Ok, so today was the final class for 276. I have really enjoyed the class. Today, however, everyone seemed a little on edge. I will blame it on the fact that it's the end of the semester.
Anyways, I was pondering back on the semester, and it has been one of much growth. I am so grateful to be at BYU. At the beginning of the school year, I was in awe due to the drastic difference in teaching styles and philosophies among professors here as compared to my last college. I have realized that the same pressures of learning exist, but I have a much different perspective on my role in learning. I look forward to another few years here and I hope to learn and grow more each semester.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Religion vs. Politics
The issue of religion vs politics has become a rising debate among Americans over the past several decades. What does the separation of church and state really mean? Today I had the opportunity to listen to Presidential Hopeful, Governor Mitt Romney, discuss his views on this topic. As a result, I have begun to formulate my views on where I stand.
His main premise was built upon the fact that we are not have religion vs politics, but that we must have religion AND politics. They must be together to succeed. The constitution was built upon principles of religion. Freedom requires religion, more specifically a belief and trust in God, and religion requires freedom. "Alone they perish."
The liberal movement to pull God off our currency, and out of our pledge, does not conform with our founding father's intentions of separation of church and state. The affairs of the US Government are to be separate from those of churches, but the Government is not to separate itself from the God who gave us our liberty centuries ago. This will lead to the downfall of our nation, and pose a threat to our religious freedom. Liberty is a gift from God, and that source has been recognized for hundreds of years. To deviate from that recognition is to ensure potential destruction of this great nation.
I stand by this belief. To use a phrase from Governor Romney, this nation is composed of a "Symphony of Faith." If we will unite, not in specific doctrines, but in a common recognition of a god, and of our reliance upon that god, we can maintain our position as a wonderful nation.
When looking at religion vs. politics they must be combined in a united effort in order to succeed.
His main premise was built upon the fact that we are not have religion vs politics, but that we must have religion AND politics. They must be together to succeed. The constitution was built upon principles of religion. Freedom requires religion, more specifically a belief and trust in God, and religion requires freedom. "Alone they perish."
The liberal movement to pull God off our currency, and out of our pledge, does not conform with our founding father's intentions of separation of church and state. The affairs of the US Government are to be separate from those of churches, but the Government is not to separate itself from the God who gave us our liberty centuries ago. This will lead to the downfall of our nation, and pose a threat to our religious freedom. Liberty is a gift from God, and that source has been recognized for hundreds of years. To deviate from that recognition is to ensure potential destruction of this great nation.
I stand by this belief. To use a phrase from Governor Romney, this nation is composed of a "Symphony of Faith." If we will unite, not in specific doctrines, but in a common recognition of a god, and of our reliance upon that god, we can maintain our position as a wonderful nation.
When looking at religion vs. politics they must be combined in a united effort in order to succeed.
TRLP
I recognize the need for lesson plans, but I struggle creating them. I have been programmed in my mind to think they are mainly a nuisance. This probably stems from the reactions of my teachers growing up to lesson plans. As I study about teaching, I realize more and more how important it is to have a plan and I hope to overcome this inhibition to plan lessons.
With that said, I move on to our Technology Rich Lesson Plan (TRLP), and our class unit plan. We spent most of class discussing ideas on creating a unit plan, and how to implement it. I am really excited to put this together. The details are still being worked out, so I will save them for later, but let me say that our unit involves video recorders, a PMUC (Personal Multi-Use Cart), an obstacle course, and tons of learning! We won't actually get to teach our lesson plans, but they will be a great resource for the future.
With that said, I move on to our Technology Rich Lesson Plan (TRLP), and our class unit plan. We spent most of class discussing ideas on creating a unit plan, and how to implement it. I am really excited to put this together. The details are still being worked out, so I will save them for later, but let me say that our unit involves video recorders, a PMUC (Personal Multi-Use Cart), an obstacle course, and tons of learning! We won't actually get to teach our lesson plans, but they will be a great resource for the future.
Debate on Referendum 1
Today I learned a valuable lesson!
Here's the issues:
Private Schools: Private funding (tuition), controlled by individual or agency that is not the gov't, teacher credentialing is not required.
Charter Schools: Public school with government funding, operate under a charter that is approved by the government and school district in which they reside, use innovative pedagogy.
Public School: Fully funded by the state, credentialing of teachers is required, all residents can attend.
