Babe Movie Trailer retrieved on June 28, 2009 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myyb4FUUMwI&feature=related
Chapter 7 The Way Things Are
Babe, the Gallant Pig is one of my favorite children’s books and movies so I could definitely relate to Zander’s comparison of the duck and cow to the way things are. I believe it is natural for most people to let their calculating self take over, but Babe demonstrated how a central self could take a somewhat hopeless situation and basically change the way people felt about him on the farm. Most of the other characters spoke to him in a downward spiral of pessimism, however, Babe continued try out possibilities towards the dreams and visions he had for his life as a sheep herder.
As an educator I highly support taking mistakes and turning them in to learning experiences. Many of the students I have taught in the past are so afraid to make mistakes that it hinders them from participating in discussions and being creative in their work. When I make mistakes in class I try to model how to first acknowledge my error and figure out how to make it better without putting anyone or anything else down. Most of the time it is common for them to try to blame someone else for their mistakes. I look forward to practicing the art of welcoming mistakes with my future students.
Chapter 8 Giving Way to Passion
Entering this Educational Media Design and Technology program was one time I can clearly see myself practice Zander’s two steps to giving way to passion. Before this program I was holding back when it came to technology. Using it with students was uncomfortable and I kept getting in my own way because I wanted to be in control. Then I realized technology is not a fad that will come and go, and my students always get excited no matter what we do when I incorporate any form of technology or media in a lesson. At that point I became passionate about wanting to use technology to the max, and I entered this program. Little did I know that his second step, participating wholly, would just naturally immerse me into a wealth of information on a daily basis that this program provides. Now on a regular basis I go way beyond my comfort zone, try new things, and never give up as I experience different aspects of media design and technology (all on one buttock!).
Chapter 9 Lighting a Spark
Hearing Zander’s approach in this chapter that some things are done better in person was a welcomed relief. Communication seems to be moving so quickly towards solely online that it was good to hear he still promotes face to face interaction at times. People still need to experience emotions and reactions that can only come from personal contact.
Recently while trying to start a business my husband’s mother had a similar philosophy to Zander’s lighting a spark dealing with how to take a no and not see it as a downward spiral. She stated, “A no just means they haven’t gotten enough information yet.”
Did I mention how easily I'm distracted/swayed by heartwarming movie trailers? Damn. Obviously you've gotten the idea that teaching isn't about a subject matter but it's about working with (little) humans and helping them along their educational path for one year of their lives. I hope that you continue with the same sense of exploration and adventure with your studies and your work with the little ones (who probably aren't that little anymore).
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