Saturday, August 29, 2009

Reflection #2 EDF2085 Transformation and Multiculturalism

Transformation and Multiculturalism

In a multicultural society where people form all around the world have brought with them their differences of belief, perception, religion, history, values and social preference; call for the needs of teacher to respect such intricacies. However, in order to be able to achieve such a task a process of transformation is vital. This essay will give a general idea of transformation and how it relates to the teaching and learning process and any one perusing career in teaching.

Transformation has been a cycle that has been around for centuries. The term transformation as is it relates to this content is defined as, the ability to reinvent ones self to accept and tolerate living in a culture that is vastly different from that which is the norm to us and as a result accepts and embrace human differences. Transformation is a complex process and at times can be intensively difficult to accomplish. Some of the major steps taken towards the succession of transformation include revolution, alteration, conversion and makeover. To obtain an accomplishment as this one has to develop specific skills in areas such as tolerance, acceptance and the more dreaded of all the ability to change. Transformation in this case has to do with multicultural awareness and conversion. As a teacher it is important to understand the various facets that entail transformation in order to be proficient and victorious in the teaching and learning process.

Transformation is a fundamental aspect to a multicultural classroom and society. As preconception plays an integral role in the faculties of the mind it therefore calls for some form of eradication and transformation. For teacher or any personnel perusing a teaching profession multicultural awareness is very important. Knowledge of why people are different, in the way they think, act and the difference in culture will shed some light into how important it is to reconstruct the way we think about other with difference. Teacher will be better able to deal with issue of judging and preconception. Lessons will be less bias and more integration and consideration will take place. Educators will become more susceptible to change and the need for transformation; as a result creating an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and compassion.

In conclusion, I have come to realize the need for self re-evaluation as I peruse studies in the teaching field. It is clear that transformation as a necessity in the field of education the society at large. Through being transformed teachers can influence and guide students in becoming multicultural aware which will help to alleviate some of these related issue.

Reflection #1 EDF2085 Change is constant

Change is constant

Change is constant” as once said by a writer. This is evident in our ever changing society today. America can be said to be one of the most diverse country and a by-product of change in itself. Change can be date back to million years ago if we should study the history of human and inventions. After reading this passage you will understand why I endorse the statement “change is constant”. I will give a brief overview of what I have read on the topics prehistoric use of fire by human and the invention of wheel and writing. I will then discuss the relevance of why a pre-teaching inter should have a knowledge of these basics.

According to the excerpt, “prehistoric human use of fire” human have been proven to have gone through many transformations as it relates to stages of Homo. The Homo Erectus have been said to be the first of the Homo’s use and control fire, based on either their observation of the effects of wildfire or just a mere trial and error. Regardless of the acquisition of their discovery, they have taken the use of fire through many stages. I believe as their social needs became more demanding and there knowledge increase their use for fire became more important; from the use of cooking to the production of heat and a source of defense. What ever the usage may be, they happened in a series of increments, and over the years the use of fire became commonplace.

Through observation and social need came the invention of wheel. This may be seen as a process of change and transformation. The invention of the wheel was made possible through these early human’s observing the stages of change a log or stick went through as they try to transport heavy objects. Based on these observation and new discoveries alterations were made and hence the invention of the wheel. It is evident in such early years that the process of learning toke place in stages. This early invention may have given way to most modern transportation.

Writing has said to come about though the need for communication. In ancient day objects and picture were used as a symbol of communication. Which again through stages of change and incremental development have progress to our modern day script. It is interesting to know that through the integration of different symbols in a structured sequence communication through writing have become an integral part of our societies. Writing it self have gone through many stages of change and transformation, from using symbols such as stones, grains and pictures to communicate and now the written language. All of these transformations are link to some aspect of social need.

It is important for pre-teaching interns to have a basic understanding of prehistoric changes, transformations and inventions as it relates to fire, wheel and writing. This might be seen some what abstract but it is very relevant to new teachers. Knowledge of these developments will aid in there understanding of why change is necessary at times and could be smooth in transition, While on the other hand may be very difficult. These changes that are mentioned previously are all interrelated socially and are vital in understanding that change is constant. As a result of this teachers will be better equipped to accept changes and become more open in allowing their perceptions, values and behavior to be transformed. Teaching in a multicultural environment calls for an integration of creativity and a cultural and social understanding. Making a roadway for a more successful teaching and learning experience.

Reflection #2 EDF1005Paradigms and Paradigm Shift

Samantha Clarke

Paradigms and Paradigm Shift

For centuries early human went through a series of paradigm shift. The term Paradigm may be defined as the way human perceive the word. Many inventions were as a result of early human perception. In several different stages human have moved through a process of paradigm shifts. This article will discuss the position on how man’s various inventions have changed the way man think learns and sees the word. I will then share my views on the subject.

