You know one of the things that drives me up a hill, over the bend and into a tailspin of displeasure? Teachers that feel that all students are lazy, not motivated, and for lack of a better word, drones.
I seriously take offense to that, and continue to disagree and fight to prove that stereotype wrong. I can't see why, for a few students 'acting out' that all students would have the title of 'slackers'. I've taught before, grade 4s to be exact, and I'll tell you now, I had 2 little hellions, well at least when they were together. They were both given previous titles, such as 'ADHD' or 'other behavior issues', (which is another topic which I this is used incorrectly and could go on and on about, but won't, at least not here.) and I think it may have gone to those poor kids heads, almost like a mini ego that has been encouraged. Whatever it may be, I dealt with the two of them in the best manner that I knew possible, and by the end of the year, I had managed to gain some of their respect, which I find a big accomplishment. That aside though, in no way did I treat the rest of the class as mischief makers. Not in the least. So if someone can gain 4th graders respect, then why not post secondary students too? Maybe they aren't prepared for it, maybe they aren't in sync with themselves, it's hard to say. I was once told that it's because the teachers who have been around that long have been in so many words, 'jaded'. I don't think that this should be an excuse. Look at it this way, just because you fell off your bike, 5, 6, 7 or even more times, doesn't mean that you should never ride your bike again. It means that you look back at the cuts, scars, bruises and bumps, when you can finally bike down the street, and say, "Look at how I got here, I made it." I think that's the way it should be. Not looking at the 'lazy' ones and make them decide how your career is going to go, but you do let them influence how to be better next time. Again, with the bike analogy, if you sit on the bike backwards and fall off, and don't learn from your mistakes, then you don't learn. You can't fix your mistakes and make yourself better next time, and that's how we get 'jaded' or 'hardened' so quickly. Maybe sometimes teachers forget that they are still human (despite what we all thought in elementary school), and they can still learn and be taught, especially by students, and I think they forget that. Well, not so much that they can learn, because they all attend PD events, but who knows, maybe they don't actually take anything away, I'm not sure, I'm not a teacher, so I can't judge them. However, I can, and have the right, to demand that they work on realizing that all students are not the same, and that there are many more that want to learn than don't.
As I think more about PD, I sometime reflect back to when I attended my local church's youth group, and the one or two weekend retreats I took. Professional Development is a lot like that. Let me explain though...
When a someone goes to a religious retreat, they get together will all sorts of other people who have the same beliefs and thoughts that you do. You listen to music, and pray and readings and that and by the time the weekend is done, you're completely stoked, ready to hit the world and take everyone on. Then, after about a week or two of coming back into reality, most people give up, and go back to how they were at the beginning, falling into their old pattern of methodologies and what not. I think this may be the same thing with PD. Some teachers come back stoked, but lose the flame quickly, but others keep the flame going. These teachers that do so are the ones that students adore and enjoy, as well as the ones that end up with nominations.
I guess that's just my take on things, as a student. I think that teachers should be more open and caring to their students, and they would see that their students are more than happy to do what they have to and get their work done, leading to a very happy environment that benefits both students and teachers. I would also like to mention that this spiel isn't aimed all teachers, because that would be hypocritical of me. I'm just trying to point out my opinion on how things could be so much easier for everyone if everyone just took the time... though I know that's asking a lot. Again, this is just my opinion as a student, and I felt it was worth giving out. Hopefully it ends up being somewhat insightful, and less of a rant. :)
A bientot!
Rebecca
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dalhousie Pre-Workshop Thoughts - Student Learning
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week (April 30, May 1), I'll be attending the Dalhousie conference about student learning. I was asked to write up a my thoughts and reasoning for going prior to attending this event.
I feel that, as a student attending this kind of conference, I might be able to take away from it, the reasons teachers teach as they do, and perhaps, put in some input with a student's perspective as it is about student learning. Because each teacher has their own teaching style, and each student had their own learning style, it is important to talk about it. I feel as a student, I might be able to take away more understanding of the teaching methods and how to perhaps make it better, and easier to learn from.
As well as personal learning from this experience, I think that this conference will come in to good use while preparing the BUSI2750 (Intro to Business for IT Professionals) online course, as well as putting together the Women Unlimited Workshop. As a contributor to both these activities, I feel that it would help me be more productive as I will be more informed on successful and innovative teaching ideas and styles.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next 2 days, and plan on giving back to my peers with the same enthusiasm as the speakers over the span of this conference.
A bientot!
