Through the Looking Glass: The World of Education

Immigration

2006-03-28T21:59:00.000-06:00

Today's discussion=intense...I will say that. Mostly we were discussing the result of undocumented persons working, living, and experiencing life in the United States. Because immigration laws have been in the news lately...we discussed the effect that these laws and changes will have on the education system. I will admit that I had a very shallow view about immigration while I was in highschool...and I have been changing and developing my view point on this subject. Even having the literature circle give such a moving report about a first hand experience on the struggle of crossing boarders. I always thought that "illegal immigrants" stole meaningful jobs away from U.S. citizens. I believed that they should learn ways of the U.S. and mainstream into society...boy I sound shallow. I am still jealous of the fact that I never had a multicultural education...and I thank my mom and dad for allowing me to venture out and actually learn. I have matured so much on my experience with immigrants. Esepecially when discussing today with the fact that families would sometimes be split up when trying to become a U.S. citizen.

Why not give them a chance to continue to work...learn...they obviously fought to get to the U.S. for a reason. Sometimes I believe that citizens forget the passion that this country can have...and having to hear from an undocumented person about the passion of our own country...is kind of ironic. The people of which have to deal with these unfortunate instances do work jobs that most middle class Americans refuse to work...and they stimulate the economy. Too bad that there isn't some program to help these people become citizens while they are helping the U.S. There obviously isn't an easy answer to this problem...because there would already be a solution. However...I agree with Dr. W that the children of these undocumented persons are suffering because of their lack of papers. It is sad to know that children are suffering because of the difficulty the parents have in getting citizenship.

I just feel like that this society...even though we have issues in our education system...it does open many opportunities for people. My grandmother immigrated to the U.S. by herself when she was a teenager from Europe and the education system helped her become the amazing woman that she was. I just am ashamed that we deny this to many children...because of the the difficulty the parents face due to the lack of papers...sheets of paper...

This was kind of an angry reflection...I just am so passionate about this...because it is upsetting. And yet...I am still confused...it will be interesting to see what the government does...and where this problem goes.

Where to Begin?

2006-03-09T14:47:00.000-06:00

So I have definitely slacked on my postings...and there is no excuse but that of midterms. However...I am a responsible adult (considering) and will take the consequences of my mistake. So...I have a lot I have written in my notebook and observation book...so I do believe this will be a HUGE post!!!

First of all, I would like to reflect on what I have learned in my Educ. class. On 3/2...another literature circle presented. The group presented the novel Dreamkeepers which is about successful strategies for teaching African American children. I plan on renting this book from my library during a break...because it seems very interesting and contributes to valid points that I agreed with throughout the presentation.

One of the facts that the group presented was the fact that there is usually a high drop out rate and behavior problems of African American children. Though some people may believe this is do to lack of intelligence among the students, however, these statistics really...as Billings stated...are a result to poor teaching methods in which the students become bored. They feel they have better things to do, other things to do, and end up not choosing school.

Another significant point the group brought up was that African Americans perform better in private schools. I would believe that because I know a lot of people who would benefit from smaller classrooms, smaller community, more unity, etc. However, I feel that we can strive to have similar classroom settings no matter if the school is public or private. As teachers, I feel we should be able to create a community in which everyone can achieve success.

Another aspect of the novel that I learned was the three basic teaching strategies:

Acceleration-When one teaches with culture, however it may not be everyone's.
Resocialization-When the teacher mainstreams all cultural behavior.
Capitalizing-When everyone can relate to their own culture.

Capitalizing has a majority to do with cultural relevance, another term in the novel. Cultural relevance is the ability to succeed in school without mainstreaming thoughts and beliefs. This allows the student to relate and identify with themselves while learning. Without cultural relevance, students see distorted views (or even nonexistent views) of culture.

Another thing that I feel was very important in the presentation was the fact that teaching should be a practice...not a curriculum. This, I believe, allows the classroom to be a very relaxing learning environment where both the student and teachers can learn. This is when education can contribute the most.

Finally, Dreamkeepers mentioned as teachers, we cannot confuse equality with sameness. The education process is effected by how teacher see themselves, their students, their students' parents, and the community. As future educators, we have to realize and acknowledge differences, because no one is the same. However, we still have the opportunity to treat equal...despite the differences.

In class on 3/7, we were supposed to discuss Nieto, Chapters 8 and 9. However, Dr. Winters really was curious about how our field work was going. It was great being able to hear from my peers their experiences, because I hardly get to check out their websites because I am never at the computer, but it was nice to discuss them. It is always fun to hear stories that happen during the day. Or the cute substitutes that we get at the junior high!!! Haha...just kidding...
But I couldn't be happier with my class. I really hope that I am doing an adequate job...the kids respect me however they trust me at the same time. I love hearing about what they are up to...my class is SO ecclectic. Lately, we have been learning about the Spanish culture...and I feel like I am contributing a lot. I spoke Spanish in high school, and was part of the Spanish Honor Society as well as tutored first year students. So, I was kind of excited when Ms. H asked me to help teach words, conversations, and read stories to the class. It was fun having them repeat after me and try to pronounce the bizarre words. My favorite was when I was teaching them a basic conversation, one of the boys C___, was so excited that he wanted to volunteer and talk with me infront of the entire class. He, however, got very flustered and forgot all the words. I then had to remind him and whisper to him what to say next...it was adorable. Plus, they always ask me if I could speak in another language. I have been fortunate to know sign language and now I speak German too, so they always ask me to teach them a new word or phrase!!!

The other day, we were writing poems. Since it is Women's History Month, we have been reading a lot of works by women. Lately, they have been studying Nikki Giovanni and her beautiful poems. One poem that they learned was her short poem about Knoxville, Tennessee. In this poem, she lists her favorite aspects of summer in her hometown. Everyone then, had to write a poem, implicating the style of the author. I came up with one too!!!

I always like dancing best...
spinning
jumping
feeling weightless
breathing hard
understanding poise balanced on your toes
strength
power
leaps and turns
espressing movement
elongated muscles placed specifically
writing a story to music...

Ok...so it isn't good...but it was fun. Plus...the students all got to share what they had written as well. One boy was witty and explained he"liked sleep best"...haha.

But...I couldn't be happier with my class. I enjoy helping so much...and I love going to my Tues. and Thur. ed classes. I really do...I always find what happens interesting...and I continue to learn. I really am happy that I am in this program...and I can't wait to grow even more. When I presented my culture project...I loved it. I love sharing...I love learning...and I got a rush standing infront of a group of people. I have missed that...

Now that I have gotten all mushy-gooshy...I will call this an end to this post for now.

School Antics

2006-02-27T22:44:00.000-06:00

Bullying, teasing, belittling, the day by day process of students. How is it that these children learn anything but hate and pressure. I do not remember any of my school years sorrounded by so much annoyance. Even my supervisor, Ms. H, notices the pain that these students inflict on one another. It is another day in the life of a student at my school...self defense. Someone says something rude...only to be responded with another rude comment. How do these students learn in such a negative environment? It still baffles me why children are so commonly rude to eachother.

