July 23, 2006

• Topic: I want to write

  I want to write and pour my heart out right now. This is what I want to do at this moment. I want to say something. I want to study, read, and analyze myself, and be able to produce a 3-5 page written paper, double spaced, error free, about my disjointed thoughts.

  Learning objective: Students will be able to list 5 to 10 thoughts in Dan’s head, and use a graphic organizer (t-chart, word web, Venn Diagram) to demonstrate relationships between Dan’s thoughts.

  1) People learn by making connections between new knowledge and experiences, and prior knowledge and experiences. People also learn by creating personal meaning from expeiriences. One of the principals of learning, is that meaning becomes deeper when the person says or does something, such as summarizing an idea in their own words, or practicing a new school.

  2) This post is me practicing incorporating my new knowledge about how people learn, by summarizing the idea and by using it myself, to deepen my own knowledge of the ideas I’m learning.

  3) Zoning out is a real phenomenon. Students can show many indicators of paying attention, but if their focus is constantly on things outside of the classroom, they may absorb nothing.

  4) I have limits. I am limited in my abilities, in my knowledge, in time. I am limited in my memory.

  5) I want to live my own best life.

  6) People tend to experience depression when they’re alone. For example, I can sit and have a discussion with someone in which they reveal to me that they are depressed, and during that conversation they may be fine. Or I may tell someone I’m feeling depressed, but the conversation itself makes me feel like I’m actually happy. Once we are alone again, we are stuck with the demons in our head.

  7) Note-taking helps people remember. The act of writing makes the memory deeper, and can be a useful thing for later.

  8) I am very very greatful for the opportunity I have been given. 3 months ago I wasn’t sure what this program would mean for me, but it has exceeded my expectations. At the same time, I’ve learned a lot about our culture in terms of people’s general attitudes towards both school and people. One person in my class is super motivated and apparently has done every single reading and beyond, and is taking their learning very seriously. Many in the class, all of whom are going to be teachers who will expect that level of dedication from their students, view the hard-working student as though something was wrong with them, rather than thinking highly of this person. The message I get…our culture looks down on those who work hard and take learning seriously, but also, what separates people’s success is how they individually view the work and learning they encounter.

  9) I’m tired, and want to do lots. But, I’m at my limit.

  10) but…i did break up a fight in my class, that has been an interesting “highlight” / “lowlight”

  • 11:40 pm
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