Man o Man...! This week killed me!!!!! Peer pressure from all directions. I am still trying to finish my summary for my AR pages, hopefully tomorrow. This week trying to get my project to present on Monday was the most difficult and frustrating for me. My computer kept freezing and I had a video embedded in my presentation which was messing it all up. However, it is all posted and you can view it at my action research site posted on the MAC Google doc., for my fellow classmate. I also have the presentation on my MAC course blog, also listed on the class Google doc. I had not foreseen such difficulty in getting this posted, all of my other postings had always gone so smoothly.
Anyway, presenting At the OAEA conference maybe out for this year, the deadline has passed but I am going to ask for and extension. But I am still presenting to my District Art teachers. Then fall 2011 I will definitely be presenting to OAEA. YEAH!!!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Mel Rainey wk4 201005 Reaction to Lina Valery
Lina Valery: Week 4 Reading - Leadership
When I think of leadership, I envision Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, King David, Mahatma Gandhi, the Dali Lama, and many others with the spirit and courage to lead against the current. Many teachers began their profession with great ideals and with the hope of making a real difference in education. They came to lead and impact a flawed system. Yet, as they hit walls with district challenges, uninvolved parents, and absent students, inspiration was replaced by frustration. While it is easy to loose heart when it seems no one is listening or willing to look outside the box, it takes perseverance and steadfastness to lead the future.
Educators have an immense power of influence. I’m sure most teachers would say they chose their profession (whether impacted positively or negatively) because of a teacher that marked them. For many students their classroom teacher becomes the greatest voice in their lives, just by giving that student the confidence to believe in him or herself. Many dormant minds are simply waiting for someone to come in and change the recording created by a society that stopped believing in them.
I truly believe teaching, done right, is one of the hardest jobs in our society. It doesn’t help when there are political battles being fought about how to teach our youth, when the battle to inspire children to learn, should be the main focus. WE as a society, WE as parents and teachers, WE as leaders, and WE as a nation need to come together and focus on the goal.
Finally, as a homeschool educator, I would love to see the barriers between public, private, and homeschool go down. To know that even though there are different principals of faith, curriculums, ideals, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and political views, we could all come together when it came to educational collaboration. One thing all educators have in common is we all want the system to change. It’s true, our vision of change may be different, but there is one thing we all have in common. We want our students to learn for the sake of knowledge, to be inspired, and to search beyond what’s on the test.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mel Rainey
@ Lina
Once again I think you nailed it. Teaching is one of the hardest professions to perfect. and do it well. Education is a revolving door that never slows down. There is always some new program or test, that changes everything we do as teachers. True learning only comes, when teachers inspire student minds, wether it is talking about the weather, a specific college or even culinary arts. ONe thoughtful inspiration from a teacher can mean a world of difference to a student. Students lives are different from what I remember, there are not many nuclear family scenarios left. I think we have evolved and become more of a quantum family, forces pulling in all different directions but still communicate to it original starting point, HOME.
Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 11:29 PM
When I think of leadership, I envision Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, King David, Mahatma Gandhi, the Dali Lama, and many others with the spirit and courage to lead against the current. Many teachers began their profession with great ideals and with the hope of making a real difference in education. They came to lead and impact a flawed system. Yet, as they hit walls with district challenges, uninvolved parents, and absent students, inspiration was replaced by frustration. While it is easy to loose heart when it seems no one is listening or willing to look outside the box, it takes perseverance and steadfastness to lead the future.
Educators have an immense power of influence. I’m sure most teachers would say they chose their profession (whether impacted positively or negatively) because of a teacher that marked them. For many students their classroom teacher becomes the greatest voice in their lives, just by giving that student the confidence to believe in him or herself. Many dormant minds are simply waiting for someone to come in and change the recording created by a society that stopped believing in them.
I truly believe teaching, done right, is one of the hardest jobs in our society. It doesn’t help when there are political battles being fought about how to teach our youth, when the battle to inspire children to learn, should be the main focus. WE as a society, WE as parents and teachers, WE as leaders, and WE as a nation need to come together and focus on the goal.