Rebecca
I feel that, as a student attending this kind of conference, I might be able to take away from it, the reasons teachers teach as they do, and perhaps, put in some input with a student's perspective as it is about student learning. Because each teacher has their own teaching style, and each student had their own learning style, it is important to talk about it. I feel as a student, I might be able to take away more understanding of the teaching methods and how to perhaps make it better, and easier to learn from.
As well as personal learning from this experience, I think that this conference will come in to good use while preparing the BUSI2750 (Intro to Business for IT Professionals) online course, as well as putting together the Women Unlimited Workshop. As a contributor to both these activities, I feel that it would help me be more productive as I will be more informed on successful and innovative teaching ideas and styles.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next 2 days, and plan on giving back to my peers with the same enthusiasm as the speakers over the span of this conference.
A bientot!
Rebecca
Friday, April 25, 2008
-Been Far Away For Far Too Long-
Sometimes, I look at my life, and see some crazy soap opera.... and it's nuts, you know? I look at my family life, my friend life, my work life, my school life, and the times I spend myself, thinking really hard.... They all leave me feeling like I'm living a dream. Something that would be portrayed on the opposite side of a mirror. I guess growing up, even a few years ago, I never really thought too hard into this... then this thing hit me, something called self-realization. One day out of the blue, I started reading into myself, which I guess now, is what leads me to write in here, and with no school to take up my days, I have lots of time to think, feel and write.
Let me reflect back on the comment about the soap opera. The more I think about it, the more I feel like my life is being filmed for someone, so they can get their fill of drama. Let me just give you the basics so you can see where I'm coming from. All of my [immediate] family either lives overseas (Italy) or is scattered all over North America, with the greatest density in Ontario. Everyone is pretty much close together with everyone but us. We are the only ones in Nova Scotia, and I guess that no matter where we have lived, it's pretty much been us, and just us all alone. Social rejects, if you will. I don't really understand the whole story, but I get the idea that part of it (on my dad's side) is the cultural barrier (on my mom's side). I could be wrong, so don't quote me. Either way, no matter what the reason, we really never kept in close contact with my dad's side, other than my grandmother and aunt, who I have always had some sort of a special bond with. Sometimes, I come to believe that I'm her 're-incarnation' though that wouldn't work because she is still alive... but you know what I mean, separated (by time and space) Siamese twins, it's kinda cool and eerie at the same time, to think that someone hears you and knows things about you, and you didn't even talk about them before. Anyways, back on topic... I guess that most of the issues happened before my time, and I may never really understand them, but this is where we are. My aunt lives in the west coast, Oregon, my grandmother and her husband live in Toronto, and my grandfather and his wife, well I'm not really sure where they are, Florida maybe... I don't know, the last time I saw him was at least 3 years ago, if not more... I'm not sure how fond of us he [they] are. My grandmother and father have finally, somewhat ended the feud between them, but who knows how long that will last. My aunt simply lives a life apart from any of us (my family - mom, dad, brother and sisters), and has a lot going on, and I can appreciate that, because that is life.
On the other hand, my mom's family is just simply too far away, and I guess that's just as sad. We visited them over the winter break, and it was a nice feeling to know that we had so much family near by, basically within walking distance. No matter though, there is still something that makes me feel like we are just intruding, and are really more a bother than it's worth to them. Like a reject, or like something is missing. I guess it's just the style of life that's different, who knows though.
Anyway, I guess I should try to make a point here...
I guess what I'm trying to say, in a nutshell, is that sometimes I wish I could have everyone all in one place. I have friends that have most or all of their family so close by, and they just take it for granted... and I guess sometimes, I'm kinda jealous. Maybe all the events that have happened is what scares me when I think about losing my family [mom, dad, brother and sisters] as I get older. I observe other people's families, and see how everyone just seems to drift apart, and I don't want that to happen to me too... I guess in some ways, I need them, and maybe, they need me too, but who knows.
I guess that the only time I'll get my wish is whenever it's my turn to walk down that isle... the day that will be the start of my own family, which is another scary thought, for another long night.