My favorite is that a girl was talking to me and she simply said, "I don't want to be mean, but..." then she said something very hurtful about a boy in the class. If she doesn't want to be mean...then why does she have to say that statement first? I have even asked a child why everyone likes to tease another. He simply said, "Thats what we do." However, does it make that ok...or am I overreacting...because it seems natural for them to quickly respond with a come-back...but is that how society has changed. That one must respond to negative connotations all the time? End of rant...

Some positives of the day...I was able to help teach Spanish to the Round Table class today. This week...they are learning about Mexico. I took spanish a lot in high school and belonged the spanish honor society. I just forgot...how teaching a foreign language can be a little difficult to those who have never spoken it before. Ms. H even let me teach a little conversation (Como estas? Bien...y tu?) and went over the required list. I like how the students were so passionate about learning something so exoctic...such as a new language. For them...a student said...is so unreachable. Being that very few have ever traveled outside of the country...that they are really enjoying learning about different cultures. I am just glad that they WANT to learn of another language...I just think that learning it at a younger age is more helpful...plus...more fun. I however never had the opportunity to learn another language until my freshman year in highschool...and felt very behind. So this...is a good way to get the children interested in maybe furthuring their studies in a certain language.

Another aspect of the classroom that I would like to discuss is the lack of preparedness among the students. Even my supervisor has discussed this with the class...she continually has to REMIND them to do everything. Take out paper and pen, sit down, turn in homework, take a test that was missed, remind those of missed work, take your coat to your locker, don't sit on the desk top...constant reminders that I would have believed to have been learned already. Simple stuff...such as being prepared to class by bringing in the right books and notebooks. Having a pencil...I know occasionally one forgets something...but the same people forget and continually waste Ms. H's time by distracting the class. This is the reason why the team has decided to intensify the punishments...such as no more warnings...straight detentions. When does one learn the skills of being prepared. I mean...in highschool...the teachers expect you to have everything ready for class...but when did we learn that. As students...when did it become expected to rely on ourselves?

I asked some friends when they thought they became prepared, responsible, dependent students. I question when teachers stopped asking them to take notes...when it was just expected as students we should take notes...or turn in homework? The majority of my friends said that this required of them by 5th grade. That they just assumed...that they should be ready. That the teachers never requested them to take out their notebooks...or homework...or textbooks. But then again...children usually don't have a syllabus until highschool...but still. Wouldn't you have the proper materials in class...so it would be easily prepared? Maybe I am being to harsh...but I believe the students are being babied...that it is ok to continually forget or be unprepared for class. That is just my opinion, but I can tell that the majority of the teachers that I have seen...are quite annoyed for the constant reminding to the students.

McCarthy & McCarty

2006-02-23T16:42:00.000-06:00

"Legal directives pertaining to schools are likely to increase in number and complexity."

Really...I had to laugh extremely hard at this quote from McCarthy...because there are so many legal directives already. It is a little overwhelming...because being a student you take all that for granted. The only responsibility the student has is to show up...but there are so many things that the teachers are responsible for. And for McCarthy to say that things will only become more complex...is just insane...but I guess as more cases come up in the legal systems between disputes between teachers and students, parents, communities, schools, etc...I guess the list will continue to grow of warnings and precautions for future educators.

Some things that I found fascinating...

"The law is well established that public school teachers do not have a right to determine the content of the instructional program."

I guess I always realized this while attending schools...but I didn't know that it would have an effect on me until recently. Some of my friends...who are also future educators...talk about what THEY want to teach...and why. What they are not going to teach....so on and so forth. But after reading this journal...that doesn't seem like an option any more. Of course...some teachers that I had were able to teach all the requirements...and then one or two projects that they want to discuss. But this more refers to the next statement.

"While public school teachers are not empowered to determine the public school curriculum, courts have been receptive to teachers' assertions that they retain some discretion in choosing strategies to convey the prescribed content."

So this is where the loophole comes in for many teachers. That they were able to discuss what they wanted to...but through a required curriculum. I know that I had a teacher...which had to discuss a certain type of literature...which she hated and seemed like a waste of time to her...but used one of her favorite kinds of literature to compare how certain things continue in education...so we had to then comapre and contrast the required curriculum and the teacher's preferred curriculum. She met the requirements of the district...but through her wanted program.

I know another thing that is sometimes a thin line for teachers is student discipline. Even though the state establishes theachers so they are in loco parentis (in place of parent) during the time that the students are present at the school...there seems to be many struggles between what is appropriate discipline and what is not. Mostly agreed...that the punishment should be appropriate to the student's offense...but isn't that very much subjective? This is where a lot of educators get in trouble...because some parents believe that discipline should come from the household...and that it is not the schools, administrators, or staffs place to discipline their kids.

But then...when teachers are frowned upon for disciplining children...they are then found next liable for injuries...and blamed that it is their fault for damages. Funny...that parents can be hypocritical. Of course I believe the educators should enforce safe environments...I just found it odd that some people are saying that teachers should not discipline pupils but then are found guilty of situations when students become injured.

The last thing that I would like to contemplate is that of teacher termination. I understand that teachers are required to fulfill the required probation period...two to three years depending on the school district...and then recieved the tenured contract. However...I just believe that there are too many loopholes for teachers in a tenured contract. I had a teacher once...who did bare requirement for the curriculum...barely did a thing in his class. Sometimes he would be so lazy and just say, "...I don't even care because I am tenured and there is nothing they can do..." even when we complained...parents and students alike...nothing happened. So...for some cases...the only way you can get fired is if you do something absolutely terrible to a student...or fellow staff member. Because...there were many cases where tenured adults got away with the bare minimum requirements. Even though the law states that they can be fired for incompetency, neglect, immorality, insubordination...but again I feel that this is all subjective and presumely different per school district.

Overall...I have to continue studying these legal laws. There is a lot of information...and it is kind of depressing that teachers don't get the respect they used to. I remember my grandmother discussing what an honor it was...and how much she was respected. Lately...it just seems like teachers have to walk on egg shells...

Koinichiwa!!!

2006-02-20T18:01:00.000-06:00

Today's round table was the beginning of my team's multicultural presentations. The first group to go was Japan. They taught the classes how to say certain school words, objects, requests, greetings, and other fun terms in Japanese. The funny thing is...the classes actually have to learn them and use them. If a kid would like to use the restroom...they have to ask in Japanese. The same thing for if they want to borrow a pencil...say hell...excuse me...I think it is fun. Plus...learning a language is so exoctic and different. I had a girl ask me if I spoke other languages and I responded that I did...German. Well...some of German...and some sign language. For kids not sorrounded by different languages...they are amused, entertained, and fascinated. They were going around all day saying Japanese words...not even in context...but just speaking the language. Also, another thing that I experienced was their lack of fear. As students tend to get older...they don't participate in class when they are not sure of an answer. Such as language classes...I am in one right now and I have noticed...that those who are unsure of pronunciation or what not...they don't even try and pronounce it. They just ask to be told...as opposed to sounding it out. The kids at school today...would say the word over and over again...even when it was wrong...with force and pride, until they pronounced it right. It made me laugh...because some kids would come up to me "What am I saying, Ms. Y...what am I saying?"...and try and get me to guess wrong. It was way too much fun. I am excited for my class to present. They will be doing Swahili from Kenya. I like learning from these students. They are definitely an ecclectic group of characters!!!