Referendum 1 was about creating a voucher program to assist in tuition expenses for families who wished to send their children to Private or Charter schools. There was much debate over this issue in the state of Utah.
We were given an opportunity to debate this in class today. I generally lean against voting for vouchers but I was assigned to the group that was on the pro-voucher side. In the beginning this created a conflict of interest for me. However, I decided to give it the 'ole college try and do my best to support the issues. This led me to some great articles that helped me to understand both sides of the issue better.
More that just creating a good argument, I learned a valuable lesson. It is essential to understand both sides of any issue. When you can truly understand where the opposite side comes from, it makes it a lot easier to compromise and reach agreements.
Here's the issues:
Private Schools: Private funding (tuition), controlled by individual or agency that is not the gov't, teacher credentialing is not required.
Charter Schools: Public school with government funding, operate under a charter that is approved by the government and school district in which they reside, use innovative pedagogy.
Public School: Fully funded by the state, credentialing of teachers is required, all residents can attend.
Referendum 1 was about creating a voucher program to assist in tuition expenses for families who wished to send their children to Private or Charter schools. There was much debate over this issue in the state of Utah.
We were given an opportunity to debate this in class today. I generally lean against voting for vouchers but I was assigned to the group that was on the pro-voucher side. In the beginning this created a conflict of interest for me. However, I decided to give it the 'ole college try and do my best to support the issues. This led me to some great articles that helped me to understand both sides of the issue better.
More that just creating a good argument, I learned a valuable lesson. It is essential to understand both sides of any issue. When you can truly understand where the opposite side comes from, it makes it a lot easier to compromise and reach agreements.
Salary Schedule
I have fallen a little behind in my reflections. Now I will go back to capture a few thoughts in individual entries.
I really enjoyed the discussion on some of the semantics involving the world of teaching. Up to this point, my desire to teach and understanding of teaching, revolved around the yearning to make a difference. While this is a worthy motivation, it is necessary to understand all aspects of the realm of teaching so as to be prepared to become the best possible educator I can.
One thing that particularly interested me was the discussion on salary schedules. I am not as focus on amounts, but more so on how to increase my worth. I now understand the importance of furthering my education and it's implications on negotiability with contracts.
I really enjoyed the discussion on some of the semantics involving the world of teaching. Up to this point, my desire to teach and understanding of teaching, revolved around the yearning to make a difference. While this is a worthy motivation, it is necessary to understand all aspects of the realm of teaching so as to be prepared to become the best possible educator I can.
One thing that particularly interested me was the discussion on salary schedules. I am not as focus on amounts, but more so on how to increase my worth. I now understand the importance of furthering my education and it's implications on negotiability with contracts.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Other Group
I was very impressed with the teaching of the other group. They taught about Global Positioning Systems. I even learned a little bit myself. I was impressed with the clarity in their explanation of how the technology works, and then the application of how to use a GPS.
One thing that I felt I could work on from observing them is being innovative in the middle of teaching. I really enjoyed watching Scott as he walked around with his group. He did a great job of being creative to help the students understand the concepts, and to resolve their concerns.
I give them an A for the day!
One thing that I felt I could work on from observing them is being innovative in the middle of teaching. I really enjoyed watching Scott as he walked around with his group. He did a great job of being creative to help the students understand the concepts, and to resolve their concerns.
I give them an A for the day!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A Sigh of Relief
I must admit, I was a little nervous going into today's teaching. Not because I didn't know our lesson plan, but because I was worried about being able to keep the attention of the students the whole time. In retrospect, I didn't need to be worried. I learned 2 valuable lessons today.
First, you don't need to have their attention the whole time. Students need to feel the freedom to choose what they want to do. This doesn't mean I shouldn't try to keep their attention, but that sometimes they will wander off, but will return to focus eventually.
Second, being prepared aids in keeping the students interested. Being well prepared allows you to have a good plan, but also the ability to vary from your plan according to student questions because you know you can get back on track where you left off. If you aren't prepared, and are relying far too much on lecture notes or a power point, it becomes much harder to vary your lesson plan as needed.
I am grateful for the opportunity that we had to prepare and to teach. It was a great experience and helped me to learn and grow.
First, you don't need to have their attention the whole time. Students need to feel the freedom to choose what they want to do. This doesn't mean I shouldn't try to keep their attention, but that sometimes they will wander off, but will return to focus eventually.