A bientot
Rebecca
Let me reflect back on the comment about the soap opera. The more I think about it, the more I feel like my life is being filmed for someone, so they can get their fill of drama. Let me just give you the basics so you can see where I'm coming from. All of my [immediate] family either lives overseas (Italy) or is scattered all over North America, with the greatest density in Ontario. Everyone is pretty much close together with everyone but us. We are the only ones in Nova Scotia, and I guess that no matter where we have lived, it's pretty much been us, and just us all alone. Social rejects, if you will. I don't really understand the whole story, but I get the idea that part of it (on my dad's side) is the cultural barrier (on my mom's side). I could be wrong, so don't quote me. Either way, no matter what the reason, we really never kept in close contact with my dad's side, other than my grandmother and aunt, who I have always had some sort of a special bond with. Sometimes, I come to believe that I'm her 're-incarnation' though that wouldn't work because she is still alive... but you know what I mean, separated (by time and space) Siamese twins, it's kinda cool and eerie at the same time, to think that someone hears you and knows things about you, and you didn't even talk about them before. Anyways, back on topic... I guess that most of the issues happened before my time, and I may never really understand them, but this is where we are. My aunt lives in the west coast, Oregon, my grandmother and her husband live in Toronto, and my grandfather and his wife, well I'm not really sure where they are, Florida maybe... I don't know, the last time I saw him was at least 3 years ago, if not more... I'm not sure how fond of us he [they] are. My grandmother and father have finally, somewhat ended the feud between them, but who knows how long that will last. My aunt simply lives a life apart from any of us (my family - mom, dad, brother and sisters), and has a lot going on, and I can appreciate that, because that is life.
On the other hand, my mom's family is just simply too far away, and I guess that's just as sad. We visited them over the winter break, and it was a nice feeling to know that we had so much family near by, basically within walking distance. No matter though, there is still something that makes me feel like we are just intruding, and are really more a bother than it's worth to them. Like a reject, or like something is missing. I guess it's just the style of life that's different, who knows though.
Anyway, I guess I should try to make a point here...
I guess what I'm trying to say, in a nutshell, is that sometimes I wish I could have everyone all in one place. I have friends that have most or all of their family so close by, and they just take it for granted... and I guess sometimes, I'm kinda jealous. Maybe all the events that have happened is what scares me when I think about losing my family [mom, dad, brother and sisters] as I get older. I observe other people's families, and see how everyone just seems to drift apart, and I don't want that to happen to me too... I guess in some ways, I need them, and maybe, they need me too, but who knows.
I guess that the only time I'll get my wish is whenever it's my turn to walk down that isle... the day that will be the start of my own family, which is another scary thought, for another long night.
A bientot
Rebecca
Thursday, April 24, 2008
-There's Nothing Left, We're Just A Shadow Of What We Used To Be-
-There's Nothing Left, We're Just a Shadow Of What We Used To Be-
-Simple Plan
I think that this has to be one of my most favorite lyrics, from my favorite band. Before you start giving me funny looks, read the words in the lyrics, one by one. Now, doesn't that strike you as relevant in some way, shape or form, right in your own life? Think about it... it's about change, it about growing apart, but there is still something there, just like a shadow. I guess it's kinda morbid, but I find it kind of comforting that I'm not the only one that has felt like this... they just put it in words. Now, if you read the rest of the lyrics, you'll find out that the song, Holding On, is about not losing the relationship, and all the memories keep them 'holding on'. Now, before anyone starts barking up my tree, I want to make it clear that this isn't the way I feel about my relationship at all. More so, my friendships, and the people I have left behind, moving or otherwise. I also look at any of my friends and family that have been divorced, especially my boyfriend's, because I have so many questions to ask. The most common that I ask is; "How can they talk about each other, with out hurting inside?" I don't know, all I know is that those people will always be part of their memories... like a shadow. That also goes for their kids and the people around them, they remember and feel the shadows too. I don't know, sometimes I wonder about things that have no relevance to me, and I think about them too hard.
Either way, I guess it's something for people to think about, to be sure that life is lived to the fullest. Make sure that all ends are tied, and that you aren't missing out in anything in life, including not making 'shadows' of the people that mean a lot to you, now, and that will always be in your memories, no matter what.
A bientot
Rebecca
-Simple Plan
I think that this has to be one of my most favorite lyrics, from my favorite band. Before you start giving me funny looks, read the words in the lyrics, one by one. Now, doesn't that strike you as relevant in some way, shape or form, right in your own life? Think about it... it's about change, it about growing apart, but there is still something there, just like a shadow. I guess it's kinda morbid, but I find it kind of comforting that I'm not the only one that has felt like this... they just put it in words. Now, if you read the rest of the lyrics, you'll find out that the song, Holding On, is about not losing the relationship, and all the memories keep them 'holding on'. Now, before anyone starts barking up my tree, I want to make it clear that this isn't the way I feel about my relationship at all. More so, my friendships, and the people I have left behind, moving or otherwise. I also look at any of my friends and family that have been divorced, especially my boyfriend's, because I have so many questions to ask. The most common that I ask is; "How can they talk about each other, with out hurting inside?" I don't know, all I know is that those people will always be part of their memories... like a shadow. That also goes for their kids and the people around them, they remember and feel the shadows too. I don't know, sometimes I wonder about things that have no relevance to me, and I think about them too hard.