One girl that I would like to discuss is having a rough time. I forgot how education...is not always the first priority for some students. I had the blessing of both parents, and their encouragement of education. However, T__ is way from being like me. She shows up randomly to school....here and there...no pattern. I asked her how her weekend went and she told me not so well. I asked her what could be better...and she told me this story. Her mom is recently in the hospital...and she lives with her parents (mom and dad) and her uncle...and fellow siblings. She said that her dad works all the time...and her uncle is lazy. She said that she didn't even have time to do her hair this morning because she had to wake up her uncle...wake up "her kids"...and cook breakfast for them. I thought it most interesting how she calls her siblings, her kids. I could not imagine having that type of pressure on me as a 13 year old girl. I am amazed that she is able to get any homework done at all. She discusses how she is always taking care of the family...because she is the oldest. She tells me stories of how happy she is when she gets to visit her grandparents...because she is removed from that parenting responsibility. But she did tell me about her counselors that are helping her...so she is getting help. But it is still unfortunate...that she cannot enjoy the fact that she is a kid right now. However...she is strong...and proud of her family. I admire her stamina a lot...especially for her realistic viewpoints. But it reminds me...that not every student comes from the same household. Some kids cannot help but not do their homework...because of other responsibilities that weren't their's to begin with. I just fascinates me...that she is playing mother so young.

Life In Schools

2006-02-17T20:13:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, another Literature Circle presented their book. I feel like I will have to read this book myself because I felt like they couldn't present all the important facts presented in the book. Also, most of the terms and ideas were new to me so it would most likely be very helpful. I really enjoy watching my peers present, I learn a lot from them because they have somewhat the same amazement as me in the subject. I feel that, even though we have different backgrounds and different ideas, we are still starting at the beginning and learning together. I thought they did a very good job with the presentation, it must have been a tough read, but very interesting.

Something that I noticed today. Just in my class...I would like to see how things are in other classes and settings, but I keep talking about these commercials the kids are developing. Well today...I had to video-tape them and I must say I noticed something funny. While the groups are well dispersed, male-female, friends and strangers, I found this interesting observation as I watched each group work. The groups with a female, finished and made decisions. Every group that I worked with that was just male, didn't have a leader, were very passive about what was being done. But the groups with a girl in it...the girl would usually take charge, decide what would be done, set a time line, and decided a lot of the final ideas. The weird thing is, I saw this in atleast 5 groups. The same thing happened. The boys were very submissive about what was being done, and the girls would be more ready to get stuff done. This is quite the opposite of what I experienced as a student in junior high. The groups that I was put in...the boys would push aside the girls. They would say that we couldn't comprehend or develop a well enough project to agree with them. So, as a female, I found it kind of interesting because I was always passed over in groups because I was the "smart, quiet girl" and the boys would take control. I remember Dr. W discussing this with us once, how in later generations they have been trying to teach more towards the girl and the boys have been left behind. Is this what I witnessed today? Is this what has happened, the girls are becoming more forward and aggresive when it comes to education while the boys hide? Interesting...just a little topic that I think I would like to look into.

Some Observations

2006-02-15T14:47:00.000-06:00

Monday...I was helping some students with an assignment. One of the students that I was working with was having a difficult time. She could think fast on her feet, and tell me what she wanted to write...however...she would forget what she wanted to write when she put her pencil to the paper. She also writes very slow...taking her time on every stroke of each individual letter. So...to help her organize her ideas...i asked her to write down the main points that she wanted to express when she was writing an answer while she was talking to me. Not in complete sentences...but just notes. This seemed to help her...but I thought it fascinating because the majority of the kids that I have worked with...I found the complete opposite. That they had a hard time organizing their thoughts into oral speech...but were great at portraying thoughts and ideas on paper. I wonder why this is. Maybe she has always had the opportunity to speak her mind...or had situations where she had to be quick on her feet when it came to words. But I enjoy working with her...she is witty and always looks at things from new perspectives.

Tuesday...we discussed Immigrant Children and The American Project by Orozco. One of the questions raised by our class was what was acultralization of America? This is such a good question because America is a vast melting pot of culture. Everyone is different and has been brought up from different backgrounds. I find it interesting that those children that continue to speak their native tongue at home, learn faster and just as well as English speaking children because of the emersion of the language. My personal beliefs, I feel that those who are bilingual or even trilingual by the time they start learning English, have better opportunities. I found my peers' stories of children in their own schools fascinating. How some teachers gave up on the student because they believed there was no hope...how they give them unfair activities to do while they continue to teach other people...and mostly how some teachers just refuse to do anything about the difference. I believe that these teachers, first of all are thrown into a situation they don't know how to deal with, but also don't put a lot of effort out to help the child. I don't know...maybe its because in my highschool when we had Vietnamese children transfer to the school...a teacher had a friend who spoke the language and hired her personally to help tutor the kids. Plus, they all then shared the culture with the rest of the class...learning the language, sharing foods, etc. Who knows...maybe I just believe in the good and kindness of people and that I believe that we should help others to the best of our abilities. And to judge another who doesn't speak our language, or such, seems to be a little immature and off base.

Today...Ms. H was not at school...so she had written to the substitute that I would be able to handle a lot of the class. Mostly roundtable discussion and helping again. But it was fun!!! I got to talk to a lot of students that normally don't talk to me...and I got to help encourage some students working on a Kenyan flag, plus talk to a very introverted individual about books, because he happened to be reading one of my favorite authors. So it was a very relaxing morning. Plus...I feel like I am contributing to the learning of the classroom. There were discipline issues today....but every time I politely and calmly asked the student to do something, without singling them out, they would do it right away. I had one student fall asleep today in the middle of the lesson...I just casually walked by and woke him up without anyone really watching. Then I had a bunch of girls passing notes to eachother and giggling...I just simply asked them if they could do that at a later time...and they responded with a sorry and put the notes away. It is funny though...because a lot of the kids do stuff that they think no one can see them do...but I know for a fact that Ms. H sees them do it and I see them do it. It is just whether or not the teacher decides to act on it. But they think they can get away with a lot of stuff...but they don't!!!

Taking a Dive..Into Deep Philosophies

2006-02-09T17:29:00.000-06:00

I was very new to the subjects discussed in class today. This blog, I want to try and reflect on what we talked about and then, develop an understanding. Today, I was introduced to three philosophies of education. I was introduced to epistemology, metaphysics, and axiology. I learned the that epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge. How do we know what we know? What and who is it that decides what forms of knowledge is more important than another? Who decides what is WORTH knowing...and what is worthy to be learned? Then I learned that metaphysics is the reality of education. What is real? A main point that Dr. W brought up is what one child's reality may be may not in return be another's. Then finally, axiology, which is the study of values. What are values and how do teachers deal with ethics and aesthetics?

Obviously, this is a lot to take in. I sometimes have a hardtime sorting through everything because it is all new. But, I want to try and develop my own understanding about the philosophies of education.

First of all, epistemology. How do we know what we know and how do WE as humans determine what is important to learn? I believe that any knowledge is important. Whether it be the ability to learn how to tie a shoe to the difficult understandings of quantum phyisics. I don't really believe there is an accurate way to measure knowledge, or decide which is more important. One cannot speculate that one corps subject is any more important than another. Plus, everyone is different, and individual, and their own values (morals, ethics, beliefs, etc.) may push them to study something that they believe to be more important to them.

