I thoroughly enjoyed reading chapters 1 and 8 in our class textbook. All I could think about is why didn't my teachers use these strategies when I was in school? Oh, how much more engaging and fun would school have been for me. The ideas that continued to pop into my head while reading chapter 1 was memories of last semester. My Intermediate Block experience was one of excitement, new ideas, group collaboration, fun & helpful strategies and techniques, and fun learning. It was an extremely busy semester, but made so enjoyable because we were learning and using the different strategies mentioned in this chapter. I felt like I had a role in each and every class because my teachers set out to make this the objective. Using reciprocal teaching, JigSaw, think-pair shares, and many more were all strategies that made my learning rich. Why do teachers think that fun exercises, group work, and strategies are only for children? I think this should be a method of teaching that is required by all teachers, at all grade levels. I do not think anyone is ever too old to have fun with learning and incorporating fun group work like this is just the right way to motivate and engage students!
Chapter 8 reminded me of another college class I took years ago, Creative Writing. The main goal of this class was to make learning fun. So many times children, and adults are afraid to write because they think it will not be good or right. Making writing a natural part of life and school, without all the expectations of perfection all the time can be very beneficial to students. Doing this has the power of creating a WRITER with NO LIMITS. There must be a starting point and this is a perfect place to start. Writing for fun should always be encouraged. It gives freedom to the individual, and opens paths that, even to them, are unknown. I loved the creative writing class and have to say; I have thought about taking it again just for fun. My teacher would give us promts, like discussed in the chapter, and have us do quick writes. At first this was hard because I wanted it to be perfect so I struggled to just write to write. However, after a little time and coaching from my teacher, I learned to be creative and have fun with words. She would even do this with speaking. When I started her class, I had a fear of speaking in public, hard to believe I know :-) but after a few times of being given a topic and directed to speak...I quickly overcame this and actually began to love it! I learn so much about myself during that time, and it was all through the power of writing.
Before ending this Blog, I would like to share a few of my thoughts about the Student Think Center. I had never even heard of the place before Dr. Bishop mentioned it and really did not know what to expect. When I walked into the center I was WOWED. The openness, the bright colors (and this includes the BRIGHT WHITE), the sunlight, the big windows, the cool chairs and couches, and the awesome ladies all expressed me immensely! The center was warm and inviting, but not warm as in a coffee shop where the lights are dim and colors are dark and bright. This was warm welcoming and friendly atmosphere that felt clean and neat. I enjoyed the presentation and speaker/audience interaction. Also, I thought it was really cool the way they focused on so much detail in the design of the room in order to enhance thinking and learning. I personally have to have things a certain way if I plan on being productive with my work and getting anything done. I cannot have clutter because then my mind feels cluttered. I also need lots and lots of bright light, preferably natural sunlight, to make me feel alive, vibrant, and motivated. This center oozed all of the above and much more. The two ladies in the Student Think Center were very sweet, positive, and easy to get along with. They did not judge, look down on anyone, or act as though anyone was a burden, which are all attitudes one can find when walking into a place like this. My experience was excellent and I can not wait to go back to pick their brains on "thinking and learning," not to mention just to enjoy the awesome environment up there :-)
"So many times children, and adults are afraid to write because they think it will not be good or right. Making writing a natural part of life and school, without all the expectations of perfection all the time can be very beneficial to students."
ReplyDeleteThis was/is me in a nutshell. I think because teachers forced writing so much (especially in high school) that i felt i was always getting critiqued and quickly lost interest in writing. I think making it more natural is a very good way to look at writing. Of course writing assessments arent going to go out the window-- BUT they wont be so dreaded. Always having my writing looked at and nitpicked just really makes me discouraged. When i turn it in im nervous and when i get it back im nervous. It shouldn't be like that. My best friend in writing is a Quick Write. I just write what i feel/think/inspired by.. :)