Either way, I guess it's something for people to think about, to be sure that life is lived to the fullest. Make sure that all ends are tied, and that you aren't missing out in anything in life, including not making 'shadows' of the people that mean a lot to you, now, and that will always be in your memories, no matter what.
A bientot
Rebecca
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
-Live Like You Were Dying-
This year has been pretty terrible for young deaths. Everyone knows of the kids that vanished and were found, dead later. But then, there are also the deaths that no one really hears about, except the family and friends of that person. Just today, my mother was telling me about our church's secretary, and her painful loss. He son died a few days ago, died of a heart attack in his sleep. He was only 31. That had me starting to think... I'm only 11 years younger than he is, and he still had his life ahead of him, and was getting married in a few months time. It's really a scary thought. That also got me thinking about the people that I care for around me, and their safety. It worries me, to get a phone call about my parents, my boyfriend, or any of either of our families or really, anyone that we are close to. I thought about what we are all so prone to, how the rate of sickness and diseases have increased so rapidly, and wonder if this is a place I would want my own children to grow up and live in. Really though, it's quite a plateful that we'll have to deal with later on.
I thought about everyone that means a lot to me, and it was a painful thought, but I thought of what I would do if I lost them. It would be painful to go on without them because they all have a very important roll in my life, and the lives around them.
Unfortunately, and maybe this sounds mean and cold-hearted, but I think we brought all this pain and suffering upon us. From what we have done to the Earth, to what we do to ourselves, whether that is eating poorly, or drinking, or smoking (including hard drugs)...I think it's hard to say that we deserve anything less... I'm not saying, by any means, that I'm better than anyone, because I do all the same things as any average person. However, I do also think about the future, and what may very well happen, well, what is bound to happen someday. It scares me, like any other 20 year old, the unknown is a scary place.
I guess the answer is really just to life like it was your last day. In some ways, I guess I do too. For 20, I've done quite a bit, and for the little accomplishments I have succeeded in, I am quite proud. I just hope that people slow down every once in a while, and just be grateful for what you do have, and not think about what you don't. Who knows, it may be your last day tomorrow too. Don't you want to live the fullest?
A bientot.
Rebecca
I thought about everyone that means a lot to me, and it was a painful thought, but I thought of what I would do if I lost them. It would be painful to go on without them because they all have a very important roll in my life, and the lives around them.
Unfortunately, and maybe this sounds mean and cold-hearted, but I think we brought all this pain and suffering upon us. From what we have done to the Earth, to what we do to ourselves, whether that is eating poorly, or drinking, or smoking (including hard drugs)...I think it's hard to say that we deserve anything less... I'm not saying, by any means, that I'm better than anyone, because I do all the same things as any average person. However, I do also think about the future, and what may very well happen, well, what is bound to happen someday. It scares me, like any other 20 year old, the unknown is a scary place.
I guess the answer is really just to life like it was your last day. In some ways, I guess I do too. For 20, I've done quite a bit, and for the little accomplishments I have succeeded in, I am quite proud. I just hope that people slow down every once in a while, and just be grateful for what you do have, and not think about what you don't. Who knows, it may be your last day tomorrow too. Don't you want to live the fullest?
A bientot.
Rebecca
Thursday, April 17, 2008
-Pre-Workshop Success-
So, about a week ago, Chris and I had a mini, pre-workshop with about 10 of the ladies from women unlimited, and it was a blast!
Now, from my perspective, and having a lack of female interaction this year, in a way, these few hours were a little overwhelming but comforting all at the same time. Before I get to that though, let me tell you a little bit about what the workshop was about...
Let's go back a bit to get the whole picture here... so, about 2 months ago, Chris was approached with (another) teaching opportunity by Lynn MacKinlay of the program Women Unlimited (Just some background on Women Unlimited... This is a program dedicated to women who have completed high school or the equivalent, and never got a chance to get to get a real career. This program focuses on careers that aren't traditional to women, mostly the trades and technology.). Of course, Chris jumped right into the idea, and asked me to come along for the ride, and I also agreed with high hopes and complete enthusiasm. And our journey started there. Anyways, back to the meat of the story, Lynn came in one day and mentioned that she realized that there were a few women with very limited computer skill, if any at all. This is when the 'pre-workshop' idea was conceived. We decided on April 9th, and it would last about 5 hours.