Second, being prepared aids in keeping the students interested. Being well prepared allows you to have a good plan, but also the ability to vary from your plan according to student questions because you know you can get back on track where you left off. If you aren't prepared, and are relying far too much on lecture notes or a power point, it becomes much harder to vary your lesson plan as needed.
I am grateful for the opportunity that we had to prepare and to teach. It was a great experience and helped me to learn and grow.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Planning: Phase 2
First of all, we have revamped a lot of our plan. In the midst of doing so, there was much frustration and Jess almost went postal on us all. :) OK, so it was all in good fun. Our plan is in action, and we have just a few more things to put together in order to be ready for Tuesday. Once it is all together, we should have an interesting teaching experience and hopefully enjoy it while learning to do better.
Planning: Phase 1
Today we began our plans for our teaching adventures next week. I am very excited to get to teach a little. It is like the pre-season games. We are working to prepare for real teaching, but still have a lot of kinks to work out. This will give us a chance to see our weaknesses and work to improve them as we go.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Evaluation
I find it hard to evaluate myself in my teaching. I realize that this is a skill that I should develop. It is great to create constructive feedback for myself because then I can always be improving. I am not sure where the struggle comes from. Perhaps it is that I feel I am perfect...ok, so that's definitely not it. It could be that I don't know what to look for. Another reason might relate to fact that I focus on the wrong things while reviewing my performance. I tend to be very critical of all the wrong things. I worry about my appearance, about the clarity of my voice, about my vernacular and articulation. I become very self conscious when watching me. If I can find a way to look past those items, and concentrate on my teaching styles and techniques, I might improve in my self-evaluations.
The Tests
I have decided that the Technology Skills Assessments need to be revamped. It is a good process so that educators can have at least a basic level of understanding in regards to essential programs that will be used in the classroom. However, I found it to be a nuisance for myself. The programs and skills we are tested on are rudimentary at best for certain future educators. I feel that a more in depth assessment should be given, or perhaps, there should be an assessment offered on other programs that we will use in the classroom. This would motivate me more to prepare for them, and actually feel challenged instead of becoming frustrated at the simpleness and ineffectiveness of the current tests.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The visit of Champions
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Wasatch High School video class. It was awesome to see the technologies that they employ in learning many various lessons. It also helped me to realize the possibilities that can be accomplished with a little ambition and creativity. All in all, it was a great experience.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Where have all the cowboys gone?
The title of this capture has little or nothing to do with the classes to be discussed. I find it rather difficult to come up with titles or subjects and so I usually just put down what comes to mind first. Anyways, I mention "classes" to be discussed because I realized that I never captured about last weeks class and yet I got a 3/3 on the assignment. This has prompted me to make up for that.
Last Tuesday, our fearless leader was in the "holy land" (aka Canada) and so class attendance was a little sparse. Basically, we took time to do a few STL's and that was it.
Now back to this week. :P Class was good. I want to lay down some thoughts I have on teaching in relation to excellent teachers I have had and why I liked them. I love teachers that really inspire me to think. To really ponder on various topics, and how they apply to me. I had an excellent Creative Writing teacher in HS who inspired me to write and I learned while doing it. This was quite a feat because I have never liked writing, yet he brought out the best in me. It was truly amazing and I hope to one day be able to inspire others to do there best even in a subject that they may not like.
Last Tuesday, our fearless leader was in the "holy land" (aka Canada) and so class attendance was a little sparse. Basically, we took time to do a few STL's and that was it.
Now back to this week. :P Class was good. I want to lay down some thoughts I have on teaching in relation to excellent teachers I have had and why I liked them. I love teachers that really inspire me to think. To really ponder on various topics, and how they apply to me. I had an excellent Creative Writing teacher in HS who inspired me to write and I learned while doing it. This was quite a feat because I have never liked writing, yet he brought out the best in me. It was truly amazing and I hope to one day be able to inspire others to do there best even in a subject that they may not like.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Purpose of Education...
You ever wonder what the whole purpose of education is? I guess the real question is why do so many people lose focus of that purpose? Education causes so much stress and anxiety in people's lives. Why? I maintain that the reason is due to an over emphasis in grades.
When I was in High School, the focus of school was so much on getting good grades. It was all about that 'A', and had very little to do with actual learning. This ideology, for lack of a better word, engenders in students the need for getting good grades which continues on in higher education. When these feelings are at the forethought of the education process, real learning cannot exist. One becomes so worried in passing, that the ideas, principles, and basics are forgotten, thus rendering the class almost useless.
