Zen Habits: "9 Essential Skills Kids Should Learn"

As an educator I'm always intrigued to see education from a parents perspective. This reading "9 Essential Skills Kids Should Learn" by Leo Babauta offers insight to how some parents are approaching the way they raise their children, best preparing them for the future. He talks about the ever changing landscape of the world and differences with his experience.

In the past children were trained with a skill set based on jobs available in the near future, not distant. Nobody could have predicted the exponential advances of technology and it's influence. He provides arguments on the impossibilities of predicting the future, and offers the way forward with education as; adapting to change, being prepared for anything and not anything specific. Babauta "unschools" his children through home schooling.

Although I agree with this list of skills considered essential for future generations I can't help but feel it is slightly incomplete. After living and working in Korea for the past few years, the one thing that sticks out in my mind is the way Korean parents and it's education system spoon feed their young. Thus creating a dependent, passionless population of youth that never questions failures, and unable to deal with change. Babauta's list excludes creativity, and critical independent thinking.

Problem solving, passion, and independence are undoubtedly essential skills for the future. Asking questions, compassion, and tolerance are all derivatives, therefore inherent if the skills stated previously are implemented properly. Parents should demonstrate these skills through modeling, and leading by example but letting their children discover and explore answers on their own. What better way to teach the future generation than teaching them to teach themselves?

To complete this list of essential skills I would include Creativity. Innovation is how we got to where we are. I think creativity is the key to anything and everything we do. We should always be searching for a better, more efficient way to operate. Creativity would complement asking questions, passion, independence, compassion, tolerance and lead to children able to deal with change by adapting, learning, solving, and overcoming anything.

http://zenhabits.net/kid-skills/

Screencast Debut "Change Orientation and add Image as Background"

Do You Want Some More?

I feel old even describing this, it was that long ago. But I'll never forget it. Planning with my co-teacher. She asked, what do you want to do? I simply said, "make it awesome". New to teaching, and dealt the task of encouraging third graders to want to come to English class because it was FUN. What is fun? Humor.

The target language was, "Do you want some more?" The reply, "Yes, please" or "No Thank you". Sitting on my desk in open view, a  bottle of Coke, Sprite, and Orange Juice. We had their attention immediately. I should point out this was a follow up lesson, and it was time to execute.

We planned an activity, where competition was pivotal (the activity itself is irrelevant). The first six to finish received a prize. Everybody wanted the Coke. Energy levels were peaking, participation at capacity. Winners come on down to the winners circle. We had them draw numbered straws. Each number corresponded to it's own prize. Then, applied blindfolds.

I revealed the actual prize list to the class, pleaded they keep quiet, and not give it away. The real prize list:1,3 and 5. Coke,Lemonade and Orange Juice. But, 2,4 and 6, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and both. One by one the winners came up and "one shot" their prize. As a class we followed their shot with the question "Do you want some more?" Their replies were obvious. The kids got a kick out of watching their classmates suffer, especially after the disappointment of not winning.

Every child participated in delivering the question. They had fun, and they wanted to come back to English class again. The best part for me was the Energy in the classroom, and students interacting with all their classmates, not just their friends.

Positive Digital Reputation

What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.

                                                                                          - Abraham Maslow

To be honest, before this course I never considered my digital reputation. Everyone has been victim of a negative photo. It happens. It's almost unavoidable. Everybody has a smart phone, ready to record at the drop of a hat. But does one bad photo trump, the plethora of other favorable ones? It depends who you ask, and the setting. The most important element to sculpting a positive footprint is control.

As I thought deeper into the issue, I was flooded with fears of; How much control do I have? What is out there? The next step was obvious, I had to explore, track down what needed removal. When I Googled myself, I was pleasantly surprised. The first few links were to employment sites from past jobs. I came across old swimming records, but nothing stood out as inappropriate. Sure, others may have a different opinion and they are entitled to it. It comes back to control. Can I control the actions of others? No. Can I control other peoples thoughts? No. Do I care what other people think? 100% NO. Whatever is out there which others perceive as negative doesn't mean I can't do my job, and do it well.

However, can I control my own actions? Yes. Can I control my environment? Yes. Do I have balance? Yes. Technology is so influential today and this course has opened my eyes to the extent. Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter are the main culprits as venues to destroy a digital reputation. One step to avoid that is an alias. Another is to avoid having a recognizable profile picture. Privacy settings give you more control. Beyond that, unfavorable material needs contact with the source.

I believe it's about balance, and perspective. Like the real world, there are differences between personal and professional reputations. The digital age enables things to be brought to our attention faster, in broader settings. I am comfortable with my digital reputation. Two perspective employers could have vastly different views. Much like two people having different opinions. I prefer to concern myself with things I can control rather than worry about those I can't.