Now that you know what was going on, let's get back to the story.
My day started at about 9 ish, and as I walked into the school, I saw, by chance, the group of ladies that would soon be the group I'd be teaching. This totally got me stoked! Normally, when I know I have to be teaching or standing up in front of people, I get the jitters, but I was just totally on fire! I also had a presentation earlier that morning in one of my classes, but I was totally excited and wasn't nervous for that either. So, after a little bit of a wait, and a SAAD (System Analysis and Design) presentation which went well, it was off to Chris' office to get everything worked out and ready.
Eleven o'clock, and the 10 ladies start trickling in, and that's when I started to get nervous. Unlike most times, this time, I took a deep breath and did what I had to do, and it was a blast! These ladies had a lot of energy and lots of spunk, and that alone kept me on my toes. The only 'spunk' I'm used to hearing are the crazy cracks the guys like to make. Now, before I get in trouble, I'm not in anyway putting the guys down, because I have a blast with them, but it's kind of nice to feel a whole lot of 'estrogen' in the room, and get some 'girlie' back into you.
I think my favorite part of the day was lunch (the food was awesome, but that wasn't the reason, lol), because I got a real feel for what these ladies were like. For a good part of the lunch break, down in the Women Unlimited classroom, I just sat and listened to what the ladies had to say, most to each other, but they took me in like one of their own in no time. We all talked and carried on and had an awesome time. They all had such interesting stories, and their lives have been all pretty hard, which made me feel pretty lucky for having what I have. Even though they had all had it rough, the were probably some of the nicest people that you could have met. They really had a good grasp about what a 'bad time' was and knew how to smile at the good times. They really taught me something that day, always be thankful for what you have, and strive and work hard for the things that you don't.
I seriously can't wait until May to host the actual workshop! It's going to be a blast! Wish me luck!
A Bientot!
Now, from my perspective, and having a lack of female interaction this year, in a way, these few hours were a little overwhelming but comforting all at the same time. Before I get to that though, let me tell you a little bit about what the workshop was about...
Let's go back a bit to get the whole picture here... so, about 2 months ago, Chris was approached with (another) teaching opportunity by Lynn MacKinlay of the program Women Unlimited (Just some background on Women Unlimited... This is a program dedicated to women who have completed high school or the equivalent, and never got a chance to get to get a real career. This program focuses on careers that aren't traditional to women, mostly the trades and technology.). Of course, Chris jumped right into the idea, and asked me to come along for the ride, and I also agreed with high hopes and complete enthusiasm. And our journey started there. Anyways, back to the meat of the story, Lynn came in one day and mentioned that she realized that there were a few women with very limited computer skill, if any at all. This is when the 'pre-workshop' idea was conceived. We decided on April 9th, and it would last about 5 hours.
Now that you know what was going on, let's get back to the story.
My day started at about 9 ish, and as I walked into the school, I saw, by chance, the group of ladies that would soon be the group I'd be teaching. This totally got me stoked! Normally, when I know I have to be teaching or standing up in front of people, I get the jitters, but I was just totally on fire! I also had a presentation earlier that morning in one of my classes, but I was totally excited and wasn't nervous for that either. So, after a little bit of a wait, and a SAAD (System Analysis and Design) presentation which went well, it was off to Chris' office to get everything worked out and ready.
Eleven o'clock, and the 10 ladies start trickling in, and that's when I started to get nervous. Unlike most times, this time, I took a deep breath and did what I had to do, and it was a blast! These ladies had a lot of energy and lots of spunk, and that alone kept me on my toes. The only 'spunk' I'm used to hearing are the crazy cracks the guys like to make. Now, before I get in trouble, I'm not in anyway putting the guys down, because I have a blast with them, but it's kind of nice to feel a whole lot of 'estrogen' in the room, and get some 'girlie' back into you.
I think my favorite part of the day was lunch (the food was awesome, but that wasn't the reason, lol), because I got a real feel for what these ladies were like. For a good part of the lunch break, down in the Women Unlimited classroom, I just sat and listened to what the ladies had to say, most to each other, but they took me in like one of their own in no time. We all talked and carried on and had an awesome time. They all had such interesting stories, and their lives have been all pretty hard, which made me feel pretty lucky for having what I have. Even though they had all had it rough, the were probably some of the nicest people that you could have met. They really had a good grasp about what a 'bad time' was and knew how to smile at the good times. They really taught me something that day, always be thankful for what you have, and strive and work hard for the things that you don't.
I seriously can't wait until May to host the actual workshop! It's going to be a blast! Wish me luck!
A Bientot!
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