Finally, as a homeschool educator, I would love to see the barriers between public, private, and homeschool go down. To know that even though there are different principals of faith, curriculums, ideals, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and political views, we could all come together when it came to educational collaboration. One thing all educators have in common is we all want the system to change. It’s true, our vision of change may be different, but there is one thing we all have in common. We want our students to learn for the sake of knowledge, to be inspired, and to search beyond what’s on the test.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mel Rainey
@ Lina
Once again I think you nailed it. Teaching is one of the hardest professions to perfect. and do it well. Education is a revolving door that never slows down. There is always some new program or test, that changes everything we do as teachers. True learning only comes, when teachers inspire student minds, wether it is talking about the weather, a specific college or even culinary arts. ONe thoughtful inspiration from a teacher can mean a world of difference to a student. Students lives are different from what I remember, there are not many nuclear family scenarios left. I think we have evolved and become more of a quantum family, forces pulling in all different directions but still communicate to it original starting point, HOME.
Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 11:29 PM
MelRainey wk 4 Donita Massing Reaction
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2010
FSO_MAC_W4_Being the Board & Framework for Possibility
Often, life delves out circumstances that are beyond our control. I have mostly accepted that as fact. The truth is, it's harder to actually accept it than it is to say you've resigned to that.
And being resigned to something is next to admitting status quo is good enough.
These chapters in The Art of Possibility have sparked a memory. A few years ago I was fortunate to attend a staff inservice presentation by motivational speaker, Sam Glenn. His wisdom, inspired by Zig Ziglar, touched and changed my outlook. I view Glenn, Pinneo and now Zander in the same light: truly enlightened people whose view of life inspires possibility wherever they are.
I have fought the downward spiral and will freely admit that the negative emissions from others also drag me down.
I don't want to be that way, and while they are out of my control, I can choose to "be the board on which the game is played," as Zander says.
This is the act of realizing that we willingly take risks by simply stepping outside the door each day. Rather than blaming and seeking revenge for the wrongs of others, accepting and moving forward with the notion that life happens. As Glenn says, it's about your attitude more than anything else. Sometimes it's good to use the attitude of humor, sometimes the attitude of forgiveness; in all, life is lived fully within the choices we make and our attitudes about them. We don't have to let negativity mold who we are.
Mr. Rainey said...
Willing to take risks is one of the hardest lesson to teach anyone I think. If more were willing to take risks in life and learn from then, I think the educational system would have grown more than it has. Students today just don't take risks. They expect an A just for showing up to class. Learning is about making mistakes from risk taking. Not sit and collect dust like some trinket sitting on a shelf.
Choices are the key guiding factor to a teachers job. How many choices do we make in a day? I can't even count them all.
Peace Donita!
P.S. If you get a chance could you take a look at my presentation at my action research site. The address is in our MAC class google doc. Thanks Kiddo!!!!
May 30, 2010 8:15 PM
FSO_MAC_W4_Being the Board & Framework for Possibility
Often, life delves out circumstances that are beyond our control. I have mostly accepted that as fact. The truth is, it's harder to actually accept it than it is to say you've resigned to that.
And being resigned to something is next to admitting status quo is good enough.
These chapters in The Art of Possibility have sparked a memory. A few years ago I was fortunate to attend a staff inservice presentation by motivational speaker, Sam Glenn. His wisdom, inspired by Zig Ziglar, touched and changed my outlook. I view Glenn, Pinneo and now Zander in the same light: truly enlightened people whose view of life inspires possibility wherever they are.
I have fought the downward spiral and will freely admit that the negative emissions from others also drag me down.
I don't want to be that way, and while they are out of my control, I can choose to "be the board on which the game is played," as Zander says.
This is the act of realizing that we willingly take risks by simply stepping outside the door each day. Rather than blaming and seeking revenge for the wrongs of others, accepting and moving forward with the notion that life happens. As Glenn says, it's about your attitude more than anything else. Sometimes it's good to use the attitude of humor, sometimes the attitude of forgiveness; in all, life is lived fully within the choices we make and our attitudes about them. We don't have to let negativity mold who we are.
Mr. Rainey said...
