EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #14

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #14

Aristotle acquired much of his knowledge from his teacher Plato in the Grove of Academus, a school that adjoined Plato’s home. Plato and Aristotle became close, even though they often disagreed in their thoughts. Aristotle took an interest in studying the facts and laws of the physical world, while Plato believed the Platonic Forms mattered more so in achieving enlightenment. Aristotle studied in Athens from the age of eighteen to thirty-seven, and then departed to Stagira, where he would tutor Alexander, the son of the King of Macedon. Because of Alexander’s riches, Aristotle now had an abundant amount of access to books on scientific knowledge. He formulated questions to ask when contemplating biological matter, which later became known as “Aristotle’s Four Causes.” These inquiries included the following: What is it made from? What is its form or essence? What produced it? For what purpose? This model resembles the beginnings of the Scientific Method, which is studied in schools today. Later, Aristotle returned to Athens and opened the Peripatetic school, where he dedicated much time to his writings, and is now accredited with the establishment of the first library. He believed that philosophy is actual science which is based on the fundamental nature of what is actual and real. In his book Metaphysics, Aristotle used philosophy to describe the nature of the universe in motion, which he called the unmoved mover. His philosophical “Great Chain of Being” classified the world by ranking living things from the least to most complex. His model probably influenced Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, as well as formed a basis for our classification of species today.
As you can see, the studies and beliefs of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have played a key role in founding modern western education. They all thought it was imperative to establish their own fact base; never just blindly believe the opinions of others. In America’s contemporary society, this model of critical thinking is continually being considered more and more essential. Analyzing these great philosophers and their beliefs in contemporary education will help fabricate the great thinkers of tomorrow.

EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #13

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #13

Plato, a student and follower of the philosopher Socrates, believed that the world is only meaningful because of the ideas, or forms, created in our minds. According to him, the soul and the body are separate beings, and the needs of the body impede on the expansion of the soul. All people are born ignorant once they receive a human body, but have the ability to become enlightened if they so choose. “This is the doctrine of recollection, Plato’s conviction that our most basic knowledge comes when we bring back to mind our acquaintance with eternal realities during a previous existence of the soul.” To me, this belief parallels our education system enormously. There have been innumerable times I have been sitting in a classroom and experienced déjà vu, simply because I’ve heard the same information before and actually retained it. To Plato, those fortunate few who have discovered the truth have a duty to educate others. Because of this outlook, Plato founded a school called the Academy in the fourth century, in which his students attempted to discover reality through concentration on metaphysics and epistemology Ordinary objects of this world are changeable and unreliable, only through an understanding of the Platonic Forms can we achieve enlightenment. Furthermore, Plato was also responsible for the development of idealism, which has also had a pretty enormous impact on modern western education. Platonic idealism holds that truth is eternal and perfect, and should be sought out using critical thinking skills. His writings formed a basis of true philosophical thought by examining various issues from alternative perspectives, a process known today as dialectic, still common in classrooms today. Another example of Plato’s teachings is that through utilization of the elenchus, people should question their beliefs, achieve clarity through open-mindedness, and progress towards the Good. In essence, true virtue could be taught through utilizing appropriate educational methods. Isn’t this the basic conception of how children should become knowledgeable today?

