Wk 4 Peer Comment-Helen

The WE attitude is so important in the classroom.  As a teacher, nothing we do is only about us.  There always has to be a WE attitude in order for the class to be successful.  I completely agree that taking things one day at a time is truly the secret of being happy.  I have been making an honest effort to take things one day at a time.  I notice that I am happier and my stress levels have gone down tremendously.  Before reading this book, I would be so focused on what was “supposed” to happen in the future that I was making myself crazy.  I too need to reread this book, especially when I feel frustrated or disillusioned with the world of education.  The lessons are inspiring.  Thank you for your post!

Photo Credit: SmartBoard Notebook Gallery

As I continued to piece together what I wanted to write about this week's reading...I came to the conclusion I am going to blog backwards...the ending to the 9th chapter. Roz and Ben were very storng throughout the reading and continued to end the book with WE being emphasized and I think it needs to...they are sooo right. We can't do anything on our own and that will continue to make us put strong judgements upon ourselves but we need to learn to accept the things around us and to adapt and understand what WE can do and what WE can evaluate and fix and accomplish. It is funny but the last chapter a lot of their examples, words, and sayings really hit me but every time I came to a capitalized 'WE' it made me reflect upon myself and how I need to use this methodology of WE more often. It made me really reflect upon my CBR and how WE (students and myself) made it work but they were the WE. I always tell my students that WE work as a classroom and WE need to support one another...like we are a team and a building structure that leans upon each brick. Ben and Roz really pushed for the WE aspect and to do a clear reflection on weather or not we are considered the board. 

As I also reflected upon the reading, it made me really realize that we need to take everything we go through one day and one example at a time. Roz and Ben gave so many enlightening stories that we need to be aware of the things around us and to take advantage of giving others A and a chance to make mistakes and be themselves. I strongly believe that everyone needs to read this book and that I NEED to reread this book during the winter slump in great old Wisconsin because the snow really does drain us of the lacking recesses and fresh air that is highly needed to keep us motivate and open minded to keep moving forward. 

Ben showed great characterization when he reflected upon his own life and examples and what he didn't understand or deal with when he went to be on the board. He really interpreted the things around him and noticed that he was wrong and he told the truth of what was going on even though he didn't want to hear it himself. We as humans need to do this and understand that pride is one thing but being prideful is another. 

We need to continue to see the world in the half full aspect and that we aren't always right. We need to be the board and challenge ourselves to really dig deep and reflect upon ourselves. 

The story that hit me the hardest this reading was the story of Ben and the Eastlea school and it really made me reflect upon my goals as a high schooler wanting to teach inner city and make a difference in the lives of my students...the lives of those less fortunate...that didn't have the things that I did or the family stronghold I did. I continued to look back at this a regret not doing what I was passionate about. But after reading Being the Board and being the conductor and spark....I can be the difference maker in the school I am in and touch the lives of each of my students I have now by allowing them to be the conductor and the board and the spark and giving them an a.....

Wk 4 Peer Comment-Cheryl

I too liked the parts of this week’s reading discussing generating a spark and the WE story.  Both are so important in education.  Lighting a spark can motivate students.  The WE story makes us think about us and our students as part of a unified whole.  This can only improve our interactions with each other.  You are right…It does change attitudes!

My favorite part of this weeks reading was that we need to generate a spark of possibility for others to share (hence my photo).  Chapters 9 and 12 were for me the most meaningful.  Besides the spark in chapter 9, I also liked the story of the hyper ten year old doing soooo well at conducting! My youngest son has been very active his whole life, and now he is the top order puller at his warehouse job nearly every month.  As educators we need to remember to look for what our students can excel at and help them find that level of achievement.  In chapter 12, we are told to approach all issues with "we" instead of "I".  Now that I am dealing with 3 paraprofessionals, "we" has become a favorite word in my vocabulary! The other part of chapter 12 that I loved was the story of the girl telling the lady that she knew what she wanted.  After thinking, the lady went to the store and brought back a can of beef stew.  It was exactly what what was wanted, and sometimes we need to remember to give our students and the people we work with that can of stew.  It can change attitudes and whole days.  Have a great day! Cheryl

Wk 4-Think Out Loud 2

After giving it some thought, I have decided to focus on submitting the paper for the publishing and leadership project.  In the future months, I may feel ambitious enough to put together a presentation to submit later.  I did not have ay idea before the Wimba during week 3 that publications were very strict on submissions to multiple journals.  I had originally though of the process as similar to applying for a job where you submit to as many as possible.  Knowing that this is not the case has made me think about venues for submission that are related to the work that I have done.  The audience for the work is so important.  In light of this information, I began to research the publications for the National Art Education Association.  They publish several journals worldwide dealing with issues in art education.  For this assignment, one of the biggest problems will be the submission process. The NAEA is one of the only organizations that require submissions to be mailed.  I will still submit my work but I am also going to submit to the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.  This journal takes online submissions so I will have my proof of submission sooner than the other journal.

