Jackie Lawrence
Reflection Paper #3
EDF 2085
To me, paradigms are frames of reference we develop from our daily experiences with the outside world. We are naturally inclined to watch others’ behaviors and actions and form a biased opinion. Paradigm shifts are changes in our former ways of thinking about a certain subject matter. I know I definitely experienced multiple paradigm shifts throughout my life. Believe it or not, the most important one was related to my education. For years after high school, I swore I would never go back to college. I made plenty of money as it was, and furthering my education didn’t guarantee a higher salary or a better future. However, those long hours of running around on my feet caught up to me, and at some point I matured. Healthcare, a 401K, and pension suddenly didn’t seem so bad. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but I have finally recognized what my future will hold if I continue to work in smoke-filled bars until four in the morning. Once I made my decision to go back to school, I was TERRIFIED. I didn’t think I could afford it, I wasn’t sure if MDC was worth the money, and I was worried about multitasking the bills, school, and work. This is my last semester here at Miami Dade, and it’s been the best two years of my life. I truly feel exactly like a butterfly that’s just learning how to fly. My reframing has assisted in furthering my goals. Today, I am determined to receive a Doctoral Degree in Psychology and Education. I do not care how much it costs or how long it will take me. And along my journey, I’m sure I will experience additional paradigm shifts. Through internships, dissertations, and employment, I will further expand my mind and develop my purpose here on earth.
I believe, even as educators, it is easy to become stuck in our schemas, and ultimately find it difficult to reframe and make sense out of some experiences we may encounter. Society’s changes will parallel technology, diversity, and politics, and our classrooms will reflect those changes. It is of ultimate importance that teachers adjust and remain ahead of their students in these changes. For instance, how would it look if a 5th grade student was more technologically inclined than their teacher with over 25 years of experience? As you can see, teachers must make their jobs a priority, and aim not only to succeed, but to exceed their own expectations of what they hope to accomplish throughout their careers.
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"A turtle has a beautiful protective little home he can hide himself in as he pleases. He could only be naked if he showed his true personality at all times. Dogs, by nature, are naked constantly: it is obvious what they are feeling no matter what."
ReplyDeleteGood Quote, However what purpose does a beautiful shell or "home" if the turtle when retracting in its confort zone he is alone? why hide ones personality and only expose when needed and hide it when in fear? However dogs might be naked, that much is right but will a dog ever look down on you? or will a dog always portray happiness and a simple toy and a treat can have him content. will a dog hide himself? or his love and affection or will he be loyal to its owner and remain true to him? i guess what i disagree in is the analogy of the turtle being the "cooler" animal! lol for i feel we should always be ourselfs and never hide who we are when in fear. dont you agree?
lol ur a very smart girl jackie keep up ur determination n u will achieve whatever u choose. u intrigued me greatly and stumbled onto ur blog profile and was shocked by the level of intelect u have. and in girls as beautiful as urself thats rare if not impossible :) (sorry for mispelling and any gramatical errors typing from my phone :))