My experience within the education program at VIU has been amazing. It's been a whirlwind, and, at points, it's been a hard ride, but it's been amazing nonetheless.
One of the things that has made this experience so great is the support of those who teach within the program (at all levels). I've enjoyed my time sitting under our various professors, instructors, supervising teachers and other staff members. I've enjoyed the planned lectures, as well as the unplanned, teachable moments. I've enjoyed the learning activities, as well as the moments of inspired spontaneity. But ultimately, what I've enjoyed most is the time spent sitting at the feet of those who've been a part of the system, and who know the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and the joys and frustrations of being a teaching professional. And as I think about the idea of "contributing to the profession", I've realized something. These moments in class; this time at VIU; these conversations with seasoned teaching professionals- they're not simply teaching us how to teach students; rather, these moments are teaching us (and modelling to us) how to teach and encourage other teachers. Because the truth is, one day, the shoe will be on the other foot. We'll be asked to take pre-beginning teachers under our wings, and in those moments, we'll think back to those who've helped to form us and our practice. I know, even know, that when I think back, I'm going to think back to faces that I've met during my time in the ED program at VIU. So, to those who've spent the time to teach us, thank-you. We're grateful for your investment in us. And down the line, when its our turn to invest in others, we'll do our best to carry ourselves with the same qualities that we saw (and continue to see) in you.
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I'm a student teacher. I'm learning the "ins" and "outs" of what it means to be a quality educator: *To lead with empathy and understanding *To desire bigger and better things for the students within my midst *To encourage growth in all areas of life, academic and otherwise. I'm also learning what it means to connect more deeply with those who are responsible for the students in my care...when they aren't in my care. The teacher-parent relationship is a cornerstone in the development of the student. Effective, clear, succinct communication is a valuable tool; and prompt responses help to build trust. I'm learning this; I'm learning to embrace this, and I'm learning to abide by this. Why? Because as a teacher (in training), I'm learning to value all of unique gifts and perspectives that each parent brings to the educational table. But more than that... As a dad, I value knowing that my child's teacher has taken the time to include me (along with my spouse) in my child's learning. It doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, I'd prefer, as a parent, that it not be complicated. What it does need to be, is real. Show me that you care, and I'll be an advocate for you at every turn. I want to be a teacher who helps to build bridges, connecting and encouraging families. And as a dad, I want to be connected to my daughter's learning; celebrating the attempts, trials, frustrations and successes. In the video above (Big Thinkers series/Edutopia), Kurt Squire speaks to the idea that gaming can (and should) lead students into societal/civic engagement. He puts forth the notion that well designed games inevitably lead students to question (in the healthy way) that which they see around them. They begin to ask questions such as "Why are things the way that they are?" Squire suggests that this is precisely what good games, do; they create critical thinkers, and they motivate. Additionally, Squire suggests that games can and should give students the tools that they need in order to be change makers.
I love the heart behind this video/topic. Firstly, this is, in a sense, the redemption of gaming culture. I say this because gamers have a tendency to be looked upon as stagnant; cloistering themselves in order to become something within the virtual realm that they clearly are not, in reality; think World of Warcraft. Secondly, gaming culture is a language that students speak. So why wouldn't we seek to teach using something that is, not only familiar, but driving passions within our students? Of course, there's the age old question, can we afford it? What does implementation look like? Do some students become "haves", while others become "have nots"? And what about those kids that just don't get motivated beyond the scope of the game, itself? These questions are legitimate. However, I think, wherever possible, we should go to the students, and this is a prime example of how gaming can bridge that gap. As a teacher, I would try it. My road to teaching has been long and (quite frankly) anything but straight. I began my journey 15 years ago, entering into the concurrent education program at the university which I was attending. I was young and eager, but also young, inexperienced and terribly scared at the prospect of having children under my care. I began to question my gifts and skills (as young people often do) and eventually, this questioning became so loud that I left the program altogether. I've grown immensely in the years since my premature departure from my previous education experience. I now have children of my own, in addition to a deep passion to see children, of all ages, thrive as they travel through their schooling process. I'm returning to education in order to finish what I started. But much more than that, I'm returning in order that I might be an advocate for positive change in the lives of the children who will be in my care. It's really good to be back. |
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