Looking back at certain moments in my life filled with angst, frustration, working under pressure, I surprisingly came to a conclusion that these were the most powerful learning events of my life. They made me - ME, shaped my teaching style, formed my outlook on various things in life, and opened my mind to tolerance, understanding, and compassion. Mainly, travels to different parts of the States and Europe contributed to my most powerful learning experiences.
I remember one of my travels specifically. It was my first visit to the United States, the country with culture so different from mine that at first it left me confused, searching for connections to my understanding of life, and scrambling to better my English :) Luckily, I ended up in New Hampshire, where the language was easy enough to understand for a newcomer. Beign a part of Easter Seals camp staff was an eye-opening experience as well as it was the first time I worked with children with disabilities, an entirely rewarding and humbling experience by itself. Even though I was questioning my sanity at the time, wondering about how in the world I was stupid enough to sign up for this crazy deal, but eventually I came to understand the importance of my undertaking as it helped me realize how big this world was, and how different, but not unequal, cultures were, which made me a better teacher and still helps me try to inspire my students in the secluded county of McDowell to look beyond the county line, open their minds to a multitude of possibilities ready for them to undertake, and view the world as a place for collaboration, not division. And, Globaloria enhances my beliefs even more!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Homework assignment
Just as doing my homework assignments for the admin class I took this semester from Concord Univeristy during the four weeks of Twilight obsession, I am unveiling my blogs to follow early in the morning, while it' not too late!
Lately, I have been following Ian Jukes's blog after listening to his presentations last summer. His insights into the 21st century learning gave me tons of food for thought and provided good support for opening my mind to the teaching and learning opportunities initiated by Globaloria. The work my students have accomplished this year proves that 21st century learning is taking place in WV schools . In the end of the year, my studetns have produced a video that shows their accomplishments in this class and is a great evidence of their engagement and hard work.
I have also decided to follow up the edu blogs website suggested by Rachael yesterday during the session. I am extremely interested in the issues of 21st century literacy and digital divide as these are the roadblocks we frequently hit as teachers working in high poverty areas. Despite the location and peculiarities of school locations, teachers still need to leave no child behind and find ways to help all the kids to be successful within the 21st century workspace.
Lately, I have been following Ian Jukes's blog after listening to his presentations last summer. His insights into the 21st century learning gave me tons of food for thought and provided good support for opening my mind to the teaching and learning opportunities initiated by Globaloria. The work my students have accomplished this year proves that 21st century learning is taking place in WV schools . In the end of the year, my studetns have produced a video that shows their accomplishments in this class and is a great evidence of their engagement and hard work.
I have also decided to follow up the edu blogs website suggested by Rachael yesterday during the session. I am extremely interested in the issues of 21st century literacy and digital divide as these are the roadblocks we frequently hit as teachers working in high poverty areas. Despite the location and peculiarities of school locations, teachers still need to leave no child behind and find ways to help all the kids to be successful within the 21st century workspace.
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