So, here's the thing.

In education, we love our terminology, our buzzwords. We know the things we're supposed to say, and include in all our pedagogical conversations.

Alas, we also wind up draining those terms of any meaning. We say them because we know they're expected, and though they may actually be cornerstones of our practice, we become a bit resentful of their overuse.

And that's the best case scenario. We sometimes build these power structures wherein folks use the terms because they're "encouraged" to by folks with power and influence. Certain things can not get off the ground because they don't coincide with the current list of approved terms, and other things aren't questioned, because, well, they're on that list.

What would it look like if we just talked, and didn't worry about whatever the current edulingo dictates be said? If we took whatever trendy term was being applied to all teachers and learning, and made it taboo for the conversation? 

We could talk about student work without worrying about grit, or engagement.

We could talk about how kids learn without worrying about their resiliency or mindset.

Instead of spending our time trying to fit what we're talking about to a list of popular terms, what if we just talked about what we see, think, feel, want and need?