I videoed my family telling how they feel about me completing
and what that means for them…It was very eye opening and touching to say the
least. I didn't realize how much time they missed with me.
When
you end an academic program, your professors, I am sure, wants to hear about
the new knowledge you gained in content and issues and trends. I did learn a
lot of new content and about issues and trends; however, that is not what I
will share as my deeply felt learning's. As a professional, I should be looking
to be abreast of new research, issues, and trends on a regular basis. It is the
new skills I adopted and personal revelations I would like to share that will
continue to push me forward in my professional development.
There
are many learning experiences that have changed me but there are three that I
am going to share with you in this blog.
First, Social referencing was eye opening in many
ways. It made me recognize that some of my thinking was very prejudice and judgmental.
Although I never voiced my judgments allowed, they can still be represented by
my actions subconsciously. I am now hyper sensitive to social referencing that
I see it and hear it everywhere and am offended every time I do. I have even
heard my children social referencing and I correct them immediately. I am glad
that it was brought to my attention because the more people who are made aware
of this type of prejudice the more likely will , hopefully, dissipate.
From our diversity class there were 4 propositions that
I held on to because they met a lot to me that I will refer to often.
Proposition
1: Diversity starts with you: You play many different roles in life, called
"social identities," and together these social identities make up who
you are. Through your social identities, you represent human diversity.
Proposition
2: A person's diverse self comes to life, evolves, and exists within the milieu
of the "family." Each "family" is diverse in itself; each
has its own different family culture(s); and family culture(s) interact
dynamically with the diverse world.
Proposition
3: Conflicts and inequities arise when diversity is conceptualized and
experienced as a "problem" and when individuals and/or institutions
resist/are in opposition to diversity.
Proposition
#4: Equity and social justice are more likely attainable when diversity is
conceptualized and experienced as opportunity.
Second, I enjoyed learning about teaching adults my
favorite book which was one of our resources was the skillful teacher. That
book will continue to be on my bedside table because I still think I can learn
so much more from the book. Teaching adults has similarities to teaching young
children, but really it can be very difficult at times because of all the
dynamics that surround it. I enjoyed reading about strategies and creating my
tool kit and am excited to utilize it within workshops I conduct and maybe even
classes I teach in the future.
This was taken out of one of my papers that I wanted
to share with you because I believe it is important in my professional career.
A skilled teacher has a strong opening to her course that
sets the standard by how she presents herself. She strives to know her students
and teach to their diverse needs, which includes learning styles, disabilities,
and personal needs. “In students eyes an important component of successful
learning is perceiving the teacher as both an ally and an authority”
(Brookfield, 2010, p. 55). Credibility and authenticity is demonstrated which
tells the students; she is here with a purpose and passion. As she gets to know
her students, she also shows her human side. “Students recognize that teachers
are authentic when those teachers are perceived to be allies in learning who
are trustworthy, open and honest in their dealing with students” (Brookfield,
2010, p.67). Motivation is imperative and taking time to know your students is
a great first step. Being open and honest and showing that she has their best
interest at heart begins with introductions but carries on into the curriculum.
The last thing I wanted
to share was written in this class. I enjoyed the leadership section of this
course (other too but my favorite) because I felt like I created a new vision
of leadership that I hope to continue to put into action and perfect. Over the years,
I have grown so much and I feel that this program has really grown me up in
this area.
I have found that I have grown as a leader because my
vision has yet again been tweaked. Good leaders are always looking for ways to
make their skills stronger and better. My vision of leadership is that I become a
leader consistent in my core values, but flexible to the needs of my team. I
want my leadership style to encompass the transformation, reflective, and
democratic leadership styles I have come to realize that I will never lead like
my favorite leader. I have to lead by who I am utilizing the strategies and
techniques that encompass my strengths. The best complement any leader could
receive is, “I didn't think I could accomplish this, but you believed in me and
supported me through, and I did it!” Joel Barker said, “A leader is someone you
choose to follow to a place you wouldn't go by yourself (Bloom, 2003, p. 1)” My
person individuals to success while also accomplishing a project or goal.
My Long time Goal is to
become an even better leader then I already am and continue to grow by learning
new skills and strategies through experience and keeping abreast of new information
by reading and researching new information often. I would like to teach/coach
adults to stimulate passion and intrinsic drive within the field of Early
Childhood.
Farewell message in the
below video.
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Quotes I love:
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