I really enjoyed todays class. It was very exciting to see everyone get into character. On a personal note I want to thank my group, group 2 for everything they said today it help me anwer some questions about becoming a teacher. I have always been fearful about the frustration that would come with teaching but now I see the difficulties in a different light. I see the letters from students who lives we change. I see men who their community help raise and now are becoming coaches themselves. I see the value of looking back and seeing simple things as a train stopping for water and coal as an opportunity to teach. I see that being successful is that much sweeter if you have to struggle to get there. I love the idea of helping other to succeed so I will continue to gain more tools and techniques to become the best teacher I can be. I realize that I must question my ideas to see if I can improve and develop new ideas. I must also listen to everyone's voices because other people are a source of untapped treasure. That is what I learned today that I am not alone on this journey. There are others with the same desires as me to help students reach their full potetial. We are a community of learners.
Steve
That "untapped treasure" is like the prop you yourself brought: putting your wedding ring in the little bag. Just as you pointed out for the class that there can be more than what first meets the eye, you're also realizing that that's true for your students.
ReplyDeleteI, too, thought group #2's article was excellent, and I felt privileged to be able to focus on it and to work with you and the others in our group. Even though I've been teaching a while and have already gotten some positive feedback, each year has its challenges and the author inspires me to keep at it--just like you said.
I also agree that I "really enjoyed today's class." I was uncertain at first, but what a fun and meaningful learning experience!
Steve, I also enjoyed the presentation of the prop you brought into share with our class on Thursday. You made a good point in explaining that we as teachers should look beyond the appearance of our students. We have to dig deeper, to tap into the treasure they have inside. That is so true!
ReplyDeleteAs for the whole experience, at first, I was intimidated acting out our props in front of the class. However, after it was done, I felt that the experience was unique, meaningful, and would be something I would like to participate in again. During my undergrad, I was never given the opportunity to work with my classmates to act things out. It made me think of the experience I had in high school when we acted out Julius Caesar in groups for class. I still remember that, as I will remember today's class.
Deanna
I certainly agree with your post as well as the two comments - Thursday's class was so meaningful for everyone. I felt like Dr. Shutkin was moved by our creativity and how much we all enjoyed getting into character in front of the class (I may be wrong, but it seemed like he enjoyed how we embraced it!). The medium we used in acting in front of the class was extremely meaningful. The few times - probably under ten times in my high school and collegiate career - I've used that method I have also gathered an incredible amount of awareness and excellent thematic resources that continue to stick with me today. It was also very meaningful to hear everyone explain their props. It meant a lot that everyone was so willing to share a piece of their past. I have a feeling that through these explorations as a class we will get a lot closer and be able to share a lot of each other to facilitate a great amount of learning.
ReplyDeleteI share many of your thoughts regarding how our class has been transformed into a warm, intellectually, safe environment. I see our class as having a rare opportunity to explore the possibilities of learning and our own beliefs about learning. I think we all want to be strong, supportive teachers and an asset to the profession. In reality, we need to establish the same type of environment in graduate school that we would like in our classrooms.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed Thursday's class and thought everyone took the assignment and made it their own. I really enjoyed seeing everyone's prop and hearing why it was special to them.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was scared, I really hate presentations and I get very nervous in front of my peers, but I was pleasantly surprised and I know we are all in this profession for a greater purpose.