Thursday, July 8, 2010
Cité Soleil
This poem is in concern to the conditions of Haiti. A very deep poem that speaks truth, informing us of the trials and tribulation of what Haiti has and still is facing today. The poem talks about the non-caring government, the corruption, the violence, and especially the abuse Haiti's women are experiencing. One verse that stood out to me was "no female is safe.the penis is a weapon;a tool of control." It is brutal honesty. When all is gone, even though theres is such sadness occuring it is important for each to maintain hope and faith, like stated in the last verse "where there’s life, there’s hope.where there is hope, redemption."
A Mule of A Different Sort
This blog is in concern with the recent passing of Arizona's Immigration law SB1070 signed by Gov Jan Brewer. The law states that any person of "foreign" looks is allowed to be randomly searched for documentation of residency. Gov Jan Brewer also made a foolish statement by saying majority of those who come across the southern boarder are drug mules. I feel this statement is just ignorant and ignorance such as this is what I would call being close-minded.
Yes, people crossing the border illegally, has always been a problem but what needs to be enforced are strict border patrol. From my view it is obvious that racism is the bigger picture within this topic. The world has come a long way from slavery days but this just shows that there is still racial inequality occurring. It is important for all of us to open our eyes to reality. We should not go against diversity but embrace it because it is diversity that educates another in so many ways.
Yes, people crossing the border illegally, has always been a problem but what needs to be enforced are strict border patrol. From my view it is obvious that racism is the bigger picture within this topic. The world has come a long way from slavery days but this just shows that there is still racial inequality occurring. It is important for all of us to open our eyes to reality. We should not go against diversity but embrace it because it is diversity that educates another in so many ways.
for frederico garcia lorca
This poem was in dedication to frederico garcia lorca. It seems he was a big influence due to a poem you had came across written by him. You were able to relate to him in relation to a passing away of a loved one, for you it was your father. The poem helped you overcome your fathers death that you are not alone through this tragedy. No matter how much you try to prepare for a loved ones death the feeling is unimaginable when it actually happens, the pain is unbearable knowing that no matter what, nothing will never be able to bring back that person. Within the poem I feel Frederico's is saying yes you have lost a loved one but it is something you must overcome.
"nature does not mourn & the fickleworld has already forgotten hisheroic death."
One thing we must do is mourn. It is never healthy to hold in feelings. To mourn is to let go of everything. To experience death of another is something we all must go through. A painful experience but it is those painful experiences that make us stronger. Makes you realize that you cannot take anyone for granted, you must appreciate your loved ones because it is not up to you but up to God as to when it is their time to go.
"nature does not mourn & the fickleworld has already forgotten hisheroic death."
One thing we must do is mourn. It is never healthy to hold in feelings. To mourn is to let go of everything. To experience death of another is something we all must go through. A painful experience but it is those painful experiences that make us stronger. Makes you realize that you cannot take anyone for granted, you must appreciate your loved ones because it is not up to you but up to God as to when it is their time to go.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reflection 3: What is a Constructive Lesson Plan?
When defining a constructive lesson plan we must first define constructivism which is basing or “constructing” your knowledge upon your own personal experiences. There are six elements within the constructive lesson plan and they are situation, groupings, bridge, questions, exhibit, and reflections. Learning theorists for constructivist approach includes J. Dewey, L. Vygotsky, J. Piaget, and J. S. Bruner.
The six elements of the constructive lesson planning are designed to help teachers focus on the development of students learning. To better explain each element; Situation is for teachers to come up with a situation putting the students in a position where they must explain. When forming a situation the teachers can use processes such as creating metaphors, solving problems, drawing conclusions and much more. The second element is known as grouping. This involves two categories of groupings which are students and materials. You ask how you are going to group the students. Individually, whole class, in teams for collaborative learning? Next is grouping your materials. How are you going to group the materials needed for the students to explain the situation whether it be by physical models, graphics, reflective writing and more. To bridge would be the third element, this is building a bridge between what the students already know and what they will learn through the lesson plan. The bridge activity would include such things as playing a game, having a class discussion. It recommended that you do these activities either before or after the students have been put into groups. Questions is the fourth element of constructive lesson planning involves all six elements, introducing the situation, arranging groups, setting up the bridge, prompting exhibits, and encouraging reflections. The teacher must influence questions to encourage their thinking. To exhibit is the fifth element, this includes students showing what they had learned amongst their classmates and by doing so they will explain the situation, they can use visual representation such as graphs or charts. Physical representation can also be used by doing role play, using models, photographs, or videos. The last element would be reflection. This is for students to look back on their thoughts throughout the lesson, their thought process as far as how they felt, images they used from their imagination, their language. Reflection also has the student’s think of what attitudes or skills they have learned that they can use. You would link three questions, similar to the bridge, which are what did the student previously know? What do they want to know? And what did they learn?