Willing to take risks is one of the hardest lesson to teach anyone I think. If more were willing to take risks in life and learn from then, I think the educational system would have grown more than it has. Students today just don't take risks. They expect an A just for showing up to class. Learning is about making mistakes from risk taking. Not sit and collect dust like some trinket sitting on a shelf.
Choices are the key guiding factor to a teachers job. How many choices do we make in a day? I can't even count them all.
Peace Donita!
P.S. If you get a chance could you take a look at my presentation at my action research site. The address is in our MAC class google doc. Thanks Kiddo!!!!
May 30, 2010 8:15 PM
Mel Rainey 201005 wk4 Readings
Chapter 10. Being the Board: It’s not them. It’s not the circumstances. It’s me. It’s my choices. Now what do I do?
Changing, everyday is what I want to do to keep my framework approachable. When I am the happiest as a teacher, is when I work with my students, not against them. If I create my classroom environment to be negative then it will and or positive, it will. The I in my class is what will control my directional pull. I have definitely seen this this year. The direction of my classroom has been a bit more structured and business like. When I first started teaching they were the best times and times kept moving I became and adult that had pressure from all side to perform and become the ultimate teacher or "Hall Nazi." I am a mixture of both.
Chapter 11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility: How do I take this flash of insight and make it into daily thing? And how do I share this with others?
I change constantly so that my possibilities can be endless. Allowing for multiple changes, gives me an opportunity to grow with my students and to see how they will react and adapt to the goals of each less and how they can appreciate art more. Sharing is one of my biggest suits to wear. I have shared everything in my school for the past 6 years over half of my teaching career I have had to share everything, let me tell you not having your own classroom has been difficult. Especially when I started with my own. Learning to interact and be apart of the school is how I get others involved. If you show you care, then they will come. More coffee!! More Coffee!! Food!!!! Makes great gifts.
Chapter 12. Telling the WE Story: I told you it wasn’t about you. Have you been able to tap into the power of combining your expertise and passions with someone equally gifted? Have you had the pleasure of lifting a teammate, student, stranger up enabling them to realize their dreams and exceed anything that you could have imagined?
Being a mentor for the past 6 years has been that experience. Equally gifted and unique, a teammate, fellow colleague and a complete stranger are those that I have mentored. WE as a whole is a hard concept when so many senior teachers have been burned by their districts. I hear the term WE and I have nothing but hope, but it will be the I and me teachers that bring me down. Sometimes to me, I think that it is practice for what is coming in the future. Another WE altering event, something that will change the course of public education. A change that will define, who are we as a race?
Peace! Rainey
Coda: Now what do we do?
Changing, everyday is what I want to do to keep my framework approachable. When I am the happiest as a teacher, is when I work with my students, not against them. If I create my classroom environment to be negative then it will and or positive, it will. The I in my class is what will control my directional pull. I have definitely seen this this year. The direction of my classroom has been a bit more structured and business like. When I first started teaching they were the best times and times kept moving I became and adult that had pressure from all side to perform and become the ultimate teacher or "Hall Nazi." I am a mixture of both.
Chapter 11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility: How do I take this flash of insight and make it into daily thing? And how do I share this with others?
I change constantly so that my possibilities can be endless. Allowing for multiple changes, gives me an opportunity to grow with my students and to see how they will react and adapt to the goals of each less and how they can appreciate art more. Sharing is one of my biggest suits to wear. I have shared everything in my school for the past 6 years over half of my teaching career I have had to share everything, let me tell you not having your own classroom has been difficult. Especially when I started with my own. Learning to interact and be apart of the school is how I get others involved. If you show you care, then they will come. More coffee!! More Coffee!! Food!!!! Makes great gifts.
Chapter 12. Telling the WE Story: I told you it wasn’t about you. Have you been able to tap into the power of combining your expertise and passions with someone equally gifted? Have you had the pleasure of lifting a teammate, student, stranger up enabling them to realize their dreams and exceed anything that you could have imagined?
Being a mentor for the past 6 years has been that experience. Equally gifted and unique, a teammate, fellow colleague and a complete stranger are those that I have mentored. WE as a whole is a hard concept when so many senior teachers have been burned by their districts. I hear the term WE and I have nothing but hope, but it will be the I and me teachers that bring me down. Sometimes to me, I think that it is practice for what is coming in the future. Another WE altering event, something that will change the course of public education. A change that will define, who are we as a race?