Meaphysics...what is reality? What is real in the process of learning? How do we as teachers comprehend what is reality not only to one student but to a classroom? Becaus I believe in what Dr. W said...one reality to one individual may be a deception to another. How do we portray the truths of education?

Finally, there is axiology...the study of values. Of course, everyone's values are going to be a little different. But at the same time, it reminds me of Dewey's philosophy of education and how he talks about how we should start from the home life. That we should start with the values of what the students have already learned and build on that. In addition, how do we as educators bring our own values into the classroom? Well...we have to concentrate what is in the best interest of the children. We have to understand that we cannot enforce our own beliefs on our pupils...but live by example and answer questions.

I understand what the philosophies are talking about...but at the same time I need to do more research on these subject matters. This is where my weakness lies because I have never had the opportunity to learn philosophical purposes. But...I feel with more readings, more reflection time, and more hands on experience in this subject matter, then I will be able to better comprehend these terms. But this is my first attempt...

BEHIND!!!!!

2006-02-08T21:42:00.000-06:00

I have fallen behind on my blogging...and it just so happens to be from the fact that I haven't been around a computer in a while...and luckily have been writing everything down in my notebook...but tonight...I will make up for it!!!

Friday 2/3
First of all...in Round Table Ms. H wanted to play a game with her students. I love how she comes up with creative ideas that get her class involved with not only her, but eachother. This reminds me of what Dewey has to say...how educators should start with what the students know...and she created a fun game called class juggling. This game...as I assumed from the directions and observations...was to teach the class not only how to pay attention to one's own actions...but also notice the people around them too. It consisted of tossing objects to one another...but you had to remember who you tossed it to and always toss to the same person. But the hard part was...there were about 5 other objects flying along as well. It taught the kids that they had to pay attention and know whether their partner was ready as well as pay attention to catch something as well. At first it was mass chaos...because the kids enjoyed chucking objects at eachother...but they soon got into the game...making eye contact...paying attention...and actually achieving the goal. Ms. H and I had an awesome time playing with them...but its funny because I like to analyze actions and moments. It is funny that this game was only fun for them...but they didn't realize the important lessons they were learning from it. Patience, taking turns, multitasking, and so many other important aspects.
Then following Round Table...was my english class. It was very different because they had an ice cream party...at 8:15 in the morning...talk about sugar rush!!! I got to help them scoop ice cream and clean up. It was fun...because I would talk to the students...ask them what their FAVORITE ice cream was...and tried to interest them into conversations...the boys aren't very talkative...its kind of funny. They get very shy around me...they all of a sudden stop talking. The girls on the other hand...won't stop talking to me!!! But I got to give the spelling test today...and I know that it sounds funny...but I felt so important =)!!! I was glad to be able to help Ms. H while she was having to carry items to the kitchen...the students respected me...and they followed the rules. I know...I get very excited for silly stuff like that...I am just so passionate about this...I don't take anything for granted!!!

Monday 2/6
Then going along with the english class...they have been discussing the importance of propaganda with advertisements...and as a project, the teacher assigned the children into groups that would collaborate their own commercial...tape it and present it to the class. I was able to help a group today...and I forgot how easily distracted girls become when CREATING something. The group that I was working with was an all girl group who wanted to sell clothes. I had to continually remind them that they had a timeline they needed to complete and constantly keep them on track. If I hadn't been there...what would they have accomplished? One girl in the group...I actually work with a lot on homework...because it seems that she can't do things by herself. Ms. H told me that she would like to see her be more independent and rely on herself...but even when working on homework with her...I have to remind her to actually DO it even when Ms. H mentions it to her first. I try not to be like, "do this...do that" but just be there if she needs help...but the help she needs is to learn to take initiative for herself. Not to mention...the group of girls were being very rude to eachother...everyone had great ideas and they couldn't compromise anything...or agree on anything. It was awkward because it was their project...and I didn't want to change what they had...but offer tips. But it was fun...and I liked working with them...and I think they enjoyed having me help them.
Another thing that happened was discussing how literature is a never ending circle. Ms. H brought a childrens book in...which dealt with the same (well not the same, but similar) themes and motives as the novel Animal Farm. I loved that novel when I was in junior high and I was excited to see it still in the curriculum...but it is a difficult book to get through. So...for help, Ms. H brought in this childrens book that had a similar character synopsis and plot. It was amazing...because the students were passionate more about the children's book because they UNDERSTOOD all of it...and then they were very passionate about finding connections with the harder novel. It was a lot of fun too...especially being able to work with a couple of students one-on-one who were VERY talkative about it...and going off one another about themes, motives, characters, symbolism...haha...I'm an english nut!!!

Tuesday 2/7
Today was the first literature circle presentation...and I must say that I give props to my peers. First of all...to be first is always nerve racking because you have no one to base ideas off of...but it was well thought of and executed. I took a lot of notes...and I wrote down the titles of Kozol's other books because I might go rent them from the library. The novel was Savage and Equalities and what I recieved out of the presentation was the fact how finances really play a huge role in the quality of education. The group kept saying that there was a "Correlation but not a representation" of finances and success in schools. Which I definitely agree with. I come from a very rural town...where over 2/3 of the classes offered at my highschool are for agriculture...which there is nothing wrong with that. But...we were also not that fortunate when it came to money. More fortunate than others...by far...but still...budgets were tight. However...I will give it to our school who just a recieved a HUGE grant for vocational classes. This was such a blessing for my mom...because she is a teacher for the hearing impaired at the school...and it will really benefit her class. The technology at my school is not good...it is just old, falling apart, and so many other things are wrong. And my mom suffers for it...not subtitles for documentaries, video, computer, programs...and so many other issues. However...with this grant...my mother is able to purchase a wonderful new program that will allow SO MANY WONDERFUL opportunities for her students. A program that you wear a microphone...speak...and a computerized person will sign FOR YOU!!! This will be wonderful for speakers...and for substitutes...parents who can't sign. My mom was crying when she found out the news...it is a $5000 dollar program...and it will benefit the entire school as well as the classroom. Even though she was getting along without the program...it is amazing how much more successful her students will become with the opportunity with this fancial grant. It was still amazing to hear the group talk about how horrible conditions were for some students. It is very devastating to know that peers around the country are suffering so much from the lack of funds. Not even lack of funds...but like what my peers said...funds spent towards renovations and maintenance as opposed to educational needs. Even though money shouldn't make that much of a difference...I would be a fool to deny the fact that it does. Money does make a difference...and that is sad.

Wednesday 2/8
I went and observed again today...and it was still amazing. I would like to talk about the multicultural program that my classes will be participating in with other students. Each class has a country, and a week dedicated to that country where they will be visiting other classrooms to teach them about the language, culture, society, economy, politics, and so many other aspects. I am SO EXCITED because I get to help. My class will be doing Kenya and I am excited because I don't really know that much about that country, so I will be learning with the kids. But I am ecstatic about this program. I think it is a great way to get kids involved with eachother...learning about different cultures...with hands-on activities. I remembered how much I hated learning about another country by reading about it...I wanted to experience it. Plus...the school has so much help from the universities that speakers will be coming in as well as international students. I am very jealous!!! I wish I had the opportunity to experience education this way...they get to share clothing, and food, language and society. It should be really exciting. I just hope that I am able to help out as well...but my class will become actors and actresses...becoming and representing the people of that country. I can't wait to write about it and how it turns out...it will make a great reflection topic!!!

