Pamela Hickman wrote:
After reading this weeks reading the most valuable thing that I took away from it was teachers are enablers. We teach students skills such as reading, writing, math, etc. but it is completely up to the student what they do with it. The only way a teacher can be great is by the work produced by the students. I liked how the reading pointed out that a conductor cannot be great without the orchestra. The students we teach everyday are our orchestra we as teachers have to be willing to learn from our students in order to be great teachers. My mother has always told me "your leadership is only as good as how well you listen." If you don't listen to what your students are trying to teach you as an educator than how can we properly service our classrooms? When I became an educator I devoted myself to life long learning and sometime that means swallowing my pride and learning from my students.
My comment:
I too enjoyed reading about the conductor learning from the orchestra, and they are why he is great. I also appreciate you sharing your mother's advice with everyone, and how true it is. When we listen to our students and those around us, we allow ourselves to be open to see other viewpoints and possibly ways to improve ourselves and our practices. When we stop listening, I think we stop learning ourselves. Great post!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wk 3 Entry 1 Reading Ch's 5-8
The seventh practice, "The Way Things Are" was a great reminder this week for me to view things in a different light. I am the world's worst at getting frustrated when things don't go the way I had planned or hoped they would be. I have come a long way in this area of my thinking, but it often becomes a conscious effort to look past my frustration and make the best of the moment. The author gave reference to the movie "Babe" and the reactions of the cow and duck when Roseanna had become the evening meal. He stated that they were hopeless and resigned in their reactions. I think it is safe to say that is the reaction of the majority of people. We view our situations as hopeless like the cow and walk toward our presumed destination, or we resist like the duck and fight our way to the presumed end. The author stated that, "being present in they way things are is not the same as accepting things as they are". When you are being present and not resistant you can then see possibility before you to make choices on how you want to move on. The key to me here is that you are moving on and not spiraling downward in your thought process to get stuck where you are.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wk 2-Free Post-Reflecting
I have been taking a little time this week to reflect. Our reading assignment and the Zander video have really got me thinking. I am reflecting on my journey here at Full Sail. I am reflecting on my marriage ( my anniversary is tomorrow-18 years :) ). I am reflecting on my life. My birthday is next month, and I will be 37. I am reflecting on my career path, and I am proud of some things and see need for change in some areas. Life is all about choices, and we definitely live with those choices. I do my best to live a life that is pleasing to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe Deut. 30:19 “..I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings, therefore choose life that you and your descendants might live.” We choose life everyday by obeying God’s word, which is found in Deut. 28. I want to encourage all of my friends and fellow travelers to choose life and choose to make a difference in this world. Share a smile, a kind word, a genuine concern, and a helpful hand. Bless you all!
Wk 2-Comment to Scott
Scott's post:
I loved the Zander video, he is helping us see that small changes in the way we look at familiar areas of our life (like the familiar strains of Chopin) from a slightly different perspective can lead to a wholly unique viewpoint.
In Chapter 1, the Zanders direct us to question the framework and the underlying assumptions of our environment. One important way I like to question the assumptions around me is to create a process flow diagram of the process in question. Prior to joining a media production team, I was a business process consultant to several companies, hired to look at a particular process, document it and then work with those involved to improve the process. I have taken this skillset to just about every aspect of my life. By critically documenting and analyzing a process, looking for areas of improvement and working to create those improvements our framework for a particular business process is constantly examined.
I completely agree with the thought of a world of measurements. If we don't measure it, we won't try to perform up to that measure. It's only the most important decision you can make...What to measure? I think this is the point to this chapter. Not only do we have to measure our world, but we must also make good decisions on what we are going to measure. I have attempted to come up with those "right" measurements for my life, not measures that always matter to the rest of the world, but correct metrics for me. My metrics typically revolve around church (involvement, attendance, leadership), family (provision, shelter, friends) and work (adding value to customer, improvement).
Dear Mr. B,
I received my grade of A because I worked hard and during my time in the EMDT program at FullSail and within the media production department at OfficeMax. It was at this time that an idea began to form in my mind. I began the formation of a production company and business plan to support that company. My idea was to utilize my media production resources and skills to help other small businesses in their growth goals. I have applied and received a small business grant from the federal government in the formation of this company, in support of the Small Business Administration. This decision has taken hold in both my church and work life. I have taken the AR project forward, extending it's reach throughout the youth group and adult membership. We are even in preliminary talks with the church-wide offices to push this project beyond Yorkville's boundaries. Thanks for the "kick in the pants" I needed...