Positive Breathing for Growth

"True Breathing is like a flower blooming. 

If we hold our breath, the bud never opens."

                                                                              - Chungliang Al Huang

Improvement, development, growth, advancement, progress, and evolution. The sole purpose of our profession is to aid and direct students, ensuring these stages are never dormant. Whether we like it or not it is inevitable that technology will play a prominent and central role in every facet of our lives. Education is no different, and those who fail to visualize such certainties will be left with a crop of bulbs while others flourish in a garden of roses.

I envisage Administration, Communication, and  Accountability to be some areas where my class would benefit and improve from the digitization of assignments. If this strategy were to be implemented, I believe I would see immediately rewards through planning and organisation for both teacher and pupil. It provides a quick and easy method of disseminating information to the entire class in a timely fashion. Any necessary adjustments can also be made quickly and easily. Students will also benefit from the constant reminder of up coming assignments, and my life dramatically improved at collection time.

It seems apparent that the general trend of teaching is following the direction of technology in the classroom, and with improved organisation, it is only natural that communication will become clearer. In some cases, the on line presence could create a safe forum like environment where students can develop and bounce ideas off each other. Allowing for a wider range of ideas, themes, and opinions to be explored, and thus giving voice to those who are inclined to take a back seat in an actual classroom.

Perhaps the most influential factors as a result of digitizing assignments is the accountability that accessibility brings with it. It eliminates confusion of dates, laziness, and teaches students to accept responsibility through accountability. Excuses like "sorry Professor but I wasn't here that day, or nobody told me, and I didn't know about it" will become a thing of the past.

As society rushes toward technological innovation, the natural progression to incorporate technology in the classroom does seem obvious. My class will prosper through elevated levels of organisation, communication and accountability. However I strongly feel that technology should only be used to complement traditional teaching methods and not completely over ride them. I believe growth and blossoms come through controlled change with measurable results rather than rapid development with an unpredictable end.

Positive Energy, Positive Environment

It's only natural to want to improve, to want to be better, to be the best that I can be. Teaching is my profession, the classroom is my environment, and my breathe comes through fostering and encouraging student thirst for knowledge and learning. 

How would I like to improve as a teacher? I want to be more diverse and dynamic with the methods I use to deliver my lessons, and communicate with students both within and outside of the classroom. I want to explore new tools and systems that create excitement and promote positive emotions of encouragement. Of course, I am aware of some of the technologies available as an educator. I am comfortable with using tools such as power point, videos, and music in the classroom. 

However, I certainly don't feel like any kind of authority on the matter to effectively implement new technologies for maximum benefit. I guess I lack the confidence to really utilize technology efficiently. I fear the day when I am unable to identify and rectify a simple keystroke error, as I am not as computer savvy as one might hope. Do I think the internet will one day disappear along with all the information I need? Of course not. Do I still write everything down as a back up in case that day is tomorrow? Almost like it's more important than breathing!!

Already this course has opened my eyes to what is actually available out there. I hope it continues to do so, and gives me the confidence to explore the options outside of my comfort zone, and challenge myself as a teacher. I sincerely hope my desire  for more creativity in my classroom translates to my students, giving them the absolute best possible opportunity for success. When I say my eyes have opened, I am talking specifically about the Schoology Classroom Management System. 

Today's demonstration illustrated multiple ways to effectively communicate with both parents and students. It also highlighted efficient ways to quickly disseminate information, organize courses, and slowly build a catalog of materials for future use. Very much in the same way which we need to constantly breathe, and the better we breathe, the better we live. As an educator we constantly need to improve and find new methods, tools, systems to teach effectively. The better we improve, the better quality education we provide. 

The Energy of Life

"For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth"

                                                                                      - Sanskrit Proverb

As this is going to be my first ever blog entry, I do feel it is appropriate to begin with a quote that reminds us how simple things really are. It really is very simple. In order to live we need to breath, and not just once but constantly over and over again. The minute we stop, is the moment we begin to break down. In today's world we are consumed by money, technology, and greed. Seoul is a perfect example of this. The rapid development of the country's economy, infrastructure, and technology has created a population of people who need to just take a moment, chill out and breathe. As I am about to start this Masters program in the next few days, I am overwhelmed by a mixed bag of emotions and feelings and I can't help but remind myself to just relax, chill out, and breathe. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely excited to take on this new project, just a little intimidated by the fact that I will be on the other side of the coin as a student this time. It feels like an eternity since I have sat down, sharpened my pencil, and prepared myself to listen. I hate people telling me what to do. Although I guess it does depend on who it is. Perhaps it is just after living in Korea for so long, I forget that there are genuine people whom are not out to use and control you. People who talk with you and not at you. People who make sense. I can't wait to meet more of those people, and I'm hoping those kinds of people will also be taking this course.