Pictures from Women of Joy
15 years ago
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
What I am learning....
Wow! Has it really been that long since I have updated this blog?!! Yikes! Well, it has been a very busy 6 months for me, but I guess that is no excuse. I just want to say thanks to Dr. Jan for reminding me that I need to continue to blog!! ;-) Anyway, here's a bit about what I have been up to these days.
In June, I completed a class called Building Academic Vocabulary. It was great and I really learned a lot from the course. The course drove me to reflect upon my previous educational experiences. In doing so, I realized that one of the primary reasons that I struggled so much in math was because I had no idea what the vocabulary really meant. I could recite the formal definition of area, but didn't truly understand the concept. How often do we as educators just assume that our students know what we are talking about? Anyway, I now understand the importance of teaching vocabulary directly.
I am currently gearing up for a very busy semester. This Fall I am taking Educational Research. After months and months of contemplating my topic I think I have finally decided to research how to improve reading achievement in the deaf. Statistics show that most deaf students graduate from high school with a fourth grade reading level. I want to know how to improve this statistic.
In June, I completed a class called Building Academic Vocabulary. It was great and I really learned a lot from the course. The course drove me to reflect upon my previous educational experiences. In doing so, I realized that one of the primary reasons that I struggled so much in math was because I had no idea what the vocabulary really meant. I could recite the formal definition of area, but didn't truly understand the concept. How often do we as educators just assume that our students know what we are talking about? Anyway, I now understand the importance of teaching vocabulary directly.
I am currently gearing up for a very busy semester. This Fall I am taking Educational Research. After months and months of contemplating my topic I think I have finally decided to research how to improve reading achievement in the deaf. Statistics show that most deaf students graduate from high school with a fourth grade reading level. I want to know how to improve this statistic.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
My Philosophy of Education
According to Merriam Webster’s online dictionary, metaphysics is “a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality.” (Webster, 2008) In other words, metaphysics deals with the idea of what is real. Each day people interact with objects such as chairs, cars, or trees and consider them to be quite authentic. However, not everyone believes in a real God that has either created or inspired the creation of those same objects. I believe that there is, indeed, one true God who created all things.
One might ask, “But how do you know God and His Word are real?” I’ve come to know God’s realness through my physical, emotional, and spiritual senses. I know He is real because I can see the beautiful objects he has created on this earth. I know God is real because when I pray I can emotionally feel His caring touch. And I know He is real because I’ve had numerous spiritual experiences with Him such as a specific answered prayer. I know God’s word is true for similar reasons. The Bible has solid historical validity. When I read the Bible I feel an emotional connection to God that often moves me to tears. In addition, I know God’s word is real because spiritually I may be dealing with a difficult issue, such as fear, and His word gives me direction and comfort.
In regard to moral direction, I again look to God’s word for insight. In the Bible, of course, there are the Ten Commandments which I try to follow, but even more importantly I look to the life of Jesus Christ as a model for how I should behave. Jesus was a man of his word. He was kind, compassionate, forgiving, never selfish, and always loving. Before I came to know Christ, I was being led through life according to my inherently sinful and quite selfish nature. One of the most powerful verses in the Bible supporting humans have evil tendencies is found in Genesis 6:5. This scripture states, “Then, the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of his heart was only evil continually” (Nelson, Thomas, 2000). What a powerful statement! The words “every” and “continually” in this scripture indicate that man wasn’t capable of anything good. The only way out of a person’s natural inclination toward evil is a renewed life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, one can find hope for the future. The scripture states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come”(Nelson, Thomas, 2000).
Even though in a public school system an educator can’t bring specific scriptural references into the classroom, that same person can teach the basics, such are reading, writing, math, science, and history, as well as take some of the fundamental truths from the Bible and integrate them into his or her curriculum. For example, students need to understand the difference between right and wrong, as well as understand how their actions, whether positive or negative, impact the lives of others. Those same students also need to recognize that there will be times when they do make mistakes, so pupils need to be taught how to overcome adversity and rectify a situation if it involved harming another person.
In addition, educators need to help students overcome their natural inclination toward selfish and unrealistic material gain. One of the best ways a teacher can help students overcome this natural human tendency is to aid students in developing a passion for helping others. This can be accomplished by encouraging students to be involved in community service programs in the classroom and, if possible, in the community. Students also need to understand how to determine the difference between a need and a want. Learners, even at a very young age, must understand how poor money management can negatively impact their lives. This concept is critical for students to comprehend, especially with the world’s ever-changing economic condition.
In addition to helping students become responsible citizens, educators are now faced with the daunting new task of preparing students for professions that don’t yet exist. One of the major goals of education should be to help students live and work responsibly in an ever increasing and complex, technology-driven society. Perhaps, one of the best ways educators can prepare their students, for the challenges that are ahead, is to educate themselves in the area of technology. Children today are going to have to be life-long learners in order to succeed in the technology-driven future that is ahead and educators must step-up to the challenge of instilling a love for learning in the children they teach.