Peace! Rainey
Coda: Now what do we do?
Mel Rainey wk4 201005 Wimba posting!!
Hello all, man has it been a crazy week for me, as well it must be for all of you. First, let me tell everyone I missed you in class. I hope all is well with everyone.
This week was the closing of my old school, lots of activities and germs to be had by all. It lead me down a spiral that has kept me busy with multiple tasks all week. I would like everyone to take a look and the Leadership presentation and video that were posted earlier in the blogs. Check them out let me know what you think. This weeks readings and getting ready to finish the program and the closing of the old school have been full and tiring. we will see how the rest of the summer goes.
This week was the closing of my old school, lots of activities and germs to be had by all. It lead me down a spiral that has kept me busy with multiple tasks all week. I would like everyone to take a look and the Leadership presentation and video that were posted earlier in the blogs. Check them out let me know what you think. This weeks readings and getting ready to finish the program and the closing of the old school have been full and tiring. we will see how the rest of the summer goes.
Mel Rainey wk3 2010 Free posting
Well not much going on except trying to get all of my stuff together for next month. everything is in and almost finished on my AR site and things are going ok. I have alll of my leadership stuff ready for presenting, we will see how that goes. Anybody know how to get a keynote presentation that has a video embedded in it to transfer to viddler with out losing my voice over. It goes directly to the embedded video audio and never plays the presentation audio? Weird! I have some stuff to finish on my summary but all of that is in the works. See ya next month.
Mel Rainey wk3 2010 Project Post
I hate being sick! This weeks posting on the weeks project will be subtle and honest. The video blogs and video streaming that I choose and worked with this week are some that I have started to use in my classroom. Working on learning and putting all of my work together for this class was hard this week. The videos and streams are awesome and when I do get time to work on finding more and perfecting what I have learned, I know that this grad program will be well worth it. Also getting ready for the presentation was hard combining it with the ending of my school year. Yes I said it, I am done, packed up and awaiting the new school on August 30-September 1, I will be moving into a new classroom and building. Oh, did I mention it is only half a building, with no cafeteria, 2/3 of the classrooms and no gym. It is going to be another crazy school year. On to week four blogs.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Response to Donita Massing 201005 wk3
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010
FSO_MAC_W3_From the downward spiral to possibility
Reading Ben Zander's book and watching videos of him working with his students has proven one thing to me that I believe all teachers must possess: the ability to absorb the poor attitudes around us into fuel for positive change by leading others.
I realized that I have a tendency to push students to achievement through comparison or by berating them. After all, that is what I do to myself and it's true about being your own worst critic.
One of my former teachers once said "you can't push a chain." I believe him. You must allow the "links" to hook up and follow; not necessarily always following the official teacher but following the passion for finding deeper meaning for themselves.
I believe myself to be fortunate in that most of my students enroll in my program because they have an interest in the visual communications industry. It should be easy to move them from the downward spiral way of thinking towards the spirit of possibility by igniting their passions. But, it's easier to snuff their spark than ignite it.
People have an inert voice that real estate investor and educator Greg Pinneo, whose philosophies inspire my husband and myself, calls the "itty bitty shitty committee." Pinneo (live seminar, 2005-2008) says that this voice is the resonating negativity absorbed from every person in one's life who have belittled their passion or told them they can't do something.
Ben Zander believes that this voice is the voice of "no." The voice then becomes your own and strips you of the confidence to transcend the critical self he identified in his book.
In order to truly "achieve what you're dreaming," Zander says that one must "give way to passion" by quieting that irritating little voice and take a risk by removing the barriers.
References
Zander, B. and Zander, R. (2000.) The art of possibility. Boston: Harvard business school press.
Posted by Dee M at 1:46 PM
1 comments:
Mr. Rainey said...
Their is always the possibility of directing the students out of the position to have a downward spiral and allow themselves to grow. I to believe that my students want to be there in my class room, but when they tell me they don't that also starts me down my spiral and that is just the way and I pick myself up and continue to adventure with my class. Give way to passion and to inspire those to join the ride!!!