So where should the focus be? It should be on learning. Not on learning set formulas, or groups of facts, only to be regurgitated later, but on principles that can be used in real world situations to better our society. No matter what the subject, this dogma can be employed. Let's take history, for example, which also happens to be one of my least favorite subjects. Just learning about Bastille Day happening on July 14th, the day of the French independence, does nothing for me. But if I were to study about their fight, and apply their zeal to be independent in my life in order to further a worthy cause, this would be worthwhile. A lot of this type of learning falls on the student, but even more so it falls on the teacher. When grades are set aside, and the focus is on application of facts and knowledge, real learning occurs.
When I was in High School, the focus of school was so much on getting good grades. It was all about that 'A', and had very little to do with actual learning. This ideology, for lack of a better word, engenders in students the need for getting good grades which continues on in higher education. When these feelings are at the forethought of the education process, real learning cannot exist. One becomes so worried in passing, that the ideas, principles, and basics are forgotten, thus rendering the class almost useless.
So where should the focus be? It should be on learning. Not on learning set formulas, or groups of facts, only to be regurgitated later, but on principles that can be used in real world situations to better our society. No matter what the subject, this dogma can be employed. Let's take history, for example, which also happens to be one of my least favorite subjects. Just learning about Bastille Day happening on July 14th, the day of the French independence, does nothing for me. But if I were to study about their fight, and apply their zeal to be independent in my life in order to further a worthy cause, this would be worthwhile. A lot of this type of learning falls on the student, but even more so it falls on the teacher. When grades are set aside, and the focus is on application of facts and knowledge, real learning occurs.
Friday, October 12, 2007
I love work days!
Today was spent catching up on some past work. I was very grateful for the chance to finish some research on a couple various educational theorists and on education/ teaching theories. I now feel back on top of classes and on top of my homework. What a good feeling.
I really enjoyed gaining a greater understanding of Benjamin Bloom and Edward Thorndike. Both of these men performed amazing research that helped to advance education. One part that stuck out to me was Thorndike's Law of Effect.
"The law of effect states that responses that are closely followed by satisfying consequences become associated with the situation, and are more likely to recur when the situation is subsequently encountered." (Wikipedia: Edward Thorndike)
I am a fan of positive reinforcement and this law supports the building up of others. If you positively build up a student as a reaction to his accomplishments, he will be more apt to perform well again in order to receive that praise again. I am working to incorporate this law, as well as the other ideologies, into my teaching philosophy.
I really enjoyed gaining a greater understanding of Benjamin Bloom and Edward Thorndike. Both of these men performed amazing research that helped to advance education. One part that stuck out to me was Thorndike's Law of Effect.
"The law of effect states that responses that are closely followed by satisfying consequences become associated with the situation, and are more likely to recur when the situation is subsequently encountered." (Wikipedia: Edward Thorndike)
I am a fan of positive reinforcement and this law supports the building up of others. If you positively build up a student as a reaction to his accomplishments, he will be more apt to perform well again in order to receive that praise again. I am working to incorporate this law, as well as the other ideologies, into my teaching philosophy.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Two for one
It is your lucky day, I get to discuss two class periods in one. Now some of you might be wondering if that means more senseless ramblings...probably not. :) Anyways, I will begin with the visit to Timpview from last Thursday.
It was interesting to be observing at the high school level and to compare it to my previous visits to junior highs. The teachers in high school are focused more on one genre of subjects, rather than the whole gambit. For example, they had a metal shop teacher, a wood shop teacher, an auto mechanics teacher and a drafting teacher. I really enjoyed seeing the projects that can be accomplished with a more focused curriculum.
Tuesday in class we talked a lot about a wide range of things. We had the opportunity to read a talk given by President Hinckley from 1963. It was given to BYU Professors and was entitled "What Shall You Teach?"
I wanted to discuss one point that really stuck out to me. As he was talking about various educations that students need, he brought up an essential education. He said "...there is another education without which the skills they learn may lead only to their destruction. I refer to the education of the heart, of the conscience, of the character--these indefinable parts of our personalities that determine so greatly what we are and what we do." More importantly that just teaching good subjects, is teaching good principles that can be used in the application of those subjects. At a institution like BYU this can be accomplished by closely integrating learning with the gospel. As I have seen this done over the past month and a half, I have noticed in myself a greater desire to learn and succeed. Not just in school, but in life and in the eternities. I am recognizing the eternal implications of all I learn and how I can share that with others.