Image courtesy of the NAEA website.

Wk 4 Reading

The reading his was insightful is a few different ways.  In chapter 9, Ben Zander describes the story where he went to meet the cellist to ask him to play to ask him to play in the concert.  The cellist agreed because Zander went in person to ask therefore avoiding the secretary who claimed the cellist was too busy.  Though technology has changed the way we interact with each other, I think it is still important to do things in person. 

As part of my job as the yearbook adviser, I am responsible for organizing and planning picture day for the entire school.  I work closely with the school photographer to organize the event.  We have to manage where, how, and when to get 3,600 students through five picture lines.  A time saving measure is the use of preprinted sit cards.  The sit cards are given to the teachers to pass out to students.  Students take the card to the photographer who scans that card and takes the photos.  This makes the lines move quickly since it only takes seconds to take the photograph and identify the person.  In order to get the cards printed, I am required to submit a listing of all students in the school by name, grade, teacher, period, and student id.  In past years, I have had the list within an hour after the request is made.  However this year, the district has changed the major computer database for storing student information.  The new system has numerous possibilities but no one on campus is comfortable with the new system yet.  I sent my customary email asking for the list to the attendance secretaries.  After two days, I still had not had a response.  The photographer had been contacting me for the list so my stress level was soaring.  I decided to go down and discuss the list in person.  I spent a few minutes discussing the situation with those in the office.  Those were the most important moments.  I came away from the conversation with a plan and a solid understanding of the situation.  It turns out that no one knew how to make a list using the new system and the office had been swamped with students entering and withdrawing.  I explained why I needed the information and explained what I did with it.  I felt that we had come together to solve a problem.  Taking the time to discuss the situation in person made it possible to see beyond the words written in an email.  So much of communication is body language and voice inflection, in which both get lost through an email message.  I got the list two days later.  Right after the list was sent to my email, I got a call from the one of the secretaries asking if the list was what I needed.  I had the opportunity to thank her and tell her how much I appreciate her work.  I think it sounds better when spoken versus typed. 

I feel that most communication should still be done in person.  Though it may take more time, I think this is important for problem solving and working together as a team.  

Photo by Sheri Brinkerhoff

Wk 4 Publishing and Leadership Project

For my publishing and leadership project, I plan to submit a paper to two educational journals. 

The first is the International Journal of Education Through Art.  They are currently issuing a call for submissions through the National Art Education Association.  This journal publishes articles dealing with research-based teaching practices related to art education.  Specific topics of interest include meaning making, image and identity in art education and public, community, and environmental art.    Since my challenge-based research project supports both topics, it would be an excellent fit for this publication.

The second journal is the Association for Advancement of Computing in Education.  This journal focuses on current issues and practices in technology education.  My paper would be perfect for either section.  The Current Issues section deals with theoretical discussions of technology in regard to teacher preparation.  My project focuses on the implementation of specific strategies dealing with technology, which would be helpful for other teachers who are interested in incorporating different types of technology within the classroom.  The Current Practice section focuses on shorter, easy to implement technology tools or teaching strategies by providing a look into the classroom in action.

Brinkerhoff_Sheri_Publishing.docx

Think Out Loud Post 1

Think Out Loud Post 2 

Wk 3 Peer Comment-Heidi

I too am passionate about art and nature.  This summer, I spent a lot of time outside with my daughter.  When I’m outside, I feel a connection to nature that my regular life is missing.  I wish you the best in Oregon!  It is a beautiful place.  I’ve had several friends and family members move there.  Your daughters are lucky to live in a beautiful and artistic place.  It is a shame that going to school means that they will be in a place that is devoid of art and nature.  I feel the same way when my daughter goes to school.  Like you, I try to make-up for it when we are at home. 

As for the downward spiral talk you and I both mentioned…I too started to eat lunch in my classroom away from the negativity.  Teaching is a hard job.  It doesn’t make it any easier after listening to all of the negative comments.  The negativity was so rampant the principal addressed it in a faculty meeting.  That was an eye opening experience.  Beyond my classroom and building, I know very little about what happens elsewhere in the school.  This year, I am going to avoid negativity at all costs in hopes of having a positive attitude.