May 29, 2010 5:11 PM
FSO_MAC_W3_From the downward spiral to possibility
Reading Ben Zander's book and watching videos of him working with his students has proven one thing to me that I believe all teachers must possess: the ability to absorb the poor attitudes around us into fuel for positive change by leading others.
I realized that I have a tendency to push students to achievement through comparison or by berating them. After all, that is what I do to myself and it's true about being your own worst critic.
One of my former teachers once said "you can't push a chain." I believe him. You must allow the "links" to hook up and follow; not necessarily always following the official teacher but following the passion for finding deeper meaning for themselves.
I believe myself to be fortunate in that most of my students enroll in my program because they have an interest in the visual communications industry. It should be easy to move them from the downward spiral way of thinking towards the spirit of possibility by igniting their passions. But, it's easier to snuff their spark than ignite it.
People have an inert voice that real estate investor and educator Greg Pinneo, whose philosophies inspire my husband and myself, calls the "itty bitty shitty committee." Pinneo (live seminar, 2005-2008) says that this voice is the resonating negativity absorbed from every person in one's life who have belittled their passion or told them they can't do something.
Ben Zander believes that this voice is the voice of "no." The voice then becomes your own and strips you of the confidence to transcend the critical self he identified in his book.
In order to truly "achieve what you're dreaming," Zander says that one must "give way to passion" by quieting that irritating little voice and take a risk by removing the barriers.
References
Zander, B. and Zander, R. (2000.) The art of possibility. Boston: Harvard business school press.
Posted by Dee M at 1:46 PM
1 comments:
Mr. Rainey said...
Their is always the possibility of directing the students out of the position to have a downward spiral and allow themselves to grow. I to believe that my students want to be there in my class room, but when they tell me they don't that also starts me down my spiral and that is just the way and I pick myself up and continue to adventure with my class. Give way to passion and to inspire those to join the ride!!!
May 29, 2010 5:11 PM
Response to Kerry Marquis 201005 wk3
Week 3, Project – About My AR Summary Page
Working on putting together my summary of my action research project. This has been an interesting year. I’m so glad that we did the blogs each month. It has really helped to keep me focused. I was able to take pieces and put together a summary. It also was easy to see where I needed to fill in and document more for next time.
Next time?? Yes. There will be a next time. This time reminded me of my first year of teaching. I was feeling my way forward in the dark. My students and I (many of whom are now Facebook friends) all made it to the other side of the year knowing more and able to do more than when we started. In the years after, I became more skilled in communicating with and listening to my students as well as more refined in what I wanted to impart to them. This is what I want to do with action research. Become better and more skilled and always moving forward. This is only the beginning of this journey.
That’s me at my first teaching job with one of my students, 21 years ago.
Posted by Kerry M at 6:15 PM
3 comments:
dale-emily said...
Kerry,
I will be continuing on the AR road. Now that I have gotten some experience, I would like to continue and make it better. Like you, when I first started I didn't know what an AR project was. Now that I know I can apply this experience to future AR projects.
May 20, 2010 7:33 PM
Yorkie Mom said...
Hi Kerry,
I looked at your Cycle 2 Data and Analysis. You have received some remarkable results. I think your project is a very worthwhile endeavor. It has so many possibilities for teachers as well as students.
I'm glad that Joe was able to help you to find an avenue to finish your work on time. I knew you would do it. You are a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to all who know you.
Good luck and I'll see you at graduation.
May 23, 2010 11:24 AM
Mr. Rainey said...
Yes I too will have a next time to using this program with my students. I think the action research could guide my entire course of study for next year. The AR research was by for one of the more difficult issues to tackle for this. I really learned from the whole process, more so than just writing a thesis paper. Papers or very informal and vague to my mind. Sometimes I wonder what the heck I am reading.
Keep going!!
Peace, Rainey!!
May 29, 2010 5:00 PM
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Working on putting together my summary of my action research project. This has been an interesting year. I’m so glad that we did the blogs each month. It has really helped to keep me focused. I was able to take pieces and put together a summary. It also was easy to see where I needed to fill in and document more for next time.
