Week 3- Comments to My Classmates- #1

http://elijahduncan.blogspot.com/2011/03/wk3-reading-what-starts-as-trickle.html?showComment=1300644474209#c549488463370666899 

Retrieved and modified from FB 

Elijah's comments re: The Art of Possibility-

Chapter 5. Leading from Any Chair: We’re all leaders. How can we make a difference in the people will influence each day? How do we listen to those who help us make our dreams become reality?

Listening to those who act in contrast to our dreams, our visions, our passions is one of the most difficult tasks of our human existence. This chapter really helped me to focus on how those voices also contribute to the possibility of seeing our dreams, our visions, our passions become a reality. If we are truly and deeply listening to what could be perceived as attacking, counteractive, negative we can begin to make what we have envisioned the mere starting point of a more evolved possibility.

Chapter 6. Rule Number 6: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Life is a journey–enjoy and learn along the way. Live, laugh, and love!!

Teaching kids is serious business. So often I get lost in that seriousness, forgetting to relish in the passion of teaching. I suspect that my students can sense this to at times. On the one hand I yearn for them to tap into some intrinsic love of life-long learning, and on the other demand seriousness. I guess the key here is not to a take yourself SO seriously. Seriousness is necessary, but shouldn't be the primary driving factor.

Chapter 7. The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?

I am so about settling for the way things are these days. Working here in the middle east has begged me to keep my head low, not stir the waters, be complacent. There are people at the top here wanting to make radical changes to education, but on the day to day level you have teachers and administrators who want nothing more than a paycheck. Most of them responding only to the most dire of crises. I came here because I wanted to innovate take my knowledge, learn from the knowledge and experience from the culture around me and blend that into something new and evolved, a new way forward for teaching and learning. The complacency of those around me and the fact that I get shunned every time I try to initiate some of what I was hired to do has resulted in a lowering of my expectations. Finding a starting point as the chapter suggests seems nearly impossible to do alone. Maintaining communication with those who seek to maintain their own high expectations and desire for change seems critical for me now.

Chapter 8. Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?

My Facebook wall has been a place for expressing this passion as of late, through posting links to music, art, news, images, etc. I have also been really focused on communicating my passions with my friends and family, since I don't always have a forum for this at work.

My Comments to Elijah-

I agree that there are times when things seem difficult.  As you stated in your comments regarding chapter 7, I wonder if listening to and truly internalizing the message of chapter 9 might not be helpful.  We need to really look at every situation as though it is an opportunity.  What effect can we have on those around us, what way can we better the place and the people involved.  It sounds like you had a mission in mind, that you had a vision and an inspiration.  Don’t lose that, those are the types of situations this book speaks of.  You can spark inspiration in others, and if you have the confidence and the motivation to move to the other side of the planet, don’t forget how strong you are, use it!  I think that the overall message is that we as people but particularly as teachers use our brain in a particular way but that perhaps “that way” is limiting and holds us back.  Our brains look to categorize and justify, to connect and simplify.  But true inspiration and deep clarity comes from intrapersonal and interpersonal connection while letting go of the limiting connections of thinking.  By that I guess I mean that ingenuity comes from thinking outside of that defining and restrictive box. 

You have already given up that “control” by taking a chance, now look to see where you can structure some new possibilities!  Go get ‘em!

Week 3- Reading- The Art of Possibility (cont...)

Reading on…               

In the chapters leading up to chapter 5 of Rosamund and Benjamin’s 2000 novel, The Art of Possibility, we are led through the journey of acknowledging and recognizing the need and the ability to see the world and it’s opportunities differently, the manner in which to do so, and the path to commitment to change.  In chapter five entitled Leading from Any Chair, speaks about how to turn the new plan of invention, and contribution, and action into one that can lead others in a positive and meaningful manner.  The underlying message rings loud and clear, “true power derives from (the) ability to make other people powerful”.  As I made the connection prior to James Redfield’s Celestine Prophecies and this piece, I found the idea intriguing and monumental that who we are, and the energy that we put out effects those around us, for the better and the worse. 

Following this belief and understanding, the next chapter is a rule that I need to spend some extra time working on.  It simply states that life is full of impediments or tribulations, but it is important to approach each as a learning opportunity and therefore one that needs not be fear or stressed about but rather approach with gusto and with the knowledge that not only can you make it through but that you will and you will be better for it. 

