Last Lecture (for the semester): Dews and Doughnuts of Teaching

First off, I want to thank Jim for the Mountain Dew and doughnuts... they were delicious! I really enjoyed the lecture today because yes, it pertained to teaching. But it really felt like a few helpful hints to live one's life to the fullest.

I enjoyed the part about traveling, because I love to travel! I am studying abroad in Spain spring semester of 2010, and I can't wait. When you travel, you learn so much about different parts of the world, the people, and you learn about yourself! Traveling is just a great experience, and I think people should do it more often.

I also enjoyed the part about having a little mouth, and bigger ears. I like to think of myself as more of an active listener. I may not always say what's on my mind, but I am usually thinking a lot, especially in class.

The lecture was fun, and a nice way to end the semester. I really enjoyed Ed Psych; it was definitely my favorite class this semester. It's just hard to believe that finals are approaching!

Last Child in the Woods

In my discussion group for Ed Psych, we read the book "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. In this book he brings "nature-deficit disorder" to the forefront. Our children used to play outside, building forts and tree houses. Now all kids do is sit inside and play video games or watch tv, because playing outside is seen as too dangerous and people don't want law suits on their hands. As Frank Wilson, a professor of neurology put it, "We cutting off our hands to spite our brains". Children ages 8-18 yrs spend approximately 6.5 hours a day plugged in electronically. (45 hrs a week) Our schools are not helping the nature-deficit either, nearly 40% of American Elementary Schools either eliminated or were considering eliminating recess. This is reflective of the dramatic increase in diagnosis of ADHD as well. Between 2000 and 2003, spending on ADHD for preschoolers increased 369%.

So, my group made an I-movie to get the word out about the book, and give people some advice as to what they can do to help children, so they are the last child in the woods. You can view the video by simply clicking on the title above! ; )

Chalk

So I must say that I was not sure what "Chalk" was going to be like, I was a little skeptical as the movie started, but then after we got a minute or so into it, I realized I really enjoyed this movie. It can definitely be described as the "teaching version of the NBC TV show 'The Office". It has elements that you would expect there to be some truth to, however that truth has been exaggerated quite a bit. I think some of my favorite moments were when Mr.Stroope, (the teacher who is wishing to win the Teacher of the Year Award) asked one of his students to stop using big words that he couldn't understand, and another to stop being so smart, since they both know that she knows a lot more history than he does. Then there is Mr. Lowrey who is really awkward, and has no teaching experience. The only interaction he has with his students is when they steal his "chalk". Another part of the movie which reminded me of 'The Office', was when Mr.Stroope was talking to the faculty about all the things that they shouldn't steal from the school, like paper, and money from extracurriculars. A really really awkward part was also when Mr. Stroope compared shooting a gun to teaching... = / One of the funniest parts for me also was just when the AP was talking to the parent over the phone about the kid who brought the knife to school, and then all of the sudden she just gives up talking to the parent and holds the phone away from her face, makes a really funny face and then flicks off the parent over the phone. There are many awkward parts in the movie, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

By the way, it said that 50% of new teachers quit during the first 3 years... I think that it a really high statistic, and I don't really know if that is true, or another exaggeration... ?