Next time?? Yes. There will be a next time. This time reminded me of my first year of teaching. I was feeling my way forward in the dark. My students and I (many of whom are now Facebook friends) all made it to the other side of the year knowing more and able to do more than when we started. In the years after, I became more skilled in communicating with and listening to my students as well as more refined in what I wanted to impart to them. This is what I want to do with action research. Become better and more skilled and always moving forward. This is only the beginning of this journey.
That’s me at my first teaching job with one of my students, 21 years ago.
Posted by Kerry M at 6:15 PM
3 comments:
dale-emily said...
Kerry,
I will be continuing on the AR road. Now that I have gotten some experience, I would like to continue and make it better. Like you, when I first started I didn't know what an AR project was. Now that I know I can apply this experience to future AR projects.
May 20, 2010 7:33 PM
Yorkie Mom said...
Hi Kerry,
I looked at your Cycle 2 Data and Analysis. You have received some remarkable results. I think your project is a very worthwhile endeavor. It has so many possibilities for teachers as well as students.
I'm glad that Joe was able to help you to find an avenue to finish your work on time. I knew you would do it. You are a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to all who know you.
Good luck and I'll see you at graduation.
May 23, 2010 11:24 AM
Mr. Rainey said...
Yes I too will have a next time to using this program with my students. I think the action research could guide my entire course of study for next year. The AR research was by for one of the more difficult issues to tackle for this. I really learned from the whole process, more so than just writing a thesis paper. Papers or very informal and vague to my mind. Sometimes I wonder what the heck I am reading.
Keep going!!
Peace, Rainey!!
May 29, 2010 5:00 PM
Post a Comment
Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Mel Rainey Wk 3 Reading post 201005
This weeks readings stuck me hard because of the nature of the material and what has been happening at my high school. The questions and comments made in the discussion assignment area hit on one of the most main problems in the school right now. Because of the packing and focus shifting towards the new high school many of the usual school policies were left in the dust. Our goal that was given to the teachers by the district administration was to be "Flexible."
7: The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?
Right now I think that I am in the AND position of teaching. I think to have possibilities is the way that we as teachers can go. Teaching is different everyday, you can not predict what will happen and you can't control it either. To have presence without resistance, leaves me and my students the abilities to explore and act on any and all art related projects or inquiries. The art department has always had an open curriculum for learning, one that allows students and staff to interact with out being shoved into a wall of resistance.
8: Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?
Everyday of my career i teach and live art for my students. This year has been extraordinarily tough because of time management skills. I am not the best with time, but I do try to fit in as much as I can as a teacher. My students actually felt somewhat confused by my Graduate program and I think that hindered some of their creative intuitions. My students may also say that I am crazy for life. I always express that "life is the greatest of all adventures!" or I will say "I want to go out with my boots on!!" Sitting around and letting life pass by is not the answer if you want to evolve in the stages of education and life.
9: Lighting a Spark. It’s not about us. It’s about them. What are you doing to pay-forward from your universe of possibility?
Paying it forward? Good Question! it takes all of my energy to pay it forward, it may be art club, drama club, a caricature for someone retiring or caricatures of those seniors who have pasted through my classroom. each year this something different that I try to teach my classes about art and life and how everything is connected. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don't. Paying it forward is contributing to the world selflessly, my department head always says I am a YES man when it comes to helping out. I will always be a YES man, it is just the way I was raised. Thanks Mom and Dad!!
7: The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?
Right now I think that I am in the AND position of teaching. I think to have possibilities is the way that we as teachers can go. Teaching is different everyday, you can not predict what will happen and you can't control it either. To have presence without resistance, leaves me and my students the abilities to explore and act on any and all art related projects or inquiries. The art department has always had an open curriculum for learning, one that allows students and staff to interact with out being shoved into a wall of resistance.
8: Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?
Everyday of my career i teach and live art for my students. This year has been extraordinarily tough because of time management skills. I am not the best with time, but I do try to fit in as much as I can as a teacher. My students actually felt somewhat confused by my Graduate program and I think that hindered some of their creative intuitions. My students may also say that I am crazy for life. I always express that "life is the greatest of all adventures!" or I will say "I want to go out with my boots on!!" Sitting around and letting life pass by is not the answer if you want to evolve in the stages of education and life.