So this is to catch me up on my blogging...I am excited for class tomorrow because we will be discussing linguistic diversity in classrooms and overall achievement of education. I am more excited to see what my peers say about achievement in the classroom!!! Until tomorrow!!!

The Motherload...

2006-02-02T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today's class=intense...wow there were cerainly a lot of subjects that we needed to cover today. Mostly we discussed how race is socially constructed. How it has no biological significance and only relies on a subjective view. We also discussed as a class how some racism is self-imposed, while most of it is society imposed.

Another subject that bothers me was the discussion about equal opportunities does not mean equal outcomes. And this is so true in our society...and it is equally upsetting about how true its is. It goes as far back as to the times of seperate but equal...but things weren't equal.

Another fact that we discussed was the difference between integration and desegregation. The fact that desegregation is forced...and integration is voluntary. I will admit to my ignorance about this...I really had not paid attention to the difference here...but there is a HUGE difference.

Also...we were posed all these questions today...and they are NOT easy to answer. While developing my philosophy of education...I have contemplated many of these questions...and still are trying to form an answer.

1) What should the purposes of education be?
2) What is the nature of knowledge?
3) What values should students adopt?
4) What knowlege is of most worth?
5) How should learning be evaluated?

As one can see...we discussed a variety of problems, situations, cases, and asked a lot of questions today. My favorite phrase, "not gonna lie"...I wish class was longer today. I felt that we had approached a lot of issues and questions...but left too soon before we could really express everything. These are difficult subjects...one can easily stew over them for quite sometime...but as future educators...it is our jobs to conitnually question these standards...and question ourselves. Not in a bad way...but for the better development of society.

Culture and Diversity

2006-02-01T12:01:00.000-06:00

Happy February...and by the excitement of today's class...everyone is thrilled for valentines day, birthdays, a day off I think is coming up...but Ms. H brought about another event that happens in February. Black History Month...so the class then discussed why it is important to have this...and what they learn about it.

I enjoyed hearing about how different ways the students learned about things. One girl explained that in her old school...they were assigned a historical figure...where they would research them, dress like them, and act as if they were that person. Then...everyone involved in the project would stand in line...as younger children were brought in to view the living examples of the historical figures. I thought that is such an amazing idea...especially being able to get everyone involved. My supervisor also discussed the importance of why we celebrate black history...and my class was very talkative about it. It was however kind of interesting...because Ms. H then mentioned Womens History Month...and a boy responded..."Why do we need that?"...followed by a bunch of cheers and claps from the other boys. Ms. H then tried to explain for the same reason why we celebrate any historical movement or figure...to learn of the struggles and achievements of people.

Today...unfortunately...was kind of a boring day. We did a lot of lessons. I did however get to contribute my two cents...being able to walk arounf the classroom...answer questions with students...and also worked with three others by myself. Everything is pretty routine...but I feel like I am contributing to the classroom...and helping out. When Ms. H is busy...I am able to go around and help people so she doesn't get distracted. Today...someone accidentally knocked her coffee on her desk...spilling all over paperwork and binders...books and her computer. I was then also able to help her clean up...and see if she needed anymore help.

This is all I have right now...I am really exhausted and will probably write more later...but I'm going to take a nap...

Standards...so many

2006-01-31T17:32:00.000-06:00

My definition of standards for education, teachers, and students...as well as administration, the government, the state and nation is based on a set and established rules set by authority figures that measure quality, quantity, value and extent. Today in class...we discussed set standards a little more.

The reason for our assignment today...was not only help us apply technology, our professional development, and collaboration...but it was also to help us develop our own standards. Our class also learned that we have to be careful when discussing our standards and we have to specify the classification of standards we wish to discuss. I knew of two standards that were discussed today...however there were two others that I hadn't really payed attention to...I guess.

1) Content Standards-This refers to subject matter.
What do we want our students to know about the taught subjects.

2) Performance Standards-Measures level of achievement of content standards.

3) Opportunity-What use of materials do we have so students can have maximum chances
to learn.
Clean, quality, safe environments.
Adequate teachers...should be useful sources.

4) World Class-Standards that should be applicable to all students in an industrialized nation.

I guess by learning these four groups of standards...I can then start developing those standards as well as my own. Sometimes...I feel standards are forcelly set on passing the test...being taught to the test. And it amazes me that this type of education is still used when it robs students of a real education. My standards will be to teach to learn...not teach to memorize info so they can regurgitate it back on a blank sheet of paper. I believe as a nation, we need to reevaluate the set standards...because it seems to be setting an argument across the nation. There has to be a better way to produce well educated children...other than giving the information and hoping they can spit it back out. There are so many different standards...and so many personal standards.

I Can't Do It...

2006-01-30T23:44:00.000-06:00

Today in class...I was helping a student with her homework...a vocabulary lesson with some difficult instructions. Seriously...who made those books up? I even had to reread some instructions to make sure I was answering everything that needed to be covered. Back to the student...

She wanted to go over every exercise to make sure she understood all the problems. I would explain the exercise then ask her if she needed any more information...followed by then asking her if she would demonstrate a problem in each exercise to make sure that she understood. She felt confident when she left...and understood all the problems. I didn't even need to help her that much...just explain some difficult directions. However...within fifteen minutes of me helping her...I hear her scream, "I can't do it!!!" Now...not only was this discouraging to her...but also to me...because she understood everything when I helped her...and I made sure that she was able to do every problem by herself without my influence...but she then said this. It reminded me of a song from the musical The Producers...where a cooky producer tries to create a scheme with a cowardly clerk. Some lyrics...to the song "We Can Do It"

MAX:

Oh ye of little faith.

What did Lewis say to Clark

When everything looked bleak?

What did Sir Edmund say to Tenzing

As they struggled toward Everest's peak?

What did Washington say to his troops

As they crossed the Delaware

I'm sure you're well aware...

LEO:

What'd they say?

MAX:

We can do it, we can do it

We can do it, me and you

We can do it, we can do it

We can make our dreams come true

Everything you've ever wanted

Is just waiting to be had

I know they are somewhat silly lyrics...but I think that it pertains to what I am writing about. It is in a different sense...and different situation...age...and what not...but I believe the only thing lacking both people is confidence. However, where does the confidence need to come from. I feel as teachers...we need to critique and evaluate student work...but I also believe that students will feel held back if they are continually criticized.

In this song...the teacher is Max...where he points out his cowardly friend's good attributes and says that he is not alone. With companionship, cooperativeness, and collaboration Max explains that Leo can succeed and become a great producer. Just like the classroom...through communicative lessons with the teacher...the student can feel comfortable to learn and feel successful. This is when the student can say, "I CAN do it..."