Chapter seven looks at the idea that the situations and areas in your life where you hold back are areas where you miss out and lose.  It pushes us to not only recognize those areas but to change, to throw ourselves into them fully, completely and without reservation. 

The following chapter discusses our power of passion and the ability and necessity to spread that passion through “sparking” that excitement in others.  We have a responsibility to inspire others, and inspiration comes from direct connection to others.  I truly like the idea that what ever passion you have should and is obliged to be shared with others because you never know what little spark might ignite a blaze. 

Week 2- Free Choice- Leadership Project Continued

Retrieved from Flickr Creative Commons me? stressed out?from joshfassbind.com 

As I try to wrap my head further around the idea of presenting at a conference, I have been doing a bit of surfing and searching of the web.  My goal was to get a feel for what types of conferences are available, what sort of timeline I am working with in terms of applying and scheduling of details, and to see who these types of conferences are geared toward.  I came across some pretty valuable information and thought that I might share. 

I found a site http://www.theconferencecalendar.com/  that offered the following information:

Media Literacy, Greening the Classroom & Designing the 21^st C. Classroom

San Antonio Texas

June 20^th-24^th

http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/Workshop_Schedule_Location.htm

The San Antonio Summer Institute is a five day event that combines our Media Literacy, Greening the Classroom and Designing the 21st Century Classroom workshops into a seamless, relevant and comprehensive learning experience.

Summer 2011 Teaching with Technology Workshops

Cambridge Massachusetts

June 23^rd-August 5

http://www.edtechteacher.org/workshops

Inspiring Technology Integration Ideas with Acclaimed Education Technology Leaders

Breakthrough Strategies to Teach and Counsel Troubled Youth

Lake Oswego, Oregon

October 13^th-14^th

http://www.youthchg.com

Learn how to involve troubled and challenged youth in learning. This class explains the challenges

that children can face, and how to effectively teach and assist those youngsters. Participants will discover how to best integrate challenged youth.

33^rd National Media Market

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 16^th- 20^th

http://www.nmm.net

The National Media Market (NMM) is a non-profit organization that brings together 
content providers and professionals involved in the use of media in teaching and 
learning. From K12, to public libraries, to colleges and universities, NMM and the 
participating companies support the development of all types of libraries as 
learning communities of the 21st Century.

retrieved from flickr creative commons from zeng.tw

So all in all I am off to a good start.  I am still a bit nervous about the process particularly with the actual proposal.  But as always, when I let go and let our very capable and informed professors guide us through the process, I do just fine.

Week 2- Reading- The Art of Possibility

An analysis of the first four chapters.

The book by Rosamund Stone and Benjamin Zander, The Art of Possibility is one that requires you be ready to open your mind to change.  The premise here is that each of us individually contains the ability to affect major change.  This book is a combination of therapeutic and experiential advice on how we can begin to take on the act of changing.  

In the first chapters we are asked to look at how we experience the world.  The idea is that we experience the world through our senses, which then our brain has its way with.  The difficulty with this is that our brains have a way of wiring themselves in an attempt to save energy and therefore skip as many steps as possible.  This is not necessarily a bad thing; we just need to be aware that we are doing this to ourselves.  We are "seeing" things through the limitations that we put upon ourselves, from inside a box that we create.  We, or should I say our brains, are trained to make assumptions, and so first we must acknowledge those assumptions and then ask ourselves, what inventions can we create in order to see the experience differently.  Then, when we see the experience differently, new opportunities become available. 

In the following chapter, we are introduced to the idea that once we realize that we invent our opportunities; we need to address our present practice of measuring our presence to some level of achievement.  Therefore, we are constantly in a state of striving and never at peace.  This constant competitive state is not a place of creativity.  Therefore the advice is to continually ask yourself how you are playing into or reflecting the “measurement world”, until you eventually come to peace with where you are.

Chapter three asks us to address our practice of grading and realize it is a manifestation of our old way of thinking; measuring and comparing ourselves, situations and others.  By viewing each child we as teachers come across, as an unlimited package of potential, and immediately granting them an A, we become their partner in discovering the necessary skills and self-expression that child requires in order to reach that potential. 