9: Lighting a Spark. It’s not about us. It’s about them. What are you doing to pay-forward from your universe of possibility?
Paying it forward? Good Question! it takes all of my energy to pay it forward, it may be art club, drama club, a caricature for someone retiring or caricatures of those seniors who have pasted through my classroom. each year this something different that I try to teach my classes about art and life and how everything is connected. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don't. Paying it forward is contributing to the world selflessly, my department head always says I am a YES man when it comes to helping out. I will always be a YES man, it is just the way I was raised. Thanks Mom and Dad!!
Mel Rainey Leadership Presentation / Movie?
I hope this link works as well. This is a movie file of my presentation.
Mel Rainey Leadership Presentation / Keynote
bgdo0n.key.zip "
This is a link to my keynote presentation. I hope it works! I believe you have to have Keynote presentations for a MAC computer, to view this. I will work on getting a Power Point version ready.
This is a link to my keynote presentation. I hope it works! I believe you have to have Keynote presentations for a MAC computer, to view this. I will work on getting a Power Point version ready.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Mel Rainey 2010523 wk3 Presentation Possibilities. Again
So, Re-reading through the assignments for this course I found a glitch in my reading and think I have caught myself from making a blunder. For the past couple of weeks I was only doing one of the weekly discussions, further reading and understanding of the objects lead my to correcting that. So I went back and added some comments to each discussion assignment and project.
Craziness!!!
Currently I am in the closing of the school year, so my brain is going a million different direction along with closing and packing for the new school next year. So I apologize for any confusion in my postings.
Well I did talk with my principal and department head and they said that they are good with me presenting I just need to fill out the paper work to get it going. The OAEA deadline has already past for this year, but they always need presenters. So I am going to talk to the President and see if I can still apply on Monday.
Whittling down the AR pages and getting the presentation ready for tomorrow!
Later!!
Craziness!!!
Currently I am in the closing of the school year, so my brain is going a million different direction along with closing and packing for the new school next year. So I apologize for any confusion in my postings.
Well I did talk with my principal and department head and they said that they are good with me presenting I just need to fill out the paper work to get it going. The OAEA deadline has already past for this year, but they always need presenters. So I am going to talk to the President and see if I can still apply on Monday.
Whittling down the AR pages and getting the presentation ready for tomorrow!
Later!!
Mel Rainey 2010523 wk3 presentation possibilities.
Well over the past week, with ending school year stuff, I was able to get ideas of presenting at the Ohio Art Educators Association conference, Elyria City Schools Art Department professional development day and Elyria High Schools technology professional development seminar. I am limited to funds and time this year for presenting but that is my best option right now. I am looking at presenting with a key note presentation that includes my action research and the lesson possibilities in using technology as a tool. We shall see.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Mel Rainey 2010516 MAC wk2 Extra Readings"Copyrights?"
Reaction posting to Copyright issues from this weeks extras:
Kristen Willerton says:
Kristen Willerton says:
@Liz Dalton
I agree with you, it’s the best feeling when you’re doing a project and then come across the perfect photo just to find out you can’t use it! Searching for the right photos, media, etc. can be extremely time-consuming and frustrating. It’d be great if they’d ease up on the rules but at the same time, I’m not sure if I’d like people using my hard work for free either.
When it comes to copyright, I think if I can create everything for all of my presentations that would be great!! But your right finding the right image and then not being able to use it is disheartening. My students always want to take pictures with me at end of the year school events, I joke with them ” I am copyrighted, that will be 100 dollars for the photo!” This program has change my views on legalities of this issue. For years when I was little I was taught that taken someone’s work and copying it was bad. Now you can manipulate it and distort it until it is no longer recognizable and then add some twists until you have completely change/ rearranged what you started with, but that is ok? Redrum I say ! I am just kidding, I am a visual artist, manipulation, distortion, realism to Surrealism this is my bag, man!
Mel Rainey 201056 wk2 Peer Discussion : Micheline Guerriero
Micheline Guerriero's Post
Week 2 Readings
The focus of the reading this week from The Art of Possibilities evaluates the role of a successful leader. Teaching is not considered a glamorous job but the role of an educator facilitates the role of a leader in many ways. Successful leadership in education directly affects the success of the student body. The three main areas of focus for successful classroom management are contribution, leadership, and attitude.
