I have been looking on the TeacherTube website for a video that could exemplify
at least a part of my 'teaching philosophy'. I was very pleased to find a video
by a male candidate teacher in an elementary system (Paul Hobson). The video
has a very elegant simplicity - it's called: "I Have A Question."
It appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities, as well as to my teaching sensibilities.
I particularly appreciate the ending where, in the voice-over by Paul Hobson,
he says that after he has completed his college career he will "continue
to question." I question everything. Nothing is certain.
Sowing Seeds (click on the banner to activate a sequence that explains the movement)
Here is the website I have chosen to represent my teaching philosophy. It is a website about the Sowing Seeds Workshop presented by the Institute for Humane Education. The Institute for Humane Education focuses on exploring education issues, environmental ethics, animal protection issues, cultural issues, and human rights issues. I feel strongly that these issues should be explored in the elementary school classroom in order to create compassionate and ethical citizens. I think it is an essential part of being a teacher to ensure that students learn to be compassionate towards people and animals. Therefore, as a teacher I want to be continually educating myself towards the most effective way to teach critical thinking about social and ethical issues and to promote compassionate living.
Patch Adams
Ha! Robyn Williams as Patch Adams - what could be better? This movie is for
everyone to see. It represents me as a teacher in a few ways (as usual). Patch
fights the system. He does this because he can't stand to not stand up for what
he believes. Patch Adams sees the heart in every human. He touches them deeply
and has profound affect on the optimism in the people's will to live, and to
live greatly at that. He sees the meaning and the affect in being a doctor,
just as I see the meaning and affect in being a teacher. Patch believes that
being a doctor involves more than just 'fixing', it is healing, and the patients
are first humans. He has such faith in hope and laughter...and it works - I
have seen this in action and I too believe. Thanks Patch.
Michael Franti
This music video is beautiful. First of all, Michael Franti is simply marvelous
on so many different levels. He stands up for what he believes in, (even politically),
and he is humble and kind with his messages. He sings music and speaks in a
way that cleverly informs others of the concepts that to me, are the most important
in our world today. He stands for peace, justice, acceptance, conviction, optimism,
action and more...and so do I. Listen, move and Rock on.
You
can make a difference
I found this activity difficult as I had a hard time finding a clip that I could
fully identify with. Also I found it difficult because I am still unsure why
I have chosen to become a teacher; other than the simple fact I love children.
After much searching I came back to the first clip I had discovered. This clip
resonated with me because its music, its images and its message are what I believe.
I believe that the belief that you can make a difference to someone or something
is the most powerful feeling in the world. I know that I cannot change anything
or anybody but I know that I can make a difference in a person’s life.
This is why I have become a teacher. If I make a difference in a one path or
one choice or one day; that for me is one reward that can never be taken away.
I really like the music in this clip as well it inspired me to look further
as to being a teacher in a classroom but also leader in informing about third
world countries and the issues our world is facing.
I want to make a difference that is why I am here.
Here's my video
clip: (Not the whole thing - it starts at 1:54 and ends at 4:42 (the classroom
scene).
I believe that this clip is reflective of my teaching philosophy for several
reasons. First, it demonstrates resilience and how not to give up in the face
of adversity. In the clip before, Julia Roberts' character arrives to class
and the class has already read the textbook and can identify each and every
slide she shows. Rather than become discouraged, she rethinks her teaching format
and comes prepared to challenge her students the next class. This clip is also
reflective of my teaching philosophy because it is evidence of how important
it is to challenge students to think outside the box, to be open-minded to new
ideas and to think critically. I also value discussion, debate and listening
to different points of view (whether I agree with them or not) and, as demonstrated
in this clip,they are integral and important elements of any classroom, whether
at the primary or university level. Furthermore, as a teacher I believe that
I should be adaptable to change and to work with what interests students. Moreover,
I believe that school should be fun and regardless of how mundane a subject
is, one can make it intriguing and interesting to the students.