Some Gifted Advice

2006-01-29T23:21:00.000-06:00

I opened the book...as it was laying on my desk. Late at night...skimming the brightly reflective pages with dark words. Noticing the little things that I had passed so many times...
It describes multicultural education...critical pedagogy...diversity...and discusses so many other important aspects of our schools today. But that one page...made me smile and encourages me for future generations. It wasn't a series of case studies...or acknowlegements of other projects...but simply a list of wishes that students gave as a gift...to their student teacher. The gift of advice while pursuing a career in education...with the goals, dreams, and wishes of young children.
1) Teach us as much as you can.
2) Give us homework.
3) Help us when we have problems with our work.
4) Help us when we have problems with other kids.
5) Help us do the right thing.
6) Help us make a family in school.
7) Read books to us.
8) Teach us to read.
9) Help us to write about faraway places.
10) Give us lots of compliments, like "Oh, that's so beautiful!"
11) Smile at us.
12) Take us for walks and on trips.
13) Respect us.
14) Help us get our education.

This simple list made by children...is what I wish to sometime give to a classroom. I will be teaching a different age level...but I feel that most of these wishes and dreams apply to a student through their entire career. Especially the last two demands on the list. To be respected and feel they have a say in the classroom...and finally the last demand. To HELP get them an education...by mentoring, advising, describing, and hopefully giving them insight to a world of opportunity. A world of education...of non-stop learning and teaching. I want to teach as much as I can and know...and engage everyone in learning.

Artist=Creativity

2006-01-29T20:32:00.000-06:00

While reading our mission statement as future educators... again I came upon the word artist. First of all...what is an artist? I believe an artist is one who practices, develops, shares, and expresses themselves through creative forms. Which brings me to another point. While reading Sonia Nieto...one of her case study projects, a student shares that she believes that,

"...you have to be creative to be a teacher. You have to make it interesting. You can't just go in and say, 'Yeah, I'm going to teach the kids just that; I'm gonna teach them right out of the book and that's the way it is, and don't ask questions.' ...Everything came out of the book. You didn't ask questions. If you asked them questions, then the answer was, 'In the book.' And if you asked a question and the answer wasn't in the book, then you shouldn't have asked that

question!"

I too have felt this way at some point in time as a student in highschool...where the teacher didn't seem that the purpose was to learn...but to memorize the material. The comment about how everything in the classroom should come out of the books could be stifling and constricting...giving only one opinion and not offering other situations or perspectives. In my recent history class...I loved having three history books. Though it caused me to do more reading...it allowed different insights on the same situation...proving how certain situations are not credited right because of lack of information. I sometimes think "the book" more of a guideline...and that the learning process comes from engaging what was read. That is where questions...comments...concerns...(fashion tips =]) should come into play. It is SO boring just to sit there in a class sometimes...but when a teacher is creative...engaging the students in a productive lesson...one can actually learn the material. To be a creative teacher...you are able to captivate the classroom...inviting intrigue and life into a learning environment. I agree with this student...and Nieto's case study...that as educators...we have to be creative...and ultimately an artist in the field of education.

Always a plan "B"

2006-01-29T13:22:00.000-06:00

On Friday...the class was scheduled to watch a series of commercials previously taped the night before. My teacher had made notes on each commercial to discuss with the class after doing the exercises...however...she couldn't find the tape. So...she sent a student to retrieve the tape from a teacher she lent it to...only to find out that teacher sent it home with the T.A. oops. So...my supervisor...a little frazzled and confused...which she had all reason to be...comes up with a quick plan "B". I guess I never realized how easy a lesson plan can be side-tracked or disrupted...but she fortunately had a back up plan that would entertain her kids. She decided to watch television for a little bit...and find some commercials to discuss. She then realized that the commercials were moving so fast...they couldn't discuss them as a whole and she couldn't hear what everyone had to say about them. So...she grabs advertisements out of a magazine and hands them to the kids. Here...she had them each stand-up...and explain to the entire class the item being sold, the target audience, the propaganda used, and anything interesting that grabs a reader's attention. This way...everyone had a chance to participate...everyone's voice was being heard...and everyone had a chance to learn something. Good job Ms. H!!!

The more and more I go observe...the more I notice how relaxed the classroom is. Besides the occasional bickering among students or teasing...it is a very friendly environment. Everyone seems to share a common respect towards eachother. One thing that I found amazing was the fact that the class is never completely quiet...which is a good thing. They listen to what Ms. H has to say...but at the same time...they engage themselves. I love the fact that handraising is not THAT enforced. Of course...raising our hand teaches us to be patient, to take turns, and learn obedience, but at the same time it is kind of unnecessary in certain situations. This is where I have seen some of the kids be very mature...when one is talking...they wait patiently until the other is done and then they add their two cents. Also...they are able to converse WITH Ms. H after she discusses something with the class. I found this fascinating...that they could act that mature...but of course...hand raising is still stressed at certain times and for certain reasons.

I then was able to work with three girls in a small group for a little bit. And that was fun...I was able to talk to them about their homework and was able to help them. Not only that...but I got to get a feel about what they like to do in their spare time. Even though they were a little shy at first...they soon started to open up and talk more often...I actually had to instruct them that Ms. H was telling the class something important so they should pay attention...and they listened right away.

Day by day...I am getting more of a feel of certain situations...how to deal with the unknown and how to stay confident with everything. My supervisor is so calm...no matter the situation and I admire that. I am learning so much...not only from her but also from the students.

To Tease...Or Not to Tease...

2006-01-26T18:19:00.000-06:00

During my field work...my supervisor decided that she needed to discuss something important with the class before the start of the curriculum. This subject was teasing...

She explained to the students that there is a student-teacher relationship...that it is ok to laugh, make jokes, share daily stories, and discuss events with, however there are some actions that are inappropriate when it comes to that defined relationship. Such as hanging out at the movies...or going out to dinner. She then explained how she has a certain teacher-student relationship with J__ and how she sometimes playfully teases him. She also explained how teasing can be ok...only if both parties know that it is only play-fun and nothing serious. Ms. H then explained how she had heard some not so nice comments being said to J__ and how everyone was responsible for making the classroom a friendly environment...and how everyone should stop teasing people...including herself.

This brings me to my next problem about teasing in schools. Of course all people were teased and/or teased others when they were in grade school...starting with name jokes, moving on to physical jokes, then advancing to mental...and yada yada yada. However...I wonder when teasing is ok? Is there a fine line...even though both parties are acceptable to the abuse?

My girl-friends and I were discussing a subject like this the other day. One girl said a sharp comment and another replied, "shut up you whore!" which was shortly answered by a couple of slut, bitch, ho-bag...and not one of us was offended by these demeaning terms. Sometimes...and I use that word loosely, we don't even get offended when a guy friend calls us these. Is referring to ourselves as these derogatory terms only opening a door for other people to tease females with these names...or has the actual meaning of the words changed in certain connotations that they are no longer an insult?

It is interesting to be walking down the junior high hallways and hear a numerous amount of boys refer to another such as "stop being such pussy" or a girl referring to another with a phrase as "what's up, bitches?". Fortunately...the teachers hear what is happening and ask that the kids refrain from using such harsh language...but with society changing...are these words becoming more acceptable in everyday life...or is this type of teasing still taboo?