It was interesting to be observing at the high school level and to compare it to my previous visits to junior highs. The teachers in high school are focused more on one genre of subjects, rather than the whole gambit. For example, they had a metal shop teacher, a wood shop teacher, an auto mechanics teacher and a drafting teacher. I really enjoyed seeing the projects that can be accomplished with a more focused curriculum.
Tuesday in class we talked a lot about a wide range of things. We had the opportunity to read a talk given by President Hinckley from 1963. It was given to BYU Professors and was entitled "What Shall You Teach?"
I wanted to discuss one point that really stuck out to me. As he was talking about various educations that students need, he brought up an essential education. He said "...there is another education without which the skills they learn may lead only to their destruction. I refer to the education of the heart, of the conscience, of the character--these indefinable parts of our personalities that determine so greatly what we are and what we do." More importantly that just teaching good subjects, is teaching good principles that can be used in the application of those subjects. At a institution like BYU this can be accomplished by closely integrating learning with the gospel. As I have seen this done over the past month and a half, I have noticed in myself a greater desire to learn and succeed. Not just in school, but in life and in the eternities. I am recognizing the eternal implications of all I learn and how I can share that with others.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Moral Dimensions
Teaching is a moral profession. In order to truly educate another, one must have and display morals. The four moral dimensions that we discussed in class are as follows:
Providing access to knowledge for all children and youth.
Enculturating the young in a social and political democracy. (and enculturating is a word!)
Ensure responsible stewardship of schools.
Practicing a nurturing pedagogy.
The driving force for these moral standards is faith. However, faith is something that is not allowed in the classroom in our separation of church and state society...or is it? What is faith? Faith is having a belief in something, and then acting upon that belief. Does faith have to be in a god? I maintain that is does not. Faith can be in anything you want it to be. A higher power, God, a family, a loved one, a career, money. It needs to be something that motivates you to do better and want to excel. Without this faith, morals cannot exist and learning is next to impossible.
Providing access to knowledge for all children and youth.
Enculturating the young in a social and political democracy. (and enculturating is a word!)
Ensure responsible stewardship of schools.
Practicing a nurturing pedagogy.
The driving force for these moral standards is faith. However, faith is something that is not allowed in the classroom in our separation of church and state society...or is it? What is faith? Faith is having a belief in something, and then acting upon that belief. Does faith have to be in a god? I maintain that is does not. Faith can be in anything you want it to be. A higher power, God, a family, a loved one, a career, money. It needs to be something that motivates you to do better and want to excel. Without this faith, morals cannot exist and learning is next to impossible.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Last of the Junior High Visits
Today was another interesting day in Middle School Land. I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Throckmorton's classroom. They were in the process of building and testing bridges. It was very interesting to see the creativity of these students and to see how their designs worked.
While observing, I noticed one student in particular who seemed to be rather rowdy and disruptive. I watched him, intrigued by his antics. I wanted to see how the instructors dealt with him. After not receiving much attention, this young man sat down to work, but was clearly far behind the other students in his construction. I decided to sit down with him and see if I could help him while also learning from him. And learn I did.
I realized that all he needed was a little guidance and assistance. I asked him what he wanted me to do and let him guide me in how I could help. As I performed the tasks, and he led, we were able to accomplish much while engaging in meaningful conversation. The main thing I gleaned from this was how essential it is to allow others room to lead and grow. If I would have just told the boy what to do, he might have resented me and not completed what he needed to. However, by letting him lead, he stepped up to the plate and performed successfully.
While observing, I noticed one student in particular who seemed to be rather rowdy and disruptive. I watched him, intrigued by his antics. I wanted to see how the instructors dealt with him. After not receiving much attention, this young man sat down to work, but was clearly far behind the other students in his construction. I decided to sit down with him and see if I could help him while also learning from him. And learn I did.
I realized that all he needed was a little guidance and assistance. I asked him what he wanted me to do and let him guide me in how I could help. As I performed the tasks, and he led, we were able to accomplish much while engaging in meaningful conversation. The main thing I gleaned from this was how essential it is to allow others room to lead and grow. If I would have just told the boy what to do, he might have resented me and not completed what he needed to. However, by letting him lead, he stepped up to the plate and performed successfully.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Missed Class
I missed a class this Tuesday. I spent my day learning all about the inner workings of America First Federal Credit Union. Anyways, I look forward to getting back into the grove of class and further my learning!