As I have mentioned previously, my family is very involved in our church's youth group. This is where I am a contribution. The unfortunate fact is that there are a lot of teenaged kids dealing with all sorts of today's issues. In my small way I really enjoy helping them through these issues, especially through my actions. Hopefully by simply living my life , working hard, showing leadership at church and providing for my family, and extending my family beyond blood bonds, I can affect one or two of these young men's lives. Recently this came to a small token of fruition, one young man, dealing with an issue with a girlfriend issue, came to me the other night and we spent 3 hours simply talking. When he walked out of here, a confused young man had a clearer direction and a path that included "owning up" to his problems while steering his girlfriend down a better path. I feel that I may have contributed favorably to this young man's life and will continue to be in his life.
My comment:
I like your letter to Mr. B. :)
Thank you for your contribution to young people in the world today. I have a quote hanging in my classroom that says, "A child may never remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel." Our young people want to know that what they feel matters. They want to know that someone loves them enough to listen and that what they have to say is important. Thank you for taking the time to listen to these kids. Thanks for stepping into the universe of possibility and giving compassion and having passion for people in order that they may feel joy and grace and awe.
Bless you!
I loved the Zander video, he is helping us see that small changes in the way we look at familiar areas of our life (like the familiar strains of Chopin) from a slightly different perspective can lead to a wholly unique viewpoint.
In Chapter 1, the Zanders direct us to question the framework and the underlying assumptions of our environment. One important way I like to question the assumptions around me is to create a process flow diagram of the process in question. Prior to joining a media production team, I was a business process consultant to several companies, hired to look at a particular process, document it and then work with those involved to improve the process. I have taken this skillset to just about every aspect of my life. By critically documenting and analyzing a process, looking for areas of improvement and working to create those improvements our framework for a particular business process is constantly examined.
I completely agree with the thought of a world of measurements. If we don't measure it, we won't try to perform up to that measure. It's only the most important decision you can make...What to measure? I think this is the point to this chapter. Not only do we have to measure our world, but we must also make good decisions on what we are going to measure. I have attempted to come up with those "right" measurements for my life, not measures that always matter to the rest of the world, but correct metrics for me. My metrics typically revolve around church (involvement, attendance, leadership), family (provision, shelter, friends) and work (adding value to customer, improvement).
Dear Mr. B,
I received my grade of A because I worked hard and during my time in the EMDT program at FullSail and within the media production department at OfficeMax. It was at this time that an idea began to form in my mind. I began the formation of a production company and business plan to support that company. My idea was to utilize my media production resources and skills to help other small businesses in their growth goals. I have applied and received a small business grant from the federal government in the formation of this company, in support of the Small Business Administration. This decision has taken hold in both my church and work life. I have taken the AR project forward, extending it's reach throughout the youth group and adult membership. We are even in preliminary talks with the church-wide offices to push this project beyond Yorkville's boundaries. Thanks for the "kick in the pants" I needed...
As I have mentioned previously, my family is very involved in our church's youth group. This is where I am a contribution. The unfortunate fact is that there are a lot of teenaged kids dealing with all sorts of today's issues. In my small way I really enjoy helping them through these issues, especially through my actions. Hopefully by simply living my life , working hard, showing leadership at church and providing for my family, and extending my family beyond blood bonds, I can affect one or two of these young men's lives. Recently this came to a small token of fruition, one young man, dealing with an issue with a girlfriend issue, came to me the other night and we spent 3 hours simply talking. When he walked out of here, a confused young man had a clearer direction and a path that included "owning up" to his problems while steering his girlfriend down a better path. I feel that I may have contributed favorably to this young man's life and will continue to be in his life.
My comment:
I like your letter to Mr. B. :)
Thank you for your contribution to young people in the world today. I have a quote hanging in my classroom that says, "A child may never remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel." Our young people want to know that what they feel matters. They want to know that someone loves them enough to listen and that what they have to say is important. Thank you for taking the time to listen to these kids. Thanks for stepping into the universe of possibility and giving compassion and having passion for people in order that they may feel joy and grace and awe.
Bless you!
Wk 2 -Comment to Saray
Saray's post:
I was touched in so many levels by the first four chapters of this book. And, I feel like sharing this personal anecdote.
In 1996, my whole family moved to the U.S. from Mexico because my dad was getting his master's degree. My sister and I did not know any English and this was the day before school. Our parents called us to the living room and told us something that went like this: we want you to know that to us you are the most beautiful, intelligent, funny, and amazing daughters in the whole world and nothing or no one will make us think differently of you. We know that you don't know any English. We know that you will struggle, and when you get a failing grade, we want you to know that we will see an A because we see the effort you put in, because we see you growing, because we see you becoming women of outstanding character. Don't worry about grades, go live and enjoy our two years here. Make the most of it and if in the way, your grades happen to be A's, so be it... That evening, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders, I was no longer scared, I was ready to take over the world!