In conclusion the constructive lesson plan is students will have a different way on thinking or solving problems due to what is being presented and what it forces them to do at the end of the lesson.
The six elements of the constructive lesson planning are designed to help teachers focus on the development of students learning. To better explain each element; Situation is for teachers to come up with a situation putting the students in a position where they must explain. When forming a situation the teachers can use processes such as creating metaphors, solving problems, drawing conclusions and much more. The second element is known as grouping. This involves two categories of groupings which are students and materials. You ask how you are going to group the students. Individually, whole class, in teams for collaborative learning? Next is grouping your materials. How are you going to group the materials needed for the students to explain the situation whether it be by physical models, graphics, reflective writing and more. To bridge would be the third element, this is building a bridge between what the students already know and what they will learn through the lesson plan. The bridge activity would include such things as playing a game, having a class discussion. It recommended that you do these activities either before or after the students have been put into groups. Questions is the fourth element of constructive lesson planning involves all six elements, introducing the situation, arranging groups, setting up the bridge, prompting exhibits, and encouraging reflections. The teacher must influence questions to encourage their thinking. To exhibit is the fifth element, this includes students showing what they had learned amongst their classmates and by doing so they will explain the situation, they can use visual representation such as graphs or charts. Physical representation can also be used by doing role play, using models, photographs, or videos. The last element would be reflection. This is for students to look back on their thoughts throughout the lesson, their thought process as far as how they felt, images they used from their imagination, their language. Reflection also has the student’s think of what attitudes or skills they have learned that they can use. You would link three questions, similar to the bridge, which are what did the student previously know? What do they want to know? And what did they learn?
In conclusion the constructive lesson plan is students will have a different way on thinking or solving problems due to what is being presented and what it forces them to do at the end of the lesson.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Reflection 2: What is the difference between the Behaviorist Lesson Plan format and the Constructivist Lesson Plan format?
There are two different formats in lesson planning and they are behaviorist lesson planning and constructive lesson planning. There are many differences between the two. Behaviorist lesson plans were influenced by many theorists but one in particular would be Madeline Hunter who based behavioral lesson plans upon eight elements being the objective approach while constructive lesson plans are based upon six elements being the cognitive approach.
Behaviorist lesson plans were influenced by theorists B.F. Skinner, R.F. Mager, R. M. Gagné, and M.D. Merrill but like stated earlier the most influential educator within behaviorist lesson planning would be Madeline Hunter. She dedicated majority of her career to making teaching more efficient. Hunter came up with eight effective elements that improved and pushed learning to its full potential. These elements are said to work regardless the grade level, teacher’s personal style, curriculum, or economic background. The eight elements include purpose or objective, anticipatory set, input, modeling, guided practice, checking for understanding, independent practice and closure. To further explain each; Purpose or objective would be the main focus of the lesson plan. Anticipatory set would be a short activity for students to complete as they enter the room, and example of this would be one or two problem written on the board, the students will have to complete this problem as soon as they are seated. Input are important skills such as vocabulary or concepts that the students must know in order to continue on with the lesson being taught. Modeling, this when the teacher shows the final product of what was taught. Guided Practice, the teacher helps guide the students to perform necessary skills. Checking for understanding is for teachers to question the students to determine their understanding. Last but not least closure is the eighth element, this is a review of the lesson.
The second format would be constructive lesson plans. This is based upon our own understanding due to personal experiences. This was influenced by learning theorists J. Dewey, J. Piaget, L. Vygotsky, and J. S. Bruner. Constructive lesson plans consists of six elements; Situation, teachers should put students into scenarios for them to explain. Groupings would be characterized into to two groups; One, how would your group your students and two how would you group your materials. The next element would be bridge this is to build a "bridge" between what the students already know and what they will learn. Questions introduces the situation while also keeping the situation going. Exhibit is for students to show off their understanding. Last but not least reflection, for students to explain what they had learned.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Reflection 1: What is A Lesson Plan
Something that is very vital when it comes to the profession of teaching are lesson plans. It is important for teachers to have the ability in creating their own lesson plans. I would define a lesson plan as a guide that shows a detailed description in what you will be teaching your students, keeping you organized and having the class run smoothly. In order to achieve this, lesson plans must contain certain elements. There are also two different types of lesson plans, such as behaviorist lesson plans and constructive lesson plans. Each would be different according to whomever prepared it and through this you are able to determine what type of teacher that individual is.