Chapter 5. Leading from Any Chair: We're all leaders. How can we make a difference in the people we influence each day? How do we listen to those who help us make our dreams become reality?

You need to ask yourself, “How can I make them engage” don’t ask “How great am I doing? How much greatness am I willing to give?” A leader listens to suggestions and can instill a sense of pride into those giving the suggestions.

Chapter 6. Rule Number 6: Don't take yourself so seriously. Life is a journey--enjoy and learn along the way. Live, laugh, and love!!

Rule Number 6: don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously. I love this line. I am reminded me of a time I was in an argument with someone. In a fit of rage, I threw a bag of un-husked corn on the cob at him. After that the fight was forgotten and laughter ensued at the absurdity of throwing a bag of corn!

Chapter 7. The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?

Downward Spiral Talk…rampant in Education. When I started teaching, I was full ideas and innovations, but in staff rooms and meetings my voice was drowned out by jaded, seasoned teachers complaing about this and that, until one day I found myself sucked into the Downward Spiral Talks. Of course it doesn’t help that our complaints and negative thoughts increased as working conditions decreased.

Chapter 8. Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?

I am passionate about art and nature. In the brief freedom of summer for my girls (before they go back to school and are sucked into a world mostly devoid of these things), I try to instill as much of these two high held passions as I can. This is one of the main reasons I chose Portland, OR to move to. This city is as passionate about art and nature as I am. I try to combine my passions, by teaching my kids that nature is full of art; nature is art. Finding and experiencing the beauty that is nature is experiencing art.

Link to Heidi's Blog 

Image by Sheri Brinkerhoff

Wk 3 Peer Comment-Barbara

I love that you included a medallion that is important to you.  When I think about ‘The Way Things Are,’ I think about accepting where you are in life.  It becomes so easy to start thinking about how things should be especially when you are faced with trials in life.  I loathe the powerless feeling I feel about my own life at times.  Sometimes I begin to focus on the past or what I think the future will hold instead of the present.  Maybe this is a defense to avoid focusing too much on the situation at hand.  The challenges in life can tear us down and force us to rebuild ourselves in new ways.    ‘Taking the Road Less Traveled’ is well worth the effort.  That’s where all of the most interesting experiences in life reside.  If everyone took the same road in life, we would not live in such a diverse world.  I wish you luck finding a new career!  It is an adventure but it is also exciting to think about all of the possibilities available.  Completing this degree will open doors for you.  

The Way Things Are.

This is a subject dear to my heart. I bought the medallion above about 2 years ago and carry it with me precisely to remind me of this very idea: always be where I am, and that takes discerning and accepting 'the way things are'. Being mindful is a tough practice whether I am really busy involved with work, or just the opposite, sitting in space, just doing nothing. I have had quite a lot of practice having to accept where I am because I have felt the frustration of powerlessness many times in my life. Like the Serenity Prayer reminds us, it takes awareness and wisdom to understand what we can change and what must accept.

I have had to find this balance most strikingly over the past 5 years. My meddle has been tested to the max by the housing downturn, economy and general drying up of work in my profession, which has resulted in successive job loses and the long list of the other losses that go along with that. I have free fallen, hit the ground, and bounced around. I have given myself time to heal, and tried my best to move forward. Being a student at Full Sail is part of this moving forward, proceeding with the skills and experience I have and hoping to translate them in the new world of education.

The other side of that medallion says, “Take the Road Less Traveled”. This has been my mantra since I was a teenager believe it or not. That idea excited me and propelled me to do untraditional jobs that I have been fairly successful at. This mid-life crisis, thrust upon me by the real world of economics, has been the most difficult time in my life to find the acceptance of “where I am”, and the powerlessness of it has been the most devastating.

Until I found this medallion, I had forgotten how much this idea meant to me so long ago. I realized that "Taking the Road Less Traveled" still holds promise and excitement for me. It means living in possibility, once again. The flip side, “Be where you are”, has helped me connect the difficult times, the dark dots of my life, with those youthful bright dots of idealism, and feel that it was all worth it and still can be. It helps me accept and stay in the here and now. The medallion keeps me aware of the continuum of my life's possibilities, and helps me strengthen the threads connecting up living a whole life in possibility.

Just before I started this post, I was perusing the job openings in higher education that I might be qualified for with my past experience and my new EMDT credential, because, once again, I am unemployed. This afternoon I have an appointment with a career coach to help me re-frame my experience toward this new job market. So today, I will be acting upon and living in the possibilities of a new career, step by step on the road less traveled.

 Link to Barbara's Blog
Image of the Road courtesy of Microsoft Office Clip Art