I run the risk of selling my students short if my perception of their capacity is less than their actual capacity.
~Christina Konkey
...pushing students to capacity...
The word in question is capacity -- is the word restricting? Does it set boundaries? Does the word allow for growth past ‘said’ capacity?
We attacked, then defended the word useage. Threw it up, then slammed it down. Ran it through the washer, then the dryer. Tore it apart, then pieced it back together. Our approach, an artful pigeage sure to produce something enjoyable at a later date but without the bottling pressure of consensus.
As we continued to grapple, the deciding factor was an impromptu conversation on the differences between better and best and the benefits of promoting one over the other in the realm of education. Best, we decided has some limiting features that aren’t becoming of student success as a whole. Better, in my Uncle’s words keeps you focused in a “directionally correct” kind of way. Best is clear cut. Better shows/demonstrates/accepts progress. Best creates a platform. Better keeps one foot in front of the other...
We decided to change the word from capacity to potential; but what do you think about capacity in this context?
I think my savory bacon wrapped ribeye is going to taste better than the best quinoa patty.