It reminds me of what my mother discussed a while ago and she could remeber in the 70's, the word queer meant strange, odd, out of the ordinary. However...nowadays it has changed to a term more directed towards being gay or homosexual. So words do change with society...and the meanings do reflect a social time period. But it still makes me wonder...where is that fine line of teasing...and what is appropriate teasing...and what are the pshycological backlashes of certain words as our vocabulary changes?

Commercially Independent

2006-01-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

Today in my observation...I was given the opportunity to talk to each and every student. I am thrilled that my supervisor is allowing me to interact with everyone SO much. Each student would come back to my desk with their planners, I then would check and see whether or not they had done a good job at recording their homework for the day. I had to reward the student with either +, a, or -. I had to come up with a system right away...a plus was super good...a check was that they tried to to keep track...and obviously the minus is if I saw only one or two things written down. Not only was this a good chance to talk with everyone one-on-one...but I also got to hear a little bit about each student...and see what activities they entertained themselves with after school.

Not only did I get to work one-on-one with each student but during an activity, three students came and sat with me to work on their homework. I didn't know exactly what to do...so I tried to engage them in conversation with what they were doing. The whole class would watch a commercial and decide what the target audience was, what the product was, and what was the propoganda. This...obviously...is supposed to teach the students about being consumer friendly and watching out for false advertisements. I enjoyed seeing this part of the class because my teacher was able to get everyone involved. Each and every student wished to say something...and discuss a previous experience. The students who sat with me were a little more quiet...but I would ask them the same questions...tried to get their point of view...and they eventually began to talk as well. An engaging conversation and communication was happening with the entire class...as well as a the process of learning. They were discussing race issues, young adults, false advertisements, and many other issues when it came to advertising. It was a really good day...and the kids are still really good.

However...while I was checking the agendas/planners...there was one kid who would not come back to see me. First a student tapped him on his shoulder and expressed that it was his turn, then I approached after 5 minutes went by and asked him if he would please come to the back table with me so I could check his work...but he still refused. My supervisor then noticed my futile attempts and instructed him to go see me...where he responded "I don't want to do that". She then said..."Miss Y____ is going to try and ignore that comment and not take it personally and you WILL go back there like every other student. Plus...it is not going to kill you." Calmly the kid grabbed his planner and walked slowly to the back of the room where he sat next to me...and I said "This is going to be quick and painless..." smiled and awarded him with a + sign because he had done exceptionally well at keeping his homework organized. I told him good job and that he should keep up the good work...he smiled at me and apologized for being rude. So there was my first encounter with any sort of attitude and refusal...but I am lucky because it could have been MUCH MUCH worse.

I will probably write more later...but I have to attend a class now...

Sewing a Common Ground

2006-01-24T23:49:00.000-06:00

Today...a fellow peer wrote about how problem posing education is what you do with what you learn. That one shouldn't learn something then forget it...but apply it to everyday life. She discussed how her mother taught her to sew and hem...and how she has continued to use that knowledge not only to help herself out...but to share with others. This problem posing situation caused her to learn something...and then share it with many others after she left the teacher's view. This I believe is how education should be...that the student is able to continue to grow with what they learn as well as use it for everyday life. I also loved the story that Dr. W shared with the class...and allowing her daughter to play with the water. Not only to let her keep busy...but teach her the texture of water, the movement of water...and as Dr. W explained...she will then take what she does know about water and later put it to use in the classroom when learning of its properties. It is a cycle of education...one takes what the student has learned at home to apply it in the classroom...that will someday be taken out of the classroom and put to everyday life situations...that will be taught to many others.

I am a very religous person and try to show God's love in every aspect of my life. I was reading the Bible today and came across this verse:
"You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?" Romans 2:21 NKJV
It reminded me of how Dr. W mentioned Jesus' teaching method of problem-posing and how it was most effective. And to have the same method in the Bible is amazing how this methodology can refer back to the biblical times. Then in reflection to this verse and Dr. W's words...I was reading our schools mission about the future educators they wish to produce.

Dr. W discussed how future educators at this school should be scholars...and how this sets us apart from other educational programs. She reminds us of the importance to learn from our own experiences and bring them into the classroom. I liked how she compared teachers to artists...and we have the ability to do SO much for society. I feel right in this program...I am challenged and introduced to so many new experiences...and I am learning so much from our professor and peers. I wish to exit this class...and these experiences...not as a technician...but as an insightful, imaginative, artistic, innovative individual, student, and eventually teacher.

Observation For Monday's Class

2006-01-24T23:44:00.000-06:00

I finished reading Nieto this past weekend and I found her input on terminology to be fascinating. I really do agree with her to refer to all people by what they wish to be called themselves. However...I did get to view a certain situation in my observation class that had to go along with the reading. Ironic how that happens :o)!!!

I was invited to attend the lesson with the class...I pulled up a seat next to a student and shared their homework. The teacher had provided an assignment recently about advertising and commercial sales. In relation to the assignment...she used transparencies to discuss the different audiences that have changed in the past ten years. Ten years ago...statistics showed for the top twenty brands that were mostly sold to the USA were stores like Old Navy, Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Tommy, Ninetndo, Levi's, etc. Though the new statistics for the year 2005(as well as the junior highs students results ) showed brands such as Sean Jean, Rocawear, FUBU, and many others. The teacher said, not exactly how so I don't want to get this incorrect, that marketing for more urban audiences began to sell more and show up more nowadays then from ten years ago. This is where it got tricky...she asked before who the stores were mostly targeted at...where a young boy responded "black people". The teacher agreed, and responded that most black people were the target audiences for this marketing campaign. However...another girl responded...in quite a bit of anger..."that's racist...white people wear those clothes too! You can't assume that ONLY black people shop there". In which again...the teacher agreed with her, that white people too, wear these certain brands...but tried to explain how society has been changing in the past ten years.

This kind of reminds me of what Nieto was saying. How we as people lump society into groups and classify people in their race or ethnicity. It also reminds me of how people ARE touchy about race and wanting to remain so politically correct. However...who decides which term is correct? Who tells society that this group of people prefer to be called this...when no one asks?

So...I think Nieto has it correct in her assumptions. Especially when it comes to knowing what a certain group of people want to be called. I look at me for example...I am German, Native American, Czeklosovakian, and Irish decent for sure, and probably a mixture of other ethnicities. So I am not JUST WHITE...or whatever...but I personally do not mind being labeled that. However, other people do. I have a very good friend whose father was (as Nieto would say) European American...his family goes back into generations of living in America...and he married a woman from Mexico. My friend is half Mexican...and she is VERY proud of her culture...and wishes to be recognized as Hispanic...even though to others she doesn't look the definition of Hispanic. So she is wanting to be seen as how she sees herself. I then had a teacher recently in a Women's Literature class that was half Swedish and Half Asian. She told us stories of how when some people looked at her...they called her Asian-American...and the other half of the population looked at her and called her white. By this...she told us she never felt like she could fit in with society because no one viewed her as HER.

By all these examples...it teaches me as a future educator...I too have to be wise when using certain terminology. Not only to keep myself from offending certain people...but also to recognize that we are a RACE of HUMANS. That every single person has a different background. As cheesey as it sounds...you can't judge a book by its cover. You can't assume that someone is that ethnicity or race by just looking at them...and I agree with Nieto and her philosophies that we should recognize people as individuals...and by doing this...we have to refer to classifications by what themselves wish to be called.

