced world, many people equate happiness with financial success. While money can provide comfort and security, true happiness is found in the strength of our relationships and the sense of belonging within a community. A strong community provides support in times of struggle, celebration in times of joy, and a deep sense of purpose. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives than those who focus solely on accumulating wealth. 

Now more than ever, we need to pull together rather than push apart. Society often highlights our differences, whether they be political, cultural, or personal, but we are stronger when we work together. In difficult times, communities that unite can overcome challenges more effectively than individuals working alone. Whether it’s helping a student in need academically, supporting a student emotionally, or simply fostering kindness, small acts of unity create ripples that strengthen the fabric of schools. The more we focus on connection rather than division, the happier and more resilient we become. 

At our core, most of us want the same things in life: security, love, purpose, and the ability to provide for ourselves. However, people have different ideas about how to achieve these goals, which can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. Instead of letting differences drive us apart, we should recognize them as opportunities for learning and growth. By listening to and respecting different perspectives, we can find common ground and work together toward solutions that benefit everyone. 

Money may buy comfort, but it cannot buy the deep fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than oneself. A supportive community brings joy in everyday moments, reassurance in difficult times, and a sense of belonging that wealth alone cannot provide. If we focus on strengthening our connections, we will find ourselves living richer lives in ways that truly matter. 

In the end, happiness is not about how much we have but about who we have. When we prioritize relationships, we create a world where people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. By choosing to pull together rather than push apart, we build communities that foster understanding, cooperation, and lasting happiness.