What makes up a lesson plan is important, like stated earlier it must contain certain elements and these elements include the title of the lesson, how much time the lesson will take up, material needed, objectives, set, instructional component, independent practice, summary, evaluation, analysis, and continuity. It is usual to keep these elements in the order as to the way they are listed. To further explain these elements; to have objectives are one of the most important elements. The objective states what will be taught throughout the lesson, basing it upon the students developmental level. Without objectives there would be no main focus. Set would be concepts on how to have your students comprehend or process the information such as using pictures or asking questions. Instructional component includes the teachers input, using their own skills to guide the students. Independent practice gives students time to go over the information on their own. Summary is when the teachers answer any questions the students have, ending the discussion. Evaluation are for the teachers to test the students seeing how well they understood what was being taught. Analysis, this gives teachers time to look back on the lesson, determining what needs improvement and what worked well. Last but not least, continuity; this element is somewhat similar to analysis, also reviewing and reflecting back on the lesson.
Behaviorist and constructive lesson plans are two very different approaches. the behaviorist approach was designed by learning theorists B.F. Skinner, R.F. Mager, R. M. Gagné, and M.D. Merrill. Madeline hunter is also someone important helping teachers better understand behaviorist lesson planning. This approach is based upon behavior where as constructive lesson plans are based upon your own experiences. the constructive approach was designed by J. Dewey, J. Piaget, L. Vygotsky, and J. S. Bruner.
When designing a lesson plan, it is important to meet the interests and needs of the students. Even though all teachers should include the elements listed above, as each person is an individual, each teacher is different and in addition to this, each teacher has different skills and methods to offer. The way a teacher designs his or her lesson plan shows a lot about themselves in relation to their philosophy of education. For example just as you are able to learn about a painter through what artwork or how they paint, or just as you as you are able to determine what type of artist or how well an artist is through their music; the same goes for a teacher. In conclusion the message given is that lesson plans are an important part of the profession of teaching.
What makes up a lesson plan is important, like stated earlier it must contain certain elements and these elements include the title of the lesson, how much time the lesson will take up, material needed, objectives, set, instructional component, independent practice, summary, evaluation, analysis, and continuity. It is usual to keep these elements in the order as to the way they are listed. To further explain these elements; to have objectives are one of the most important elements. The objective states what will be taught throughout the lesson, basing it upon the students developmental level. Without objectives there would be no main focus. Set would be concepts on how to have your students comprehend or process the information such as using pictures or asking questions. Instructional component includes the teachers input, using their own skills to guide the students. Independent practice gives students time to go over the information on their own. Summary is when the teachers answer any questions the students have, ending the discussion. Evaluation are for the teachers to test the students seeing how well they understood what was being taught. Analysis, this gives teachers time to look back on the lesson, determining what needs improvement and what worked well. Last but not least, continuity; this element is somewhat similar to analysis, also reviewing and reflecting back on the lesson.
Behaviorist and constructive lesson plans are two very different approaches. the behaviorist approach was designed by learning theorists B.F. Skinner, R.F. Mager, R. M. Gagné, and M.D. Merrill. Madeline hunter is also someone important helping teachers better understand behaviorist lesson planning. This approach is based upon behavior where as constructive lesson plans are based upon your own experiences. the constructive approach was designed by J. Dewey, J. Piaget, L. Vygotsky, and J. S. Bruner.
When designing a lesson plan, it is important to meet the interests and needs of the students. Even though all teachers should include the elements listed above, as each person is an individual, each teacher is different and in addition to this, each teacher has different skills and methods to offer. The way a teacher designs his or her lesson plan shows a lot about themselves in relation to their philosophy of education. For example just as you are able to learn about a painter through what artwork or how they paint, or just as you as you are able to determine what type of artist or how well an artist is through their music; the same goes for a teacher. In conclusion the message given is that lesson plans are an important part of the profession of teaching.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Who's Evey
To start off my name is Ernestyne-Eve Macapagal but to make things easier my nick name is Evey. My background has always been confusing to others; being born in Miami, Florida, growing up in Bermuda, but both of my parents are originally from the Philippines. Growing up between these three countries has taught me a lot. I represent all three with great pride. My interests would include anything that has to do with the arts, which is something I absolutely adore. Depending on the setting, when first meeting someone, I can be described as shy; sometimes my shyness can come off as “stuck-up” but as the motto goes “Never Judge a Book by Its Cover”. Behind the shyness is a cheerful, vibrant, free-spirited, passionate, respectful, and positive young lady.
