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.”
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
EDF 1005 Reflection Paper #10
Jackie Lawrence
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #10
According to our textbook, Teachers, Schools, and Society, by Sadker, Sadker, and Zittleman, teachers ask students up to 348 questions throughout the course of a school day. And that’s only counting questions; over a thousand verbal exchanges occur daily as well. Philip Jackson labeled this process gatekeeping, in which “teachers determine who will talk, when and for how long, as well as the basic direction of the communication.” In essence, educators govern exactly what will go on in their classroom every single day and are ultimately accountable for student’s successes and/or failures. This is an enormous responsibility, but not necessarily an impossible feat to overcome. In fact, I believe that passionate and motivated teachers can use gatekeeping to their advantage.
For instance, teachers initiate the pedagogical cycle around 85% of the time. This succession basically includes lecturing, questioning, and reacting. If teachers spent more class time on questioning, students would be forced to think creatively and critically. It is a known fact that silent, passive students have less positive attitudes and lower grades then students who are actively involved in classroom discussions and activities. It is up to the teacher to create an exciting, motivational learning environment in which all students have the ability to truly comprehend the given material. Anyone can read out of a textbook and assign homework from the end of the chapter, but this just doesn’t cut it. Long, boring lectures put kids to sleep, and busy work is even worse. Kids need an incentive these days, and teacher that incites enthusiasm and excitement for learning is the key. Looking back on my own education, I vividly remember every single teacher that made an impact on me. I could tell you right now how they looked, dressed, spoke to me, and even smelled. I can remember my grades and what we learned in class. Those teachers made an effort to know me, realized I had the potential to excel academically, and forced me to do so. Those teachers are the key reason why education is such a significant aspect of my life today. I was lucky, a lot of kids aren’t. If more classroom time is spent pushing students to challenge and conquer, gatekeeping could produce children that are dying to get to the classroom so they can thrive.
EDF 1005
Reflection Paper #10
According to our textbook, Teachers, Schools, and Society, by Sadker, Sadker, and Zittleman, teachers ask students up to 348 questions throughout the course of a school day. And that’s only counting questions; over a thousand verbal exchanges occur daily as well. Philip Jackson labeled this process gatekeeping, in which “teachers determine who will talk, when and for how long, as well as the basic direction of the communication.” In essence, educators govern exactly what will go on in their classroom every single day and are ultimately accountable for student’s successes and/or failures. This is an enormous responsibility, but not necessarily an impossible feat to overcome. In fact, I believe that passionate and motivated teachers can use gatekeeping to their advantage.
For instance, teachers initiate the pedagogical cycle around 85% of the time. This succession basically includes lecturing, questioning, and reacting. If teachers spent more class time on questioning, students would be forced to think creatively and critically. It is a known fact that silent, passive students have less positive attitudes and lower grades then students who are actively involved in classroom discussions and activities. It is up to the teacher to create an exciting, motivational learning environment in which all students have the ability to truly comprehend the given material. Anyone can read out of a textbook and assign homework from the end of the chapter, but this just doesn’t cut it. Long, boring lectures put kids to sleep, and busy work is even worse. Kids need an incentive these days, and teacher that incites enthusiasm and excitement for learning is the key. Looking back on my own education, I vividly remember every single teacher that made an impact on me. I could tell you right now how they looked, dressed, spoke to me, and even smelled. I can remember my grades and what we learned in class. Those teachers made an effort to know me, realized I had the potential to excel academically, and forced me to do so. Those teachers are the key reason why education is such a significant aspect of my life today. I was lucky, a lot of kids aren’t. If more classroom time is spent pushing students to challenge and conquer, gatekeeping could produce children that are dying to get to the classroom so they can thrive.
EDF 2085 "The Blues Had A Baby"
My first kiss was pretty gross too, he tasted like peanut butter. Then we were both teased for days because the other kids on the playground caught us behind the jungle gym. Haha. I loved reading this piece, you have such an eloquent way with words. One of my favorite things to do is let my imagination take me back to when I was young and naive, filled with questions, hormones, and unexplained emotions. It's too bad those beautiful days of innocence are long gone, adulthood can seem so bitter in comparison. I guess all you can really do is cherish those precious memories and hope to learn something from them.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
EDF 2085 "True Love"
Lonliness and abandonment are scary feelings no person wants to endure. Delectus Clark speaks for most humans with this powerful, heartfelt piece, especially men. At the time the song was written, marriage and relationships were considered special sacraments that were to be respected and valued. A deteriorated relationship was looked down upon; reputations around the neighborhood were affected. Furthermore, negative emotions were not to be expressed, especially by men. Typically, men were looked at as the strong breadmakers and backbone of the family. Broken hearts were not to be expressed. Little boys were raised to hide emotions, crying was not an option. Dee Clark acted courageously by openly portraying his hurt from his broken relationship, even though he could only express "raindrops falling from his eyes."
EDF 2085 "Raindrops"
Lonliness and abandonment are scary feelings no person wants to endure. Delectus Clark speaks for most humans with this powerful, heartfelt piece, especially men. At the time the song was written, marriage and relationships were considered special sacraments that were to be respected and valued. A deteriorated relationship was looked down upon; reputations around the neighborhood were affected. Furthermore, negative emotions were not to be expressed, especially by men. Typically, men were looked at as the strong breadmakers and backbone of the family. Broken hearts were not to be expressed. Little boys were raised to hide emotions, crying was not an option. Dee Clark acted courageously by openly portraying his hurt from his broken relationship, even though he could only express "raindrops falling from his eyes."
EDF 2085 "A Casual Look"
Professor McNair,
Puppy dog love is a beautiful feeling and definitely an adrenaline rush. However, call me cynical, but lust is lust, and true, long-lasting relationships take an incredible amount of work and effort. I wish fairy-tale love actually existed, but in today'scontemporary society, divorces far outnumber happy,fulfilling marraiges. Some of my favorite memories as a child are of innocent crushes and "casual looks." Those beautiful experiences can become the foundation of learning how to succeed in love and relationships with others in general. I still have many of my childhood "love" notes, and look at them fondly from time to time, wishing it could still be that simple.
September 23, 2009 5:01 PM
Puppy dog love is a beautiful feeling and definitely an adrenaline rush. However, call me cynical, but lust is lust, and true, long-lasting relationships take an incredible amount of work and effort. I wish fairy-tale love actually existed, but in today'scontemporary society, divorces far outnumber happy,fulfilling marraiges. Some of my favorite memories as a child are of innocent crushes and "casual looks." Those beautiful experiences can become the foundation of learning how to succeed in love and relationships with others in general. I still have many of my childhood "love" notes, and look at them fondly from time to time, wishing it could still be that simple.
September 23, 2009 5:01 PM
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