EDF 2085 Reflection Paper #10

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #10

This morning I went to North Miami Senior High School, where I plan on conducting my service learning hours to gain a broader perspective of what my career aspirations truly consist of. The school psychologist gave me a walk-through and showed me a little bit of where and how the special education students are taught. Boy, was I in for a wake-up call!! I left there today feeling anxious, nervous, and incredibly overwhelmed. Thank goodness for the article “Strategies for Inclusive Teaching!” After reflecting, I feel slightly more confident that I just may be able to handle what’s in store.
Teachers must focus on individual student needs, even though classrooms will be filled with obstacles to overcome. It’s important to get to know each student on a personal level; showing an interest in understanding their backgrounds and belief systems will encourage them to trust you. As a teacher, you must be comfortable addressing issues of race, gender, culture, and social class in an appropriate and respectable way. This will influence your students to do the same. Making students feel important and included facilitates learning and academic success, along with success outside of the classroom. Group involvement may assist in addressing many issues that will inevitably arise, such as religion, spirituality, prejudice, and stereotyping. It also might help to give students questionnaires concerning such topics throughout the semester. This will aid in measuring where your students are at in their heads; maybe they have even experienced a paradigm shift or two. Additionally, encourage your students to ask questions and promote classroom discussions. Children who feel free to actively engage will enjoy class time more and most likely receive higher grades as a result. Setting ground rules and a trusting atmosphere early on is important so students can feel comfortable to openly express their opinions and learn from others. When initiating the pedagogical cycle, use anecdotes that students can easily relate to. Role playing, visual aids, an organized syllabus, and fair grading scales are also important. Most of all, make learning fun. I can’t imagine a better feeling then knowing that my students are looking forward to what I have to offer them.

EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #12

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #12

As far back as 1896, John Dewey established a laboratory school at the University of Chicago, which featured his concept of progressive education. This new concept incorporated more respect for a diversified classroom, more emphasis on social sciences and vocational education, and more concern for family and community issues. Dewey believed that children would receive an enhanced education if they pursued their own personal interests. During the 1930’s, the Progressive Education Association conducted a study which examined the benefits of progressive education. In general, students taught at progressive schools had higher grades, were more objective thinkers, and exhibited more intellectual curiosity then students from traditional schools. Unfortunately, the concept of progressive education was pushed to the side at the time, as the space race and World War II were viewed as significantly more important.
During the Cold War, in 1957, the Soviet Union launched an aircraft called Sputnik into space, beating United States attempts. The space race resulted in impacting the education system in America in a variety of ways. Because US politicians blamed the education system for letting the Soviets beat us into space, science, math, and foreign language classes suddenly became more rigorous and viewed as vital parts of the curriculum. Additionally, the National Defense Education Act was passed by Congress in 1958, which aimed to train our children in national defense to provide better security for our nation.
The launching of Sputnik also had an influence on the organization of essentialism, which was generated in the 1930’s by educator William Bagley. According to our textbook, essentialism “strives to teach students the accumulated knowledge of our civilization through core courses in the traditional academic disciplines.” After World War II, the back-to-basics approach, patriotism, training the mind, and character development became prevailing principles in the education system.
In essence, the history of our country, along with politics, has manipulated our methods of education. I suppose different times call for different measures, but in my own personal opinion, the concept of progressive education may have been a constructive system and beneficial to the American education system. I believe a mixture of progressivism, essentialism, and multicultural education may be the models we should attempt to base education on today.

EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #11

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #11

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that people should focus on who they truly are at the core and what type of habits and behaviors they should focus on and develop. He spent much of his life speaking to whoever would listen, whether it be the people in the marketplace or in homes of the wealthy. He thought moral actions could occur only after one examined their own character, that challenging ignorance would ultimately formulate wisdom. Pursuing a good, moral soul was much more honorable then acquiring money or success. Being wicked and evil means you have a rotting soul and this is even worse than death. Socrates’ elenthus leads to moral knowledge and an understanding that behaving righteously will lead to enlightenment. He urged his followers to question their beliefs, challenge them, and ultimately sharpen their morality. Many influential figures from Athens believed that the elenthus had little to no validity for discovering truth, mainly because he questioned their wisdom. Because of his teachings and “corrupting” the Greek youths, Socrates was ordered to drink hemlock by the Athenian Senate, condemning him to death. Despite this, Socrates believed that he was enlightened, and no human being could ruin his state, even through death, and impose evil on him.
Regardless of his fate, Socrates’ beliefs have influenced Western education in a variety of ways. The method of elenchus, or inquiry, is still used today, and we also hold his five cardinal virtues in high regard. Today, we encourage students to question what they are taught, using critical thinking on an everyday basis. We value those who are educated and knowledgeable in America, although I sometimes think we sometimes neglect to challenge their decisions enough. Socrates taught that wisdom is based on practical, everyday thinking. In order for our future generations to become successful, educators and influencers must cultivate this type of thinking in our children. Daily life experience will eventually generate wisdom, and may even answer those seemingly impossible questions we all ponder. Education brings us expertise in specific subject areas, but the process of education helps to expand our mind and bring true awareness into play. I think this is what Socrates was ultimately trying to teach his followers.