In order for children to compete in future job markets, they will need to be experts in both spoken and technological communication. To help students develop their communication skills they will need ample opportunities for practice. For this reason, classrooms should be arranged in a way that is conducive to this type of learning. Ideally, desks should be arranged either in small groups or in one large horseshoe to promote interaction. Daily lessons and assessments should incorporate situations where students are required to work together in groups and share their results with the class.
According to Michelle Pandian, “the necessity of learning about and becoming skilled at technological innovations for communication and collaboration has been known for more than ten years. Elizabeth Dole, as US Secretary of Labor presented the “SCANS” report, (The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, 1991) listed future goals for public education. Sherman added, those goals ‘include the ability to use sophisticated technology to communicate and collaborate’(Pandian, 2007).” For this reason, students should be communicating on a daily basis using available classroom technology. For example, the classroom teacher might create a blog or a wiki so students can discuss a certain topic and receive feedback from peers.In one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s papers, she quoted the Arch Bishop of York’s perspective regarding the purpose of education. He said, “The true purpose of education is to produce citizens” (Roosevelt, 1930). Educator’s today must prepare students to be responsible citizens who know the difference between right and wrong, have compassion for others, and are prepared for the technological advances and economic challenges that are ahead.
One might ask, “But how do you know God and His Word are real?” I’ve come to know God’s realness through my physical, emotional, and spiritual senses. I know He is real because I can see the beautiful objects he has created on this earth. I know God is real because when I pray I can emotionally feel His caring touch. And I know He is real because I’ve had numerous spiritual experiences with Him such as a specific answered prayer. I know God’s word is true for similar reasons. The Bible has solid historical validity. When I read the Bible I feel an emotional connection to God that often moves me to tears. In addition, I know God’s word is real because spiritually I may be dealing with a difficult issue, such as fear, and His word gives me direction and comfort.
In regard to moral direction, I again look to God’s word for insight. In the Bible, of course, there are the Ten Commandments which I try to follow, but even more importantly I look to the life of Jesus Christ as a model for how I should behave. Jesus was a man of his word. He was kind, compassionate, forgiving, never selfish, and always loving. Before I came to know Christ, I was being led through life according to my inherently sinful and quite selfish nature. One of the most powerful verses in the Bible supporting humans have evil tendencies is found in Genesis 6:5. This scripture states, “Then, the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of his heart was only evil continually” (Nelson, Thomas, 2000). What a powerful statement! The words “every” and “continually” in this scripture indicate that man wasn’t capable of anything good. The only way out of a person’s natural inclination toward evil is a renewed life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, one can find hope for the future. The scripture states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come”(Nelson, Thomas, 2000).
Even though in a public school system an educator can’t bring specific scriptural references into the classroom, that same person can teach the basics, such are reading, writing, math, science, and history, as well as take some of the fundamental truths from the Bible and integrate them into his or her curriculum. For example, students need to understand the difference between right and wrong, as well as understand how their actions, whether positive or negative, impact the lives of others. Those same students also need to recognize that there will be times when they do make mistakes, so pupils need to be taught how to overcome adversity and rectify a situation if it involved harming another person.
In addition, educators need to help students overcome their natural inclination toward selfish and unrealistic material gain. One of the best ways a teacher can help students overcome this natural human tendency is to aid students in developing a passion for helping others. This can be accomplished by encouraging students to be involved in community service programs in the classroom and, if possible, in the community. Students also need to understand how to determine the difference between a need and a want. Learners, even at a very young age, must understand how poor money management can negatively impact their lives. This concept is critical for students to comprehend, especially with the world’s ever-changing economic condition.
In addition to helping students become responsible citizens, educators are now faced with the daunting new task of preparing students for professions that don’t yet exist. One of the major goals of education should be to help students live and work responsibly in an ever increasing and complex, technology-driven society. Perhaps, one of the best ways educators can prepare their students, for the challenges that are ahead, is to educate themselves in the area of technology. Children today are going to have to be life-long learners in order to succeed in the technology-driven future that is ahead and educators must step-up to the challenge of instilling a love for learning in the children they teach.
In order for children to compete in future job markets, they will need to be experts in both spoken and technological communication. To help students develop their communication skills they will need ample opportunities for practice. For this reason, classrooms should be arranged in a way that is conducive to this type of learning. Ideally, desks should be arranged either in small groups or in one large horseshoe to promote interaction. Daily lessons and assessments should incorporate situations where students are required to work together in groups and share their results with the class.
