So as many of you know I recently started a Master of Arts in Education program and so you can only imagine what I am immersing myself in. But I must say I am always pleasantly surprised at what I had been holding off from for so long. You see, we often are afraid of the things that challenge us, I decided that I wasn't going to let that get in my way anymore. Instead I decided let me face the challenge and go forth, the outcomes are always worth it and when you face the challenge, accept it and jump in you find a power within yourself.
By immersing myself in this challenge, I have rediscovered what I love about education- the power of learners grasping for knowledge and getting creative. I am currently taking two courses: Curriculum Building and Learning Theory. I am well aware of the fact that not everyone within in a classroom is ready to learn the knowledge of that class. So I hope that I can keep motivated, stay connected, and keep renewing my thrive to learn and share it. So far, I have taken many trips down memory lane, exploring my past schooling, how was I taught, what worked for me, what didn't work, what kept me engaged...it has really made me start thinking that all of us are pretty complex creatures and we all do things a little differently. I know that ultimately the learner must be engaged in the subject and the teacher has to find a way to get the student engaged. So as the student, this is what I am currently doing, engaging the subject and engaging the teacher.
So as I take these classes I also try to keep engaged beyond what I am learning in the classroom. I try to look around at my world, what is going on...I turn to TED talks. Recently I shared a link on facebook about the Bee Bummer, which I really feel is crucial to our future. If I was in a classroom I would make sure to share this talk with my students, regardless if I wasn't teaching science, because this problem goes further and transcends many subjects, such as, agricultural, sustainability, food sources, population, etc. As a teacher you have to find a way to connect this topic to your subject area. Today, my co-worker shared with me a link about phonebloks, this is a invention currently, that has not been picked up, but in an age where technology is constantly being changed every moment, this seems like the way to go for smartphones. I am hoping that by sharing this link about phonebloks on my Instagram and hashtagging #shouldbeatedtalk and #tedtalk that it will actually make it to a TEDtalk and actually make it possible to own. If you have never watched a TED talk I encourage you to get connected and search for one on You Tube...they are pretty amazing and really get you thinking beyond our current political spectrum which seems so bogged down on blaming the opposite sides of the aisle instead of actually working. What I am saying is don't get discouraged in our future, don't give up, get connected to what is out there working for the greater good of mankind. Let's get educated, get connected and get our creative minds connected.
I will try to check in with you when I can, for now, I just wanted you to know where I was, what I am working towards...this is a journey..."the obstacle is the path"-Pirsig.