Needless to say, my sister and I did extremely well. Due to language immersion, we were proficient in English within 4 months. I went on to tutor in Spanish, French, and Chemistry after school and took some extra courses to graduate a year early. My parents believed in me and that made the difference. I was given an A and the rest was history.
My comment:
Wow, your post was so inspiring. Your visual collage was beautiful. I am glad to see that someone else was touched by this week's reading as well. It sounds like you have awesome parents, and I believe it is the love and support of parents that cause children to soar and strive for excellence. As teachers, we see students everyday who long for such approval and acceptance. Unfortunately, many parents today are so self-absorbed that they don't see this longing in their children. May we always take the time to reach out to these students and show them love and support. Your post made me want to remind my two beautiful daughters (ages 12 and 16) of how much I love them and will always be there for them to support and encourage their growth and efforts.
I was touched in so many levels by the first four chapters of this book. And, I feel like sharing this personal anecdote.
In 1996, my whole family moved to the U.S. from Mexico because my dad was getting his master's degree. My sister and I did not know any English and this was the day before school. Our parents called us to the living room and told us something that went like this: we want you to know that to us you are the most beautiful, intelligent, funny, and amazing daughters in the whole world and nothing or no one will make us think differently of you. We know that you don't know any English. We know that you will struggle, and when you get a failing grade, we want you to know that we will see an A because we see the effort you put in, because we see you growing, because we see you becoming women of outstanding character. Don't worry about grades, go live and enjoy our two years here. Make the most of it and if in the way, your grades happen to be A's, so be it... That evening, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders, I was no longer scared, I was ready to take over the world!
Needless to say, my sister and I did extremely well. Due to language immersion, we were proficient in English within 4 months. I went on to tutor in Spanish, French, and Chemistry after school and took some extra courses to graduate a year early. My parents believed in me and that made the difference. I was given an A and the rest was history.
My comment:
Wow, your post was so inspiring. Your visual collage was beautiful. I am glad to see that someone else was touched by this week's reading as well. It sounds like you have awesome parents, and I believe it is the love and support of parents that cause children to soar and strive for excellence. As teachers, we see students everyday who long for such approval and acceptance. Unfortunately, many parents today are so self-absorbed that they don't see this longing in their children. May we always take the time to reach out to these students and show them love and support. Your post made me want to remind my two beautiful daughters (ages 12 and 16) of how much I love them and will always be there for them to support and encourage their growth and efforts.
Wk 2 Required Reading
I am truly enjoying our required reading from Art of Possibility. Wow, I have been so encouraged and inspired. I look forward to reading this book each day and have already shared some of the things I have read with my husband and friends. Who doesn’t want to transform their life and make an impact on others along this journey? There have been some gentle reminders for me, as well as “lightbulb” moments that are causing me to reflect on how I act and react in situations. One “lightbulb” moment for me came when looking at the second practice, “Stepping into the Universe of Possibility”. Within the world of measurement we all fail and fall short of our own expectations or the expectations placed upon us by others. We determine whether or not we are successful based on measurement tools defined for us. I felt such stress relief after reading, “In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold”. Enjoy the journey and don’t get caught up on the little things. Flat tires, bugs on the windshield, and critters in the road, are all a part of the journey…laugh and let the moment be perfect without the world measurement of how the moment was supposed to be.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wk 1-Entry 4-Free Choice-The Journey
It has been a long journey to get to month 11. There have been many sleepless nights and many cups of Vanilla Caramel Latte by General Foods International. I have enjoyed the journey, but I am glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been extremely discouraged, as I have realized that my state and district does not recognize this degree program for the advancement of my teaching certificate nor a pay raise. I am hopeful for a solution to my dilemma, although it's not looking bright.
I am proud of the work that I have completed along the way, and I am thankful for the opportunity and experiences that I have gained through this program. The professors have been so encouraging and helpful, and I have met people that I will never forget. I have enjoyed implementing the things I have learned with my students, and I have been thrilled watching them get excited about learning.
Our society is media driven. Our students are immersed in it. Taking the knowledge that we have gained over the last 10 months and putting it into action within the class has been a joy. I walk away knowing that all of my invested time and energy has been worth it.
I am proud of the work that I have completed along the way, and I am thankful for the opportunity and experiences that I have gained through this program. The professors have been so encouraging and helpful, and I have met people that I will never forget. I have enjoyed implementing the things I have learned with my students, and I have been thrilled watching them get excited about learning.
Our society is media driven. Our students are immersed in it. Taking the knowledge that we have gained over the last 10 months and putting it into action within the class has been a joy. I walk away knowing that all of my invested time and energy has been worth it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)