New Obsevation

2006-01-22T23:16:00.000-06:00

I was talking with a friend the other day and she had been discussing how she needed to time herself to see how long it would take her to walk to her observation sight. Ironically...we are going to the same place...and believe me it gets better. We then realized that we went at the same time on one of the days. However...she discussed how she wishes she could go in the middle of the week because Mondays and Fridays are odd days for junior high. Then I thought about it and how true she was about this observation...

I am fortunate to be able to observe all states of education by going on the days that I do. Monday...the children usually discuss what happened on the weekend...what their goals of the week are...and so on and so forth. Fridays are more free...and there are snacks...preparing for a long weekend and getting excited about what they can do. Then there is Wednesday...the day in the middle of the week that I believe all students and teachers look forward to...and its normality. By being able to view the days I go...I get to see them when they first get back and are new and ready for the week...reaching the middle where their normal schedules take place...then at last I get to view them as they go off for two days without school. I love my days because I see education from all aspects. From casual discussions...allowing for small presentations...getting the students interested in assignments...and other wonderful aspects. I sometimes feel myself getting really giddy...and excited when I go observe...it is just too much fun. I am so glad that my education is so much fun...and so entertaining. Hopefully all should go well again tomorrow morning...

Affirming More Diversity

2006-01-22T00:48:00.000-06:00

When reading Sonia Nieto, I studied her passages about diversity and tried to relate them to what I have seen and experienced as a student. I believe that it is truly hard for teachers, adults, students, etc. not to classify, judge, or speculate race and ethnicity. It was interesting how Nieto was interpreting political correctness when describing race versus ethnicity. This is a difficult task because by misinterpreting a child's ethnicity could label them something they are not or cause tension because of prejudgements. It is difficult to even discuss this subject because one doesn't want to label or classify race and ethnicity. One quote that I enjoyed very much is the one about how we are a race of humans. This I believe, is the understanding that we all need to have...That one cannot judge due to the fact of their skin color or descent.

I also thought it interesting how Nieto said if she was to label or classify a race to a student...she would refer to what they explained themselves as. For this...one has to pay attention...especially the connotation of how they respond to themselves and around others.

This is all I have right now...I will probably expand upon this later...

A Little Frustration...

2006-01-20T18:58:00.000-06:00

Today was my second day in the field. I noticed some interesting aspects this time that I had not before. Last visit I was just in awe trying to find my room and not get trampled by the rambunctious kids. I got there a little early...so I had time to stand to the side, and to be honest, it felt like I was watching wild animals in their natural habitats!!! I was bumped into...pushed...I have never seen so many rude people in my life!!! Well...I probably have, but it was still astonishing. I come from an area when we were all kids...even in highschool...we were raised with "yes/no m'aam...yes/no sir" and practiced it well. It seems like there are a lot of things that slide when it comes to manners. But this kind of reminds me about what we discussed in class the other day about Dewey and his thoughts about starting from the home life. He was mostly referring to education...but it makes me wonder what kind of manners the children learn at home nowadays. It was kind of sad...

I saw kids running...while a hall monitor yelled after them...I saw girls being snotty to other girls...making fun of their clothes. Nothing out of the ordinary...but it has been a while since I have seen girls in their utmost catty-ness. Boys were teasing girls...such as one boy I saw yelling into a girls bathroom at what I suppose is his "girlfriend"...before a hall monitor grabbed his arm and talked to him about respecting others. I must say that I don't miss being that age and having to deal with all that drama. In other news...

I truly love my field teacher...she has been so amazing in making me feel comfortable and getting me involved with the students. In Round Table...we played a name game so I can learn all the childrens names...and I am rather proud of myself because I know ALMOST everyone...and have spoken to almost everyone. In her English class...I have learned a majority of the students. I love it when they come up to me...and I love learning about what they have to say. I got to work with a student today one on one. She had been new to the class...only a week...and she didn't have the same opportunity as the rest of the students when it came with homework. So...while the whole class took a spelling test, I got to work with this girl on vocabulary. I was very excited that I already got to work one on one...she was very sweet...a little distracted at times...but interested nonetheless. She had some issues understanding the vocabulary words...so I helped and I tried to keep it problem-posing...because I think it is more fun that way. But it was a good day. I am feeling very comfortable with all the kids...and can't wait to see what other opportunities I will have with these students.

Pondering Freire

2006-01-19T16:12:00.000-06:00

So...today we discussed an essay written by Freire and I must say that I agree with him a lot. I had been involved with an education that was spoon-fed as we sat there...staring and listening. It wasn't until I got into an accelerated class that we actually talked. It was refreshing...and I learned a lot more. It was a relationship we shared with the teacher...where both parties learned from another. This is how education should be...a continuum of learning from everyone. I also agree with Freire and his belief of how people can become passive in society. If a student expects people to give them information...they will learn to wait for opportunities to approach them for the rest of their lives. If this thought process continues...no changes or advances can be made in society. But at the same time...I agree with the fact that Problem-posing and Banking go hand in hand. It can be hard to know nothing of a certain subject and expect to be able to have meaningful discussions without knowing any basic knowledge. However, I still believe that one can be engaging in communication while trying to learn basic information. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Freire...

"The more completely they accept the passive role imposed on them, the more they tend simply to adapt to the world as it is and to the fragmented view of reality deposited in them." pg. 60

"From the outset, his efforts must coincide with those of the students to engage in critical thinking and the quest for mutual humanization and their creative power. To achieve this, he must be a partner of the students in his relations with them." pg. 62

"The teacher is no longer merely the-one-who-teaches, but one who is himself taught in dialogue with the students, who in turn while being taught also teach. They become jointly responsible for a process in which all grow." pg. 67

Tomorrow...I'm back in the field and will observe what my teacher does...and how the students react. It shall be VERY interesting...

Field Day

2006-01-18T09:37:00.000-06:00

So...I made it through my first field day!!! Not only was I THRILLED to wake up at 6 am (enter sarcasm) but was thrilled when my roomate woke up late and accidentally knocked a picture frame off of her desk...shattering glass all over the floor. Awesome...

But back to my field day. I love it...I am going to LOVE my class. The students are all very outgoing and conscious of who they are right now...adolescents. It was so much fun. My class is also very diverse...something that I have never experienced in a class setting. There are even a couple of kids who don't barely speak any English. The only time that I have ever experienced a person not knowing English was this past summer with my friend Yuka...who was from Japan. So...lets just say that I am in for some fun. However...there was one girl who was atleast a foot taller than me...and all the boys are taller than me...but they all seem like great kids.

Also, my teacher told me that the kids in this class...are a little slower than the rest of the team. They stress a lot of work on vocabulary, sentence structure, and writing in general. She told me that they are all good kids who all try...but tend to need a little more attention than the rest of her students.

I remember that age very well...and it just so happens to be that 7th grade was my favorite in my Jr. High career. I am very excited to get to work with the students...and they really want to work with me. I forgot how kids of that age really don't have inhibitions and just go for what they want. I had atleast 10 kids approach me and want to talk to me. It seems like a very friendly environment...and I am very blessed with having such a great opportunity!