Well I never thought of myself as being very “creative” or somebody who thinks in that creative frame of find. I remember my solo European backpacking trip two Summers ago and being in cities like Madrid (Spain) and Amsterdam (The Netherlands). As I flicked through my “Lonely Planet” book pages of each city I was visiting, the text would recommend visiting various museums made famous because of its architecture, design, paintings etc. Oh, I made sure I visited these places but to be honest, I did so not really fully appreciating what was in front of me. Why? Well like I said earlier, because I didn’t think I had that creative frame of mind. What I didn’t realize was that I had never really LEARNED about HOW to appreciate such things…..before taking this class of course!
So as I look back at all of our project creations, discussions and readings over this last semester, I do so with much appreciation for how much my mind has been opened to such “beauty” and appreciation of what is around us. The imaginative bridges we have had to create and blog about have opened my mind up to seeing how so much around us can be connected with my personal teaching profession and work.
Firstly, our photography module challenged me individually to choose one of my own photos to consider as “compelling”. Never did I ever think that what I was shooting in my camera would mean so much more that just the images we saw on the screen! I think we can view our students in the same light. A snapshot of who they are can not be judged on the one day that they enter our class and the one thing about them we know. More so we need to make a connection and look into the other parts of that human being to inspire the potential they have to give to this world.
I never knew how manipulative film and television really was until our study of this field in module 2. Are we also manipulative as teachers? My answer is…I think so! But the key is to be manipulative in a positive way so that we can help mold our students into productive members of society who will eventually make their own decisions about life and learning with an educated frame of mind.
My most enjoyable units of study came in the architecture and design, and music modules. I learned so very much about these two elements of the world we live in - not only as an average individual, but also as a teacher in regards to using such features to stimulate increased learning in my classroom. I surprised myself at how much I personally delved into the meaning of the song “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Dixie Chicks in our music module, and feel like I will be looking for the “hooks” in many songs that I listen to in the future J. Additionally, if I am blessed to have the opportunity to build or buy a home or apartment in the future, my readings by Susan Susanka in this subject will definitely influence my thoughts in making the space fit ME!
Finally, I never thought a fashion show on tv would ever have a connection with my teaching profession. But sure enough, Professor Wong has uncovered such a show to do so. Wow! Not only was this unit of study and project fun to watch but also a lot of fun to create. It makes me wonder how and what other reality tv shows have to offer for ourselves and our students in regards to teaching and learning?!
I am so very grateful for all the thoughtful insights and comments that many of my peers have given to me this semester through our course discussions on facebook, you tube, and blogs. They have all shown how talented and creative they are in their own respective project pieces of work. But for once in my life, I don’t have to feel like the sports “jock” I always thought I was….and instead be the jock that also can understand how the nature and design of compelling experiences makes for not only being a better teacher, but also a better learner!