Dalton Sherman
I was introduced to this video by Karen Danderfer at the beginning of September.
After watching this video I was absolutely mesmerized and inspired by this young
boy (nine years old at the time this video was made). Dalton Sherman was a keynote
speaker at the “back to school” convention in Dallas.
This video clip speaks to me because of Sherman’s message – “I
need you to believe in me”. I believe that a child can “do anything”,
“be anything”, create anything”, “dream anything”
and “become anything” because we believe in them. Many of the subjects
that I will be required to teach are fundamental to the eventual success of
my students. But they are only as strong as the confidence each child has in
his or her own ability to build from them. One of a teacher's most important
roles, then, is to recognize the perspectives from which each child approaches
the curriculum; and to help each child experience understanding and success.
Children's Railway Budapest
This is a 5 minute video of a train ride in Budapest, Hungary. The train is
unique because most of the jobs are carried out by children, under adult supervision.
The children wear the uniform of Hungarian Railway employees, and the train
is an actual working railway, open to the public.
I chose this video, because it reflects many of my beliefs about teaching and
the way we should be teaching children. The railway gives children an opportunity
to engage in hands-on learning, and perform authentic tasks as they learn. Rather
than learning about the railway system in school, interested children have the
chance to actually perform the job. Furthermore, I believe that children are
capable of taking on significant responsibilities if they have the guidance
and trust of adults. I believe that children are willing to take on as many
responsibilities as adults are willing to give them; I think children appreciate
being treated with respect and will take pride in their work if they are given
authentic tasks.
My rationale behind choosing this little blip on the web is because it's a huge part of the reason I decided to finally take the plunge and become a teacher. I had always liked the difference in people's perspectives on the world, but I discovered that I really enjoy discovering new perspectives while tutoring high school math last winter. I found this particular YouTube video amusing because it illustrates a simple problem seen in three different ways. To top it all off, this idea of "new math" is new to me and I can't wait to explain it to my students, let alone my student's parents! I can only imagine what my own mother would say about it!
I want to be a teacher who takes a fresh perspective on learning and not be afraid to challenge students and make then think critically for themselves. I want to be a teacher who can laugh with her students and have her students laugh back. I want to open my student’s eyes up to a realm of possibilities and encourage them to be confident. I want to be a teacher who is passionate and infects her students with the same passion. I want to be a teacher that expects the world from her students and have her students expect the world from their teacher. I want to create an environment that supports education and imagination.
It
Takes a Child
(on the right side of the screen, click on the video “It Takes a Child”
Free the Children is an organization I’ve known about for a few years
and I am deeply inspired not just by the philanthropic work they do, but how
the group was founded. When Craig Kielburger was 12 years old, he came across
a newspaper article about a 12 year old boy in India. This Indian boy, Iqbal
escaped from child labour and spoke out about children’s right, but was
consequently murdered. Craig was shocked and felt driven to make a different,
so he formed a group called Free the Children with other grade 7 classmates
to fight child labour. I want to create an environment where my students believe
they have the ability to make a difference in issues, big and small. Adults
are perceived to hold a lot of power, but children should feel empowered as
well.
Victor Borge Phonetic Pronunciation
I came to teaching from a recreation background, and most of my past experiences with children have been centered around playing, moving, and laughing. It was a significant moment this year for me when I entered a classroom and remembered how important those pesky things like content and assessment are! It's been an interesting few months, and I've started really finding joy in the learning side of education. But for me, I think that learning and playing don't necessarily need to be on different sides of the fence. I am hoping to focus my teaching on learning through doing, interacting, and making connections. I believe that involving movement, silliness, and joy into those things along with serious reflection and consideration promotes a style of learning that is more real for the students, and promotes a strong sense of community and friendship. This clip takes my favorite subject, the often hated grammar, and transforms it into a very silly game. I'm not sure I would do this exact exercise in the class, but it demonstrates the range of untapped possibilities out there.