According to Michelle Pandian, “the necessity of learning about and becoming skilled at technological innovations for communication and collaboration has been known for more than ten years. Elizabeth Dole, as US Secretary of Labor presented the “SCANS” report, (The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, 1991) listed future goals for public education. Sherman added, those goals ‘include the ability to use sophisticated technology to communicate and collaborate’(Pandian, 2007).” For this reason, students should be communicating on a daily basis using available classroom technology. For example, the classroom teacher might create a blog or a wiki so students can discuss a certain topic and receive feedback from peers.In one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s papers, she quoted the Arch Bishop of York’s perspective regarding the purpose of education. He said, “The true purpose of education is to produce citizens” (Roosevelt, 1930). Educator’s today must prepare students to be responsible citizens who know the difference between right and wrong, have compassion for others, and are prepared for the technological advances and economic challenges that are ahead.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thank you Lord....
Please pray for Dr. Denton and his family during this difficult time. Dr. Denton is one of our professors and was admitted to Cox Health South Neuro-Intensive Care Unit a few days ago. He had spinal and brain swelling. A friend and I went to see him and his family last night. We were very surprised to find Dr. Denton speaking some! Thank you Lord for hearing and answering our prayers. They still aren't totally sure what's wrong so please pray that God would give them wisdom. I continue to believe God for Dr. Denton's full recovery.
Also, please continue to pray for Baby Granton Bayless. You can check out his amazing story at http://www.grantonbayless.blogspot.com. It's amazing how our church and the city of Bolivar has pulled together to help this little guy. For a long time they didn't think there was any hope, but God has provided in amazing ways!!!!
Lord, I just thank you today that you have plans for good for us and not for evil; plans to give us a hope and a future. Help us not only to be hearers of your word, but doers also. Teach us your holy ways Lord. We thank you and praise you for Dr. Denton's and Granton's full healing!
Also, please continue to pray for Baby Granton Bayless. You can check out his amazing story at http://www.grantonbayless.blogspot.com. It's amazing how our church and the city of Bolivar has pulled together to help this little guy. For a long time they didn't think there was any hope, but God has provided in amazing ways!!!!
Lord, I just thank you today that you have plans for good for us and not for evil; plans to give us a hope and a future. Help us not only to be hearers of your word, but doers also. Teach us your holy ways Lord. We thank you and praise you for Dr. Denton's and Granton's full healing!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Just thinking.....about Brick Walls.....
In "The Last Lecture", the speaker talks a lot about "Brick Walls". I used to think of them as just plain old frustrating obstacles. But, recently, I have learned to embrace those obstacles. They've helped me to realize who I am and how much I desire the things that are hidden behind them. "The Last Lecture" was a great reminder to be thankful for all things. Hmmmmm....I seem to remember this principle in the Bible as well! :-) I believe it was Job who said something to the effect, can you accept good from God and not accept bad? So true!!! Thankfully, we have the promise that He has plans for good for our lives and that ALL things work together for the GOOD of those who love the Lord.
Investigating Blogs, Podcasts, and Wiki's Assignment 2
I've been exploring www.leadertalk.org for one of my classes. Here is a list of the blogs I plan to follow:
Greg Farr- I really like his blog because his entries seem to be fairly scholarly. I like the fact that he includes statistics in his entries. He writes on the topic of at-risk students. I love working with special needs students so his blog is close to my heart.
C. Hiltz- I LOVE this blog!!! I especially like that she has added a “VOKI”. I didn’t even know such a thing existed!!! A “VOKI” is a talking avatar which you can add to your blog. VERY COOL!
Barbara Berreda- Wow!!! Great blog! Barbara gives practical advice and information about how she is incorporating technology into the classroom. I like the fact that she tries to go beyond surface learning and seeks to help students “dig deeper”.
Things I like about www.leadertalk.org:
Great tool for networking
It’s nice to see how different educators react to situations.
I like the comments because it helps me to see other sides of the topic.
Things I dislike about www.leadertalk.org:
With so many links along the sides it seems very jumbled and difficult to navigate.
There aren’t very many pictures.
A lot of the blogs are from the perspective of principals which is fine, but I would prefer to read more from teachers in the classroom.
Greg Farr- I really like his blog because his entries seem to be fairly scholarly. I like the fact that he includes statistics in his entries. He writes on the topic of at-risk students. I love working with special needs students so his blog is close to my heart.
C. Hiltz- I LOVE this blog!!! I especially like that she has added a “VOKI”. I didn’t even know such a thing existed!!! A “VOKI” is a talking avatar which you can add to your blog. VERY COOL!
Barbara Berreda- Wow!!! Great blog! Barbara gives practical advice and information about how she is incorporating technology into the classroom. I like the fact that she tries to go beyond surface learning and seeks to help students “dig deeper”.
Things I like about www.leadertalk.org:
Great tool for networking
It’s nice to see how different educators react to situations.
I like the comments because it helps me to see other sides of the topic.
Things I dislike about www.leadertalk.org:
With so many links along the sides it seems very jumbled and difficult to navigate.
There aren’t very many pictures.
A lot of the blogs are from the perspective of principals which is fine, but I would prefer to read more from teachers in the classroom.
VOKI'S
I just learned that you can create a VOKI, which is a talking animated avatar, and add it to your blog!!! It's free and really easy to do. Just go to http://www.voki.com!!! Have fun!
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