Monday, September 24, 2007
RESPECT
Respect in the classroom is essential. Why? Because as you respect the students, and they respect you, a mutual understanding occurs. They know that you are there to teach, and they are there to learn, and this facilitates a great learning environment. Also, as you have the respect of the students, you are able to have a good command of the classroom.
As I observed Mr. Anderson on Thursday, I noticed that he had the respect of his students. They really enjoyed his class and had fun. They were able to follow directions and learn. This was due to their respect of him. I hope to learn from that example, and build upon these observations.
As I observed Mr. Anderson on Thursday, I noticed that he had the respect of his students. They really enjoyed his class and had fun. They were able to follow directions and learn. This was due to their respect of him. I hope to learn from that example, and build upon these observations.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Three Person Problem
The three person problem is a method of learning developed by Walter Gong. I really enjoyed our class discussion regarding this theory and it's key parts. The key parts are as follows; purpose (of what I am learning), central message, applications, and values (my values regarding what I learned). I feel that if I can apply this method of learning into my life, I will gain, and retain, more knowledge and also improve as a person.
I have so much more that came across my mind as I pondered these things, but my mind is racing with all my other assignments at this time so I am struggling to put my thoughts down. Till next time...
I have so much more that came across my mind as I pondered these things, but my mind is racing with all my other assignments at this time so I am struggling to put my thoughts down. Till next time...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Avoid getting headaches!
The quote of the day in my Junior High Observation goes as follows: "When teaching, the most important thing to remember is to avoid getting headaches!" Mr. Walker, at Mountain Ridge Junior High, has been teaching for about 34 years and, with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face, that was his advise.
Actually I learned two important, valuable lessons. The first is to trust students. No matter what grade level or age. They are smart, and want to learn, and can do things on their own. I have an internal tendency to micromanage and I am realizing more and more the importance of not offering silver platters to students, but of the need to promote inquiry based learning.
The other lesson doesn't pertain directly to the education aspect, but in regards to interactions with people in general. It is so important to respect everyone, whether they are in Junior High, High School, Freshman year in college, or Senior year in college. Every has something they can bring to the table and we all cal build each other and lift each other up.
I had a job interview a week and a half ago in which I was asked to pick a hero and explain why. I sat back for a minute and responded with "My mission president." The main reason for this choice was his main philosophy in leadership and in teaching. He always told us to get in the trenches and lift from underneath to build others up. He showed by example that you need get your hands dirty and push from under. This is a lesson that I will never forget and will always strive to emulate.
Actually I learned two important, valuable lessons. The first is to trust students. No matter what grade level or age. They are smart, and want to learn, and can do things on their own. I have an internal tendency to micromanage and I am realizing more and more the importance of not offering silver platters to students, but of the need to promote inquiry based learning.
The other lesson doesn't pertain directly to the education aspect, but in regards to interactions with people in general. It is so important to respect everyone, whether they are in Junior High, High School, Freshman year in college, or Senior year in college. Every has something they can bring to the table and we all cal build each other and lift each other up.
I had a job interview a week and a half ago in which I was asked to pick a hero and explain why. I sat back for a minute and responded with "My mission president." The main reason for this choice was his main philosophy in leadership and in teaching. He always told us to get in the trenches and lift from underneath to build others up. He showed by example that you need get your hands dirty and push from under. This is a lesson that I will never forget and will always strive to emulate.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A sigh of relief...
Let's rewind to yesterday...(psychedelic music and shimmering screen)
I arrive home, from a good morning of classes, to my box filled apartment. It's full of boxes because I am a newlywed and we just moved in. Anyways, I have one assignment to complete for the next day. I work to clean up a little before I begin. Later in the afternoon, I sit down to finish reading the article and then do my presentation. I push and strain and stress to put together a mediocre, at best, power point on a little known application that was used to train dinosaurs in the basics of computer programming. I feel that I have fulfilled the assignment, and am happy with my work, but I am not sure if it is what Professor Geoff is looking for. Dinner time and Family Home Evening are upon me, so I leave the computer for viddles and fun. (more psychedelic music and shimmering)...
Back to today.
I woke up this morning feeling better about my presentation. I realized that I had done some research into my mindtool and that I had also put together a basic but decent power point. So off I went to class, excited but still a little nervous.