The subsequent chapter begins to have us take action.  Once you begin to look at the world through different lenses, we need to actively declare ourselves a contributor.  Whether we now how or in what way, the more important factor is that we vow to be a positive force of contribution.

I look forward to reading further.  It has been a while since I have read a book that has felt like it is not just simply adding information to my collection, but instead reorganizing and reforming the information that I already possess. 

Week 2 - Comments to My Classmates #2

Mike's comments regarding The Art of Possibility

http://mikeandhisthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/03/macweek2reading-art-of-possibility.html?showComment=1299974823945#c2319115168732652747

Image retrieved and modified from FB profile pics.

What an interesting book! I really wasn't sure what this book was about until I got the chance to jump into it this week and I must say, the content is really eye-opening and rather inspirational. I enjoyed each chapter and how they focused on different aspects of our lives and how we view things. In the first chapter, Invented, I thought the comment about the Me'en people of Ethiopia and their reaction to photographs of people and animals was amazing (pg 11). I never would have imagined such a reaction to viewing photos for the first time. My initial thought would be to view the actual pictures, and not to hold and smell the type of paper! I liked the concept in that everything is already perceived in a certain way so we should look to change our perceptions to improve our lives. 

In the second chapter, Universe of Possibility, I enjoyed reading about the 9 dot problem. I remember doing that in elementary school, and it stuck with me through all these years, so it was great reading about how the book viewed that and how we should look to move beyond the imaginary borders in our everyday lives. Again, this chapter focused on how our lives are shaped by assumptions, which was a bit of an eye opener, because I never thought about things like that.

The third chapter, Giving an A, is another remarkable way at looking at things. I liked the quote, "The A is not an expectation to live up to, but a possibility to live into" (pg 26). I also thought it was great how the book referenced Da Vinci's view on a block of marble and how inside of it is an amazing sculpture. Basically saying that we all are amazing inside, just waiting to be built up! The assignment in which one of the authors had their students write letters from their future selves in order to receive an A in class had me wondering how well something like that would work in my class. While I think it's quite a novel idea... I'm not yet sold on doing it for my students... yet. 

The final chapter, Being a Contribution, focuses on how we should all strive to make a difference in the world, even if we don't know how or why. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading the first four chapters of this book. It reminds me of one of my favorite books of all time, The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. One quote from The Alchemist is, "...when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too" (pg 150). 

My Comments to Mike-

Mike- 
You did an great job of summarizing the direction of each chapter.  I too found the writing inspirational.  It is interesting that you related or found connection to prior reading.  As I read these chapters I could not stop thinking about how this book was giving me a similar feeling as a book that I read in HS.  It was more of a fictional piece but had similar underlying message, the book was called the Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield in which the lead character is on a quest to find "insights" and develops an understanding of how we interact with each other and how we ourselves become our optimal self.  


I think that we as teachers need to continually be willing to look at the world and the experiences around us from different points of view or else we will cease to grow.
I shared your "eye opening" in chapter two as I thought about how limiting we can be to ourselves.  When we live by our assumptions, you not only fall into that saying... "when you assume you make an *** out of you & me" but you really are preventing yourself from a larger or deeper or just a different experience than the one you gain otherwise.  Since life is defined by our experiences we should make all attempts to make those experience meaningful and full of growth.


I thought about the marble metaphor as well, and the amazing thing about sculpture is that it can always be adjusted.  But the most effective way to create a piece of art through such methods is by creating a clear image in your mind of what you would like to make, but to always be willing to compromise and work with the feel of the medium, to allow the marble to have a say in what it becomes.  When we consider what and how we are "grading" our students we really should be looking at it with both our vision and theirs in mind as well as with the idea that certain materials get sculpted or molded using different methods.  To stick with the metaphor, if you try to sculpt an iron statue using the same methods as marble you will be greatly disappointed.
Mike- Thanks for your insight.

Week 2- Comments to My Classmates #1

Noelia post regarding The Art of Possibility

http://noeliabadilloemdt.blogspot.com/2011/03/week-2-reading-1.html

Image retrieved and modified from FB profile pics.