Like stated earlier, the arts is something I am very passionate about. I appreciate art, poetry, dance and music. Every Sunday during a special season in Miami, along Lincoln Road on South Beach are little Art stalls selling beautiful vintage goods. There are also many great museums along this road that I love to visit. Dance is also a passion of mine, starting at the age of three years old. Out of all the arts Music is what I adore, it's my escape. Music expresses what you yourself couldn't put into words. Music heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul. Because of having such a diverse background with the countries Bermuda, USA, and Philippines behind me, it has grown me into becoming a very open-minded young lady. I embrace my diversity and uniqueness. I constantly travel back and forth between these three witnessing and experiencing both the good and bad, but this is what has forced me to open up my eyes to what you call reality, becoming aware of what has and is happening in today’s society all over the world. Growing up and spending majority of my time in Bermuda, I consider it to be my home. It is a very beautiful island, even though it is similar to other Caribbean islands, it is under the British being a British Colony. The island is very small with a population of only about 60,000-63,000 people. There are pros and cons of living within such a small community. The main problem I would consider growing up in Bermuda would be the close-mindedness. It is important for everyone to realize that the world does not revolve around you or one country. A pro of growing up in Bermuda would be, being surrounded around such beauty. Another pro would be the importance of closeness, family, and morals. Another beautiful island that is close to my heart would be the Philippines, a country where both my mother and father originated from. My last visit was in December 2009/January 2010. I have visited the Philippines many times but each time feels just like the first. As you get older you learn to appreciate the little things in life, the simple things in life. My last visit, December09, was one life changing experience. I embraced everything from the fast-paced city life to driving through the beautiful mountains breathing that fresh air to waking up in the country side and taking a walk down the river. One thing I inherited from my mother is her big heart; she is the CEO of a charity located in the Philippines, named ANCOP(Answering The Cry of The Poor). This charity raises money to build villages for those affected by the big mudslide that occurred in the Philippines. Such effects include deaths and loss of houses and goods. During my visit to the Philippines I was able to visit the villages built and the families. The children have nothing, no TV, no computers, no video games. All they had were sticks and stones to play with. Even though they didn't have much they seemed happy to just be alive. I then heard the "ice-cream man" ringing his bell, I decided to buy ice-cream for all the kids in the village, they were all so grateful. Even though this was something huge for them, I felt a need to do more. This was the moment I decided that I wanted to take over my mother's charity in the future and open up a school in the Philippines, helping the less fortunate children.
In Conclusion God made us all separate, he made us all unique to become our each individual. Society paints us out to be a certain way but it is our choice to embrace our individuality and use that to our advantage. We must also open our eyes to reality, educate ourselves in what is going on in the world and what we can do to help. So far I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to more.
Like stated earlier, the arts is something I am very passionate about. I appreciate art, poetry, dance and music. Every Sunday during a special season in Miami, along Lincoln Road on South Beach are little Art stalls selling beautiful vintage goods. There are also many great museums along this road that I love to visit. Dance is also a passion of mine, starting at the age of three years old. Out of all the arts Music is what I adore, it's my escape. Music expresses what you yourself couldn't put into words. Music heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul. Because of having such a diverse background with the countries Bermuda, USA, and Philippines behind me, it has grown me into becoming a very open-minded young lady. I embrace my diversity and uniqueness. I constantly travel back and forth between these three witnessing and experiencing both the good and bad, but this is what has forced me to open up my eyes to what you call reality, becoming aware of what has and is happening in today’s society all over the world. Growing up and spending majority of my time in Bermuda, I consider it to be my home. It is a very beautiful island, even though it is similar to other Caribbean islands, it is under the British being a British Colony. The island is very small with a population of only about 60,000-63,000 people. There are pros and cons of living within such a small community. The main problem I would consider growing up in Bermuda would be the close-mindedness. It is important for everyone to realize that the world does not revolve around you or one country. A pro of growing up in Bermuda would be, being surrounded around such beauty. Another pro would be the importance of closeness, family, and morals. Another beautiful island that is close to my heart would be the Philippines, a country where both my mother and father originated from. My last visit was in December 2009/January 2010. I have visited the Philippines many times but each time feels just like the first. As you get older you learn to appreciate the little things in life, the simple things in life. My last visit, December09, was one life changing experience. I embraced everything from the fast-paced city life to driving through the beautiful mountains breathing that fresh air to waking up in the country side and taking a walk down the river. One thing I inherited from my mother is her big heart; she is the CEO of a charity located in the Philippines, named ANCOP(Answering The Cry of The Poor). This charity raises money to build villages for those affected by the big mudslide that occurred in the Philippines. Such effects include deaths and loss of houses and goods. During my visit to the Philippines I was able to visit the villages built and the families. The children have nothing, no TV, no computers, no video games. All they had were sticks and stones to play with. Even though they didn't have much they seemed happy to just be alive. I then heard the "ice-cream man" ringing his bell, I decided to buy ice-cream for all the kids in the village, they were all so grateful. Even though this was something huge for them, I felt a need to do more. This was the moment I decided that I wanted to take over my mother's charity in the future and open up a school in the Philippines, helping the less fortunate children.
In Conclusion God made us all separate, he made us all unique to become our each individual. Society paints us out to be a certain way but it is our choice to embrace our individuality and use that to our advantage. We must also open our eyes to reality, educate ourselves in what is going on in the world and what we can do to help. So far I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to more.
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