Blog Post #10

What Can We Learn About Teaching and Learning From Randy Pausch?

In Randy’s Story he talks a lot about how Randy Pausch was widely respected in academic circles for a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists and designers to break new ground by working in collaboration with computer scientists. As a professor, he inspired countless students in the classroom. Outside the classroom, he gained public fame for delivering what would come to be known as "The Last Lecture."


On Sept. 18, 2007, only a month after doctors told him that he had three-to-six months to live following a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon. The moving and often humorous talk recounted his efforts to achieve such childhood dreams as becoming a professional football player, experiencing zero gravity and developing Disney World attractions. In the process, he shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously. The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.


In this video, the Last Lecture, Randy Pausch talks about his dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and what lets you get to achieve your dreams. The idea of the last lecture is a hypothetical question, “if you knew were going to die, and you had one last lecture, what would you say to your students?” For Randy, it wasn’t hypothetical. This talk is not about death, though. It’s about life and how to live. There were many things to learn from Randy’s Last Lecture Video. Here are some key points I believe you should look for:

• Have specific dreams.
• Brick walls are there for a reason.
• It’s all about the fundamentals.
• It’s not what you say, but how you say it.
• Apologize properly.
• Don’t complain. Just work harder.
• Be prepared.



Pausch's persistence opened the door for thousands of students to pursue their own dreams. His leadership and innovation pushed Carnegie Mellon to integrate the arts with technology and establish a method of teaching that is as unique as it is revolutionary.