Intervention has been through many changes simultaneously to the human development and paradigm shifts. Different interventions were as a result of change perception and new experiences; from the control of fire and its use to the invention of tools, wheels and sharing socialization. As time pass it left behind the need of social change. From cooking food in the ground to a more sophisticated stove of the twenty first century. This invention in reverse help to shape the way man thinks, in that they have become more open to ne invention, exploration constantly inventing new things. Our societies today are slaves to invention, for example the enormous gather and champing out to quire some new gadget that has just been introduced to the market. They are constantly looking toward and anticipating new invention.

It is evident that by now man have realized that they are living in an ever changing world and nothing stays constant except for change itself. New inventions assist in faster learning, and the production of new knowledge. Man has come to view the world through more compromised eyes. The have come to accept new fact and realities and if the needs be the will be a re-evaluation of self.

From my perspective change is constant and new invention is unchanging. The need to reevaluate ones self is of utmost importance, a much needed thing in the present society. After several years of experience and observation of change I came to realized that I am as a result a new person. The way I think, my religious beliefs values and attitude have been changing and that is constant.

Relection 1 edf1005 Timeline of Teachers Preparation

Samantha Clarke


Timeline of Teachers Preparation


Teachers, the backbone of any nation is a commonly discussed issue in the world today. Many controversies have arrived over the years pertaining to many areas of the teaching field; some of which are but not limited to salary, professionalism and the process of educating or training teachers. Upon reading this article you will become aware of the evolution of the teacher preparation programs from colonial times to present. In addition to this, there will be a discussion on the reform efforts of the 1980’s and the controversial role of Teach for America (TFA) in the preparation of teachers.

The teaching profession has evolved formally since the late mid nineteenth century. Even today there are controversial issues arguing its professionalism. Before the 1980’s teaching have been seen as a temporary job, and is often done by indentured servants paying for passage to America and only workers in academics and Latin grammar got some college education more so in Europe than America. Knowledge of teaching skills were never a pre-requisite to become a teacher.

After little succession in the classroom education sank and hence the quest for ways to improve teaching skills. By the 1923 Reverend Samuel Hall came up with a more professional approach for training teachers. This gave way to the establishment of the Normal School, the first teacher education school in America. Following this, Horace Mann established the first state recognized school in America. This provide a two year training in academic subjects and teaching methodology. As the years went by, the need for more well trained teachers arrived and Normal school increases the number of years for teaching programs. By this time teaching institution became popular and more institutions such as colleges and universities started offering teaching programs and many others.

Even though Colleges and Universities were offering teaching programs, there were alternative route to the field. This was done through students seeking licensure through structured apprenticeship; a supported movement by Teach for America (TFA). Many influential individuals thought that this was not a professional approach and that teachers demand adequate training to be competent in teaching in the present society. How can one shape the society for a better tomorrow with out being competent in what they do? Students need a firm foundation in the early stages of their lives because this is what will help shape them for the future ahead.

Teach for America might help to fill a gap in the areas where there is a shortage of teachers but what about the damage the might potentially cause. For example, how will a teacher with relate to cultural issues and differences in the classroom if they were not thought how to. Until recently, I was ignorant to the fact that trained teachers are a necessity. I thought that by knowing a subject area would be good enough to become a Elementary Teacher. Through reading, I discovered a whole different point of view to the profession.

Like any profession teachers should receive adequate training in order to become competent teachers of tomorrow. An understanding however by society, will to clarify such a need. Many are negative towards teachers and their competence but a thorough look is need on the evolution of teachers. Then the long cherished perception about teacher may be clarified.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

So you want to know who I am

My name is Samantha, I am a second year student at the Miami Dade College where i am majoring in Elementary Education. I was born in St.Mary Jamica, and now reside in Miami Florida. I was raised by my mother who was very committed in providing a stable environment for myself and my sibling. I am the older of five kids and the only female. I attended Windsor Castle Basic School, Windsor Castle All Age, Tarrant High and College of Agriculture Science and Education. Where I was perusing a Diploma in Secondary Education.

My reason for choosing education lies mostly on the fact that I was inspired by my High School teacher. Upon varied interaction with kids and experiences of my own, I came to the conclusion that early education is very vital to a child intellectual development and as a result can impact the society both negatively and positively. Base on some experiences that I had both with teachers and in the class room, I have developed an interest in students that are often left out or left behind in the classroom.

My goals for the education field are to inspire, enhance and to develop each student’s ability to learn. I do understand that I am now living in an ever changing society which calls for hard work and commitment. Not only will I be required to be committed but also should be able to cater for the diversity in the classroom environment. I am committed to be informed and to stay up to date with our growing technology age and be keen at integrating this in the leaching and learning environment so as to accommodate the various types of learners that exist in our multicultural society.

The truth has been told that teaching is not financially rewarding but it has also been told that it plays a vital role in society.