EDF 2085 Reflection Paper #9

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #9

There were a couple of major themes to the article “Transformation: Awareness and Consciousness.” I thought it was a glorious article that touched on many significant things that many of us neglect to ponder on a daily basis, such as spirituality, fulfillment, clarity, and levels of consciousness. It is easy to get caught up in the mix of contemporary lifestyles. School, work, family, friends, goals, and hobbies can often overwhelm the little time we are given each day. Sometimes it is even possible to lose the basic concept of who one is and why they exist on planet earth. Personally, in order to achieve a balance in my life, it is imperative to be aware and conscious. Yoga and my personal version of practicing spirituality serve as my main outlets in achieving a sense of expanding my “self” and maintaining true happiness.
David Rosenthal and Colin Wilson examine and define different levels of consciousness. Rosenthal’s beliefs include creature consciousness, transitive consciousness and state consciousness. Wilson describes seven various levels of consciousness, which I enjoyed reflecting on and applying to my own experiences in life. For example, I believe I experience Wilson’s Level 5 on a daily basis, which is described as “an active, spontaneous, happy consciousness in which life is exciting and interesting.” I try, each and every day, to reflect on the multitude of reasons I am grateful to be alive, which aids in my ability to achieve a sense of happiness and contentment. I also make it important to talk to my loved ones often. They may live thousands of miles away, but our relationships could never be closer. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to reach Level 6 a couple of times, which had resulted in true, life-changing transformations. True awareness occurs once the mind transcends itself and we see ourselves from outside our own body, as a detached observer. Sometimes, at least for me, obstacles and eye-openers assist in expanding one’s sense of self. Usually, I have to make tough mistakes in order to become aware and experience paradigm shifts. I thought this article was truly beautiful because it reminded me of my own personal transformations, which have molded me into who I am today. And as Socrates once reflected, “an unexamined life is not worth living.”

EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #9

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #9

In Mesopotamia, cuneiform writing was taught formally in schools on pictograph clay tablets. Even as far back to 2500 BC, the Sumerians used textbooks in order to educate their children. Fortunately, many clay tablets have been recovered, which gives us much insight into how significant education actually was in Mesopotamia. Even teachers, also known as “school fathers,” wrote journals that described the process of formal education and scribe training, which is fortunate, because actual lectures were never recorded. However, teacher salaries came from tuition fees. Therefore many poor children were unable to receive an education and ended up following in the footsteps of their father’s profession. In school, subjects such as math, reading, writing, literature, and science were highly regarded and studied in depth. Sumerian children remained in school for many years and often became scribes.
Ancient Egyptian education differed greatly from the Sumerian system. In Egypt, only artists, draftsmen, and sculptors were taught how to read and write. Additionally, the sons and daughters of the kings were educated by personal tutors, but regular children only learned the craft of their parents. Family was also responsible for instilling morals, values, and religious beliefs into their kids through the Books of Instruction, or Wisdom Literature. To the Egyptians, honor, justice, obedience, religion, and humanity were far more important than formal education.
Today, our school system incorporates a little bit of both the Sumerian and Egyptian methods of educating our young. Family plays a major role in instilling values and morality, while teachers are responsible for implanting knowledge considered imperative to success in our culture. Unlike ancient societies, there is an incredible amount of diversity and change occurring today, which makes successful formal education more difficult to accomplish. Educators in today’s contemporary society must recognize and respect the differences in their students in order to embrace a thriving classroom. Simply copying and memorizing may not work for everyone today. Social class, gender, religion, learning styles, and background must all be considered. Furthermore, as we move towards multicultural education, educators are becoming more and more important to the achievements and success of our future generations.