Day 1 Down

Well the first day is over and I have to say it went by relatively quickly. We hit upon some very interesting topics. Today, the main thing I came home with is "Question Everything," "Always ask why" A main staple of critical pedagogy. This is something I try to instill in my students every year. Think for yourselves. You are responsible for your own destiny so it is up to you to make the most of your education and your lives. So often they rely on their teacher to shovel it all in for them as I have been told by students before, "It is your job to tell me." It reminds me of how I finished up the school year.
It was my last exam of the year. My fellow teacher and I had collaborated on making a lab practical exam for our students. This was not information they had to memorize but concepts that they had to apply to each lab station that we had covered through out the semester. Before entering the classroom I explained to the class how the exam would be carried out. One student responded, "Is this like Miss C's exam because she is a horrible teacher. I told her that and if this exam is the same then you are to." I chuckled a little and replied, "I guess I am." One thing that I have found is using these learning applications you meet a lot of resistance. Not just from administration, colleagues, or parents but often from the students. Many find it harder because they actually have to think not just memorize or recall facts. But this resistance is nothing compared to the other students that you reach and the minds that you can open to find their own knowledge.
On other topics we discussed today, Beauty and the Beast will always be my favorite Disney movie. No matter what we point out about it. But I understand that it is recognizing that those things are there and I can still take pleasure in watching the movie? My question is at what age should I begin pointing these things out to my own daughter? She is only 2 now but at what age do they begin to understand these things and at what level do you discuss it. Discussing these things with teenagers is totally different. Does anyone have any suggestions on that? One of my favorites from the movie, "Tale as Old as Time," for your enjoyment.



Again, there were so many interesting topics we touched on today. Still not sure about that Madonna video. Think I need some sleep for that one to sink in. Until tomorrow I have all my technological devices powering up so we will be ready for class tomorrow. Until then....