I was the second to present, and it actually went very well. At least I'd like to think so. I only had one little bump, but thanks to some help from Rachel, I survived and didn't fall flat on my face. What a relief. I have now survived my first real assignment from BYU and I am ready to tackle the next one... :)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
My Teaching Philosophy
Now don't you all go getting way excited. I am not going to reveal the secrets of my philosophy ;) I just want to put down a few ideas that I have developed from a brief examination of the concept of teaching and what it means to be a teacher.
To me, being a teacher is about facilitating learning. The burden of learning is on the student. If a traveler wants to get from point A to point B, they have many options. She can walk, run, drive, ride, fly, etc. It is up to her to choose and to follow through with her plan. A teacher is like the travel agent. His responsibility is to provide information and point the traveler in the right direction. He cannot force her to go a certain way, and he cannot make the decision to travel at all.
In forming my philosophy I will use this metaphor. I want to help "create a learning environment where students are passionate about discovery." (Brent Webb, BYU Professor; Faculty Development Seminar) Teaching is not just a job, it is not just a career, it is not just a past time. To be a teacher is one of the highest, noblest, callings in life and is, in fact, a way of life. This is a principle that I learned during my mission and has been brought to my mind today.
As a full-time missionary, I was anxiously engaged in always striving to teach others. At first it was tough, but as I worked at it, teaching others became natural and actually a desire ingrained in me. I hope to find that passion and become consumed in education.
To me, being a teacher is about facilitating learning. The burden of learning is on the student. If a traveler wants to get from point A to point B, they have many options. She can walk, run, drive, ride, fly, etc. It is up to her to choose and to follow through with her plan. A teacher is like the travel agent. His responsibility is to provide information and point the traveler in the right direction. He cannot force her to go a certain way, and he cannot make the decision to travel at all.
In forming my philosophy I will use this metaphor. I want to help "create a learning environment where students are passionate about discovery." (Brent Webb, BYU Professor; Faculty Development Seminar) Teaching is not just a job, it is not just a career, it is not just a past time. To be a teacher is one of the highest, noblest, callings in life and is, in fact, a way of life. This is a principle that I learned during my mission and has been brought to my mind today.
As a full-time missionary, I was anxiously engaged in always striving to teach others. At first it was tough, but as I worked at it, teaching others became natural and actually a desire ingrained in me. I hope to find that passion and become consumed in education.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
First Day of Classes
Wow! Today was my very first day of classes at Brigham Young University. What a drastic change from my classes at The State University of New York at Purchase College. Classes at Purchase were excellent but the environment was completely different. Let me talk about those classes for a bit.
The professors at Purchase are 80% working professionals; which on one hand is great because they have lots of experience in the theatre world, but on the other hand, it also means that they have the professional theatre mentality. This includes an overwhelming amount of crudeness, profanity, and every man for himself/ dog-eat-dog mentality. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot from my classes. I loved them, but the prospect of one day working in that environment was not one that caused me much excitement. The head of my program, who also happened to be my advisor, gave me some great advice. He told me at the end of every day to ask myself this question, "Am I being true to myself and what I believe." If I was unable to answer this in the affirmative, then I needed to change. Nothing else mattered except being true to my beliefs.
That advice helped to bring me to where I am today. It is amazing to me that in a collegiate setting, or any educational setting for that matter, the gospel can be so closely integrated with classes and the curriculum. Sitting in my first class today affirmed that this is where I should be and where I can answer truthfully and positively that I am being true to myself and to my values.
The professors at Purchase are 80% working professionals; which on one hand is great because they have lots of experience in the theatre world, but on the other hand, it also means that they have the professional theatre mentality. This includes an overwhelming amount of crudeness, profanity, and every man for himself/ dog-eat-dog mentality. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot from my classes. I loved them, but the prospect of one day working in that environment was not one that caused me much excitement. The head of my program, who also happened to be my advisor, gave me some great advice. He told me at the end of every day to ask myself this question, "Am I being true to myself and what I believe." If I was unable to answer this in the affirmative, then I needed to change. Nothing else mattered except being true to my beliefs.
That advice helped to bring me to where I am today. It is amazing to me that in a collegiate setting, or any educational setting for that matter, the gospel can be so closely integrated with classes and the curriculum. Sitting in my first class today affirmed that this is where I should be and where I can answer truthfully and positively that I am being true to myself and to my values.
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