Contribution:
It is so important for students to feel that they are a part of what they are learning. An engaged student equals a learning student. The teacher is in charge of the class and must facilitate the learning but they should avoid the role of dictator. Rules and guidelines must be established but students should feel like there work matters. Some suggestions would be to include journals, writing prompts, and evaluations to the class. I also believe that providing choices and allowing an aspect of creativity and originality into the assignment makes students feel like they are contributing instead of just participating.
Leading:
The role of a leader should not come without great humility. Leaders must have a balance of authority and respect along with flexibility and modesty. I remember when I was in high school that I never performed well on book review writing assignments. The teachers of my literature classes did not agree with my interpretation of the novels. I believe that instead of telling me I was wrong all the time they should have suggested a different way of looking at things or suggested ways that I could improve. Ten years later I still look back on those teachers with a sense of disappointment and resentment.
Teachers must realize their great impact on the way students develop their abilities. The way that I was treated in those high school classes changed the way I felt about my writing abilities for years. The way that criticism is delivered is one aspect of teacher leadership that could make a difference in a student’s life. Delivering feedback, making positive suggestions, and encouraging future development are key roles for teachers to provide a healthy and inspirational classroom environment.
Attitude
“You catch more bees with honey”
A positive atmosphere is a more successful atmosphere. The mood that a teacher conveys in their classroom is delivered to the students. Neuro behavior science tells us that mirror neurons in our brain make people subconsciously mirror the actions and attitudes of the people around them. Our mirror neurons are responsible for “social learning, mob behaviors, and copy cat” actions. (Jensen, 2008) Teachers that smile and present themselves in a pleasant attitude will influence their students to “mirror” those behaviors. Teacher that set high expectations for their students theoretically will create a sense of high expectations within the learner. The value of a positive attitude in the classroom is high.
The role of a teacher is unspeakably influential on a student’s life and the responsibility should not be taken lightly. Great teachers are great leaders!
Jensen, E. (2007). Brain-based learning the new paradigm of teaching. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Zander, S.,R, & Zander B. (2000). The art of possibilitiy. Boston, MA:Harvard Business
School Press.
Posted by Micheline at 9:56 AM
1 COMMENTS:
Mr. Rainey said...
Good evening Micheline!!
Could not agree with you more about teachers being the unspeakable influence on a student's life. Everyday I goo through riddles in my mind of how to affect student learning and how to be a role model for my students. I battle with directions in which to go and how to act. I even struggle with maturity level sometimes. I just get caught up in the moment of teaching and become one of the students and blend right in with them. Maybe that shows my human side, because as all teachers know, we are not real in students eyes, we live, eat, sleep at our schools. Letting the students feel they are contributing builds a stronger learning environment, to where they can feel as we teachers do everyday and night.
Peace!!
Mel Rainey
May 16, 2010 5:50 PM
Week 2 Readings
The focus of the reading this week from The Art of Possibilities evaluates the role of a successful leader. Teaching is not considered a glamorous job but the role of an educator facilitates the role of a leader in many ways. Successful leadership in education directly affects the success of the student body. The three main areas of focus for successful classroom management are contribution, leadership, and attitude.
Contribution:
It is so important for students to feel that they are a part of what they are learning. An engaged student equals a learning student. The teacher is in charge of the class and must facilitate the learning but they should avoid the role of dictator. Rules and guidelines must be established but students should feel like there work matters. Some suggestions would be to include journals, writing prompts, and evaluations to the class. I also believe that providing choices and allowing an aspect of creativity and originality into the assignment makes students feel like they are contributing instead of just participating.
Leading:
The role of a leader should not come without great humility. Leaders must have a balance of authority and respect along with flexibility and modesty. I remember when I was in high school that I never performed well on book review writing assignments. The teachers of my literature classes did not agree with my interpretation of the novels. I believe that instead of telling me I was wrong all the time they should have suggested a different way of looking at things or suggested ways that I could improve. Ten years later I still look back on those teachers with a sense of disappointment and resentment.
Teachers must realize their great impact on the way students develop their abilities