Journal Blog Reflection 2

Name one common practice in schools that you would like to change, and describe how you would change it.

A common practice in schools is allowing Hispanic kids to speak Spanish while in school. I would like to change that practice. The following supports in partial detail on how I would change it:

·         Here in the Rio Grande Valley it is customary for most Hispanic kids in elementary, middle and high schools to converse in their primary language, Spanish. This is so because most of the populace is of Hispanic ancestry. This area is rich with a vibrant and fluid Mexican Spanish heritage and culture.

·         At first glance, it appears harmless and okay for Hispanic kids to speak and converse in their native tongue while in school. The problem arises when they go on to college, where the majority of the courses for higher education are in the English language.

·         When Hispanic students’ transition to College, regulatory courses such English Comp 1, History 1, Psychology 1, and Government 1 among others are challenges for them.

·         They now have to write and think at College level English. What occurs is simply this, they now have to learn proper English at the same time they have to study these courses in English, and because they are not accustomed to that level of English they suffer and struggle just to make a passing grade. They are expected to write essays, and do research papers in the English language while they conform to and learn MLA style among other formats.

·         Accordingly, I would alert all responsible school administrators in this area and inform them of the dichotomy of allowing their Hispanic students to speak and converse in Spanish while in elementary, middle and high school. That this practice must STOP if they want these prospective college students to excel and be a success at the college level.

·         I would also remind them that most of the degrees, whether Bachelors’, Masters’, or Ph. Ds’ are in the English language and a student has to face and understand this fact; and that there is no getting around English language while pursuing their respective degrees here in the United States.    

Chapter 2 Notes

Education and schooling: What is a school and what is it for? There are four basic purposes of school: Intellectual purposes. Political and civic purposes. Economic purposes. Social purposes. School culture: can be positive or negative. Schools can be transmitters or re-creators of culture. Some of Teacher’s roles in elementary schools: Gatekeeper. Dispenser of supplies. Granter of special privileges. Timekeeper. Students’ experiences in elementary schools can be : Waiting/delayed gratification. Denial of desire. Interruptions. Social distraction. Junior High and Middle School: Class size. Staffing patterns. Teacher licensing. Some of the Key developmental needs of early adolescents: Positive social interaction with adults and  peers. Structure and clear limits. Physical activity. Creative expression. Some of the Characteristics of effective schools: Teachers are task-oriented. Parents are involved. Calm, safe, orderly, pleasant environment.    

Journal Blog 1

Characteristics of my most significant teacher

Dr. Irma Jones (“Dr. J”), a professor working at our institution during my studies here. She is a teacher of applied business technology who works with my class. She has been working with the students, since the last 2 years and she has never once given me a chance to complain, both for her work as well as for professionalism.

She is one of those rare individuals that come along once in a lifetime to make a positive difference in someone’s life. For me, that positive change was being able to cultivate, hone, and take my applied technology skills to another level. For example, before Dr. J began teaching me, I had repeated some courses with 3 different professors, most of whom, I instinctively discerned, knew their work, but was not able to teach it, and/or communicate it efficiently and effectively; however, by the time I enrolled in her class, all the missing links fell in place and what appeared to be dark and cryptic—eventually was illuminated, and I was finally able to connect the dots.  My last letter grade for Applied Technology was a D, with Dr. J, I earned an A.

To aid us students in comprehending and learning advance methods, Dr. J, among other methods, makes effective use of Adobe’s “Livescribe smart pen” technologies by regularly posting them (worked out examples) on BlackBoard during the semester.

Chapter 1 Notes

Some of the most common motives for becoming a teacher are: Desire to work with young people. Value or importance of an education to society. Interest in subject matter profession. Influence of teacher in elementary or secondary school. Influence of family.

Some of the rewards of teaching are: Salaries. Status. Power. Work schedule.

Intrinsic reward: Students. Performance of a significant social service. Stimulation and support from fellow teachers. The art of teaching.

Per a career of teaching, the following sources of useful experience: Real encounters. Vicarious experiences. Guidance. Reflection.

Public perceptions of teachers and teaching: Strong support from public. Teachers are trusted. Teachers are important to society and the community.