The Tale of Mr. Morton
This video is called “The Tale of Mr. Morton” and is one of many
School House Rock videos. These videos, especially Mr. Morton, address dry or
sometimes complicated topics and approach them in a humorous and musical way
to make them more entertaining and easier to learn. I think this is effectively
done. I grew up on the School House Rock videos (every Saturday morning!) and
still recall a lot of the ideas addressed in these videos...not to mention the
tunes! Music often brings things to life, and if something (be it music or anything
else) can inject excitement into a topic, then I believe students will find
the joy in learning more readily.
The element of this ‘You-tube’ video that attracts me the most
is the quotes. It is seldom that when I am exposed to a compilation of famous
quotes, so many of them resonate with my beliefs.
The first quote that is presented alludes to the ideas that teachers are continuously
learning. This is paramount in the domain of education as there is an immense
body of knowledge in the world, which is constantly evolving throughout the
years. One of the main reasons that I chose to become a teacher is because of
the enjoyment I get out of learning. Teaching is a vibrant and dynamic profession
because of the need to be constantly learning. The quote by William Arthur Ward
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can
become it” is especially important for me this year. I am going through
some medical challenges, and I have been learning a lot about the power of thoughts
and words in creating our world. I believe that this quote is especially important
too for groups of people that are seen as minorities. People sometimes feel
repressed, but if they keep on believing in and imagining success, then this
will be one important step in helping them to achieve their goals.
Nelson Mandela’s quote states that “Education is the most powerful
weapon, which you can use to change the world.” This statement speaks
to the other main reason why I decided to go into teaching. I have a passion
for the environment. While I was in the process of completing my undergraduate
degree, many discussions took place with regards to solving environmental issues.
I entertained all of the suggestions that professors and students proposed;
however, for me, the most effective solution was usually through education.
Helping students foster a love for nature and educating new generations about
their ability to effect positive environmental change are essential in order
to sustain our life on Earth.
The images and music in this ‘You-tube’ video seem of secondary
importance to me because the quotes are so strong. I feel that the music creates
a contemplative tone, but does not detract from the power of the quotes. In
addition, the images depicted are very simple, but bold, which complements the
quotes appropriately. This ‘You-tube’ video reflects many aspects
of my teaching philosophy and it has sparked an interest in me to explore more
quotes that are in tune with my educational values.
McCoy Tyner is a legendary jazz pianist who started his career playing in a band with John Coltrane. He's 70 years old and the epitome of cool. I had the opportunity to see his jazz group perform over the weekend and as my mind drifted along with the music I began to notice quite a few parallels between my views on teaching and my observations of jazz musicians. First off, they are a community. They are physically arranged in a circle, facing each other. Their arrangement on the stage is symbolic of the nature of their group, which seems to be democratic. In terms of teaching, I think the idea of a community of equals can be applied among teachers and students alike. Furthermore, they are supportive of one another. Each player gets a chance to be heard as well as to listen to the group as a whole. They have an intuitive sense of when to improvise and when to come back to the basic rhythm. I watched in awe as they let each other take turns having solos, encouraging each other with winks and great smiles, and was equally impressed by the precise timing of the group uniting back together again in complimentary sound. I came to the conclusion in Ingrid's class that the ideal classroom would be a place where everyone helps each other reach his or her potential, which is really what those jazz greats are doing. Lastly, jazz is complex...and so is humanity!
I really enjoyed this U-tube clip. The music, images, and empowering words of the clip did a good job in pinpointing all of those key issues that I would like to address as a teacher. The U-tube starts off with the question... “What kind of schools do our children deserve..?” It then goes into some powerful statements and images that really hit home for me. (e.g. Dream anything, free of rigid schedule, wonder is treasured, inclusive schools, responsible schools, personal best emphasize, welcoming spaces, and adults are patient). It ends with the powerful statement of “Start now..... history starts now!”. The images created this dynamic flow and active approach to believing in ourselves and our children. The message is clear... let’s start now, and make history in our classroom!
Because the World Needs to Know
This is my you tube link: To me it is inspiring, creative, trendy and well-made.
It intrigues and inspires me to create fun ways to "hook" students.
As it hooks me ever so quickly, I want to learn more. The transitions in graphics,
messages for learning and leading are terrific! It is multicultural, has a great
beat and teaches so much in such a short time frame. There is no beating around
the bush, chit chat or fluff. What do you think?
This link markets a site about 350. 350 is the red line for human beings, the
most important number on the planet. The most recent science tells us that unless
we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per
million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth.
I used to work for www.sierraclub.bc.ca. Sierra Club is an environmental organization
who works closely with the David Suzuki Foundation, Greenpeace, Forest Ethics
etc. Sierra Club has an amazing IRP based environmental education program for
publics schools. The education staff travel around BC to schools to educate
about environmental issues. I hold these issues close to my heart.
I found this clip on the Teacher Tube website. It is entitled ABCs for New Teachers. These past few Tuesdays have made me realize that as much as I thought I knew, I actually knew very little and am filled with questions. The reason I picked this clip to represent my teaching is that I think it is important as a new teacher, or teacher candidate, to realize and be open to the idea that you actually do not know as much as you think and should be accepting of the ideas of others. I think there is a lot of valuable advice that can be gained this year from our sponsor teachers, teachers at UBC, friends, students etc. This is a year of experimenting and finding our own styles.
I chose these clips for a variety of reasons. The first among them is that
these students were lucky enough to have a teacher who made their world their
classroom – one who stepped beyond the walls of the classroom and the
textbooks they contain. This teacher found a huge teachable moment and took
advantage of it. Many teachers dread teaching politics as much as students dread
studying it. And who can blame them when politics is so often taught from the
textbook as a series of power structure diagrams? But, this election evoked
the most excitement in politics that I can remember, so much so that it was
the perfect time to show students how relevant politics can be. From the interview
with the students, it would seem that the debate in the song lyrics is an extension
of how they learn a great deal of material. These are not students who will
dread politics class.
I also selected this clip because I am very interested in politics and international
issues, and I plan to bring that interest into my classroom. We have to cover
the IRPs, but they leave room for specialization. I think teachers become more
real and more engaging when they are teaching what they are passionate about.
I was inspired by two high school teachers in particular who influenced my choice
of study. One of them strayed quite far from the curriculum, but made sure to
read us current events and lead discussions everyday. I don’t know any
student in that class who didn’t appreciate the excitement he brought
to class. However, I will have to try and be unbiased in my teaching (perhaps
more so that the teacher in the clips).
I think this clip demonstrates a teacher who brought his/her passion for music,
debate, and politics together to create a lesson that his/her students will
never forget. It shows how the music was chosen to resonate with and excite
the students. It also shows how the teacher invested the time and energy to
ready the students to perform it for national TV. I hope to be the “extra
mile” teacher – the one who knows her students and will spend the
time to give them the best.
This video is about teaching students fractions. Mr. Duey, the teacher, is explaining how to do fractions in a rap song. This song is very easy to understand and very clear. The music in the background is not too loud, so you can hear him speaking. This video appeals to me since it is fun. It is inspiring for students, who, like me, never really liked fractions and find them very hard. During the editing, he incorporated visual pictures of the numbers, which students can follow along with, while he is singing/rapping out the explanation of how fractions work. The philosophy behind the video clip, is to make math fun, using a medium (rap) the students can relate to and understand. This shows us, and them, that math doesn’t have hard or to even boring.
Interpretative Dance as Evaluation Form: Representation of Complex Understandings
If you need some inspiration or just a laugh, you should check it out (esp. Aaron's, and the brown dwarf one!) They are all phD students or university profs who have come up with interpretive dances to explain the complex science processes they are studying. Some are serious dances, some are pretty funny. If you click on the utube clip and then look on the right hand side, you can get their written explanation of the dance, which is priceless