The book The Art of Possibility is a book that makes you think deeply about how we see ourselves and how we can see things from the point of view we desire. In the first four chapters, the author opens up a world of possibilities to challenge our initiative towards a greater concept of our being, the confidence we have in everything we do and how we should stop for a moment and review the events to be responsive to these in a positive, powerful and efficient way. It discusses how we can have the success that we want and what we can achieve if we actually see and accept who we are and what we can be. The text directs us toward an objective and authentic attitude to open up new paths and new challenges. It also reflects the power that we have as educators if we learn to see and appreciate the styles and actions of our students and how we can encourage and motivate students to wake up their hidden or repressed skills. A perspective in which we can learn new things from students and the importance and meaning of things for them. In the fourth chapter the author describes the importance that produces contributing to the lives of others, to move away from ego-centrism, to relate with others and make a difference. It's amazing the simplicity with which the author makes us rethink the way you view life and its circumstances. Personally I identified myself with several of the stories in the book and learned a few strategies on how to deal with the situation by simply asking myself important, thoughtful questions and answer them from another perspective, a perspective that is what I desire, what I want. The effect of the practices that the author explains can greatly benefit our environment, our success, our relationships with others, in fact our course in life and most importantly our happiness. I enjoyed reading this book and like me, I know that it will help others have a better vision of our circumstances and because of all this I give the authors an A.

Comments to Noelia-

I was especially drawn in to your reflection on the "power that we have as educators if we learn to see and appreciate the styles and actions of our students and how we can encourage and motivate students to wake up their hidden or repressed skills. A perspective in which we can learn new things from students and the importance and meaning of things for them."

I find that too often the idea is overlooked that each one of our students brings a unique experience to the learning table and that if we as educators do not acknowledge, appreciate and foster the sharing of that experience we all lose out.

I agree with you that the author has an ease with which the message is delivered.  The reader is guided through a pretty deep and philosophical journey by relatable and applicable stories and practices.

Thanks Noelia- you summed it up in a clear and stimulating piece!

Week 1- Free Choice- Leadership Project

Retrieved and Adapted from Flickr Creative Commons Speaking To an Empty Room by By herzogbr

As I consider the possibilities that lay ahead and for which the plans will be built in the month ahead, I am stuck in a mud puddle of trepidation to say the least.  As I try to dismantle the feelings that have me stuck, I believe there are many issues to mentally and emotionally approach.  We are being asked to formally write up a proposal based on our Action Research Projects (ARPs) and submit them to conventions or conferences with the “hopes” (and I use that term lightly) that we will be accepted to present our findings to our colleagues.

My initial concern is that although I consider myself a qualified and strong instructor in the classroom, I am completely intimidated by speaking in front of my colleagues.  I am not sure where this feeling comes from, in situations where there is less pressure I am quite able to speak to adults.  I do well once I get into the midst of the higher pressure situations, for example in job interviews I am fairly successful.  But this does not take away from the nervousness I feel before. 

My secondary concern is that although I fully comprehend the idea that every situation offers insight to learn from, my ARP yielded results that I feel fall well below it’s potential.  This concerns me as it adds another layer of complication when considering how to propose any presentation that I may have to offer.  I feel that there are definitely clear and expressible explanations to account for why the ARP’s goals were not met.  What I suppose that I need to put some effort into is what I would want my colleagues to walk away with from my presentation.  What did I learn, and how could I share that with other in a comprehensible manner.

Retrieved from Flickr creative Commons Leap of Faith  By ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser

And as if that did not pile up enough, my tertiary concern is that as I approach the end of this wonderful journey at FSO in EMDT, I am excited by the idea that there are countless opportunities out there to share and expand upon the experiences I will walk away with.  Although there is a level of excitement, it feels similar to standing at the edge of a cliff looking down at the lake below.  You know so many have taken the leap before you and you know that once you take the first step, the rest will be indescribably exhilarating.  With all that said and done, it does not take away from that gut feeling of stifling fear, which keeps you frozen in place until either you find the courage or your friend jovially gives you the necessary shove. 

So I suppose with the aforementioned analogy, I am on my climb up the cliff abutting the beautiful lake, and at this phase I should be mentally mapping out my moves and psyching myself up to take the plunge!