Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wk2 - Publishing vs Presenting
Right now I am struggling between presenting my AR or publishing my AR. I have a hard time deciding between the two because they both have pros and cons. For example, if I publish, I would just follow the guidelines and submit my project. It will be quick and easy. But, I like to do things face to face. Basically, I like to show, tell, and discuss. I like to meet people and take questions. If I do not have the answers, that means more opportunity for me to explore, learn and grow. However, if I present, it might backfire. I fear that if I present my work, it might not be completely ready and my colleagues might find me to be a big buffoon. I don't know, I really need some advice on this. Maybe my classmates can give me some advice. Yes, if you're reading this, it is a cry for help. Thanks. :)
Wk2 - Comment on Stacie Stoumbaugh
(Microsoft Clip Art)I’m not positive that the logic in this chapter would work for everyone, but I do know that we all struggle with comparing ourselves on some level. If we can contribute and not compare, the fear is removed and the possibilities become endless.
Stacie,
That is exactly what I needed to read. Your last sentence is so powerful for me. This post is very connected to what I have been trying to master. I am very competitive and tend to compare myself to every just about everyone. At times I feel defeated and that drives me to work harder and to do better. I times I feel great because I am better at something than someone else, and that drives me to work harder to stay better. It's a vicious cycle. But, I will try, like you, to stop that kind of thinking and switch to contributing because it is less competitive and more cooperative.
Wk 2 - Comment on Kathy Kellen
(Retrieved from Kathy Kellen blog https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhiYqbtHQIsJXnd_UWrBD5mUvxG2mxhW9iBVbAtIxvfxzbRRr6AcqtQV2_BfjNqg4RpP-iV3DM57j8mMXPM-2ucZYt1wA-5_iONhyphenhyphenrfKpSgLv1eeDVp7Jw20UNjwyI5wF51S3PtOSQmgC/s1600/6491_1161394707979_1021146607_495088_5502807_n.jpg)
When I think of my present teaching position, I "play the principal flute role" in the elementary piece of my position, but in the middle school instrumental piece, definitely the supporting role of "2nd flute"! Piccolo is probably my least favorite chair, because of its high exposure...nowhere to hide...totally out there!
Kathy,
There is nothing wrong with being out there. I guess I would be a piccolo player because I do not mind standing out. Just from reading your blog, I can tell that you're pretty shy and likes to blend in without getting noticed. That's cool because there is a job for everyone and every seat is meant for someone with a different personality.
Wk2 Reading - "Leaders Can Follow"
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“How much greatness are we willing to grant people?” (p.73)
To answer this question from the reading, we need to give the people we teach, coach, lead, and/or conduct a voice. Good leaders are good listeners who are not afraid to admit when they are at fault. When followers see that their leader is not too proud to admit when they are wrong, they see the humility of that leader. A humble leader is not always directing his or her subordinates. He or she must also be a good listener and give their followers a chance to express what they observe through their eyes. Keeping an open mind is what keeps a good leader from being clouded by the things they experience and perceive. Also, good leaders let someone else shine a different light on the same situation.
When I start school, I set the expectation for my student’s behaviors. But, what we often do not allow is an opportunity for students to voice their opinion on how teachers should behave and educate. I do this exercise with my students at the end of the first semester because they have gotten a feel for my personality and teaching style. So, I developed this extra credit survey for my students with four simple questions. They are as follow:
What were two things that Coach2win did well last semester? Why was it good?
What are two things that Coach2win can do better? How can he improve, give him some suggestions?
What were two things you did well last semester in Coach2win’s class? Why was it good?
What are two things you can do better this upcoming semester? How can you improve?
Basically this survey boils down to how can improve as an educator and how can they improve as students. Giving my students this chance to evaluate me is the same as the Zander allowing his musicians to write on the blank notepaper. When the people we lead get to voice their opinions openly and freely, we all learn something. We learn about our self and the people we lead. That is how we grant people greatness, through listening to their suggestions.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wk1 - Personal Reflection or Week One of MAC
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After camping for a whole week last week, I came into MAC a bit lazy this. I don't know whether it is I am lazy or I am getting old and tired from camping. I did not get the best sleep for a week and did not get to eat that well either. I am more rested now and week two of MAC should be better for me. I did not get to research on the publishing stuff, but I will get to it this week.
Also, I feel like I am mentally exhausted from putting so much though into my Lit Review. Writing has always been my week point and I struggle so much with it. But, after getting some encouragement from Roxanne, I feel better about my writing. I really look forward to finishing with the classmates I started this program with in September. I cannot wait until we celebrate in Florida together.
Wk1 - Comment on Sarah Hodge Blog
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I absolutely loved the concept about giving each student an A. The story that had a great impact on me was that of the Taiwan student. In his experience, he stated,
“In Taiwan, I was Number 68 out of 70 student. I came to Boston and Mr. Zander says I am an A. Very confusing. I walk about, three weeks, very confused. I am Number 68, but Mr. Zander says I am an A student…I am Number 68, but Mr. Zander says I am an A. One day I discover much happier A than Number 68. So I decided I am an A” (Zander & Zander, p.32, 2000).
It is a sad reality that we allow the world to place a label on us that defines us and who we are. I love that this young man was able to develop his own sense of self and realize that he was capable of more than what the world had told him. It is so easy to get caught up in what we are in comparison to our peers when we should be more focused on stretching and reaching for our best self. Just as Zander (2000) states,
Sarah,
When, I first watched your video from month one that you made in MLR, I thought to myself, what a wonderful person. I gave you an A right there because I figured you had good heart. After being in a group with you in month three, I found out that you have two hearts because you have lots of love to give.
I must agree with you that it is sad to see some people live their lives based on what other people label them. For example, when you told me about your classmates in high school, I think they might have been labeled wrong and that is why they did not try as hard a you did in school. You told me that you did all your work and that's how you got your good grades. Maybe your classmates just stopped trying because they were not label A.
Wk1 - Comment on Jodi Logan Blog
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I want to express my favorite chapter… Chapter number three, “ Giving an A”. This chapter touches my life drastically. I blame my mom for a lot. I feel like I trusted her with everything in my life and she let me down. She hurt me emotionally. Eight years later, my mom is doing better and seems to be getting her act together but I still cannot trust anything that she says or does. I finally had to say that “you can’t change someone” but this chapter proves me wrong. This chapter says, “however in the universe of possibility, you certainly can change people” (pg 50). I had to read this section over and over again just questioning myself about the word “change”. The relationship between my mom and I can change. I just need to open my mind and let it change. As it states in the book, “ An A radiates possibility through a family, a workplace, and a community, gaining strength, bringing joy and expression and a flowering of talent and productivity” (pg 52). I just need to think about giving her an A. I promise from now on I will change our relationship that we have.
Jodi,
That is very brave of you to bring up something so personal and dear to yourself. From what I learned from chapter two, try focusing on the possibilities of opportunities to improve your relationship with your mom. I know it is hard to do that when there was so many times your mom has hurt you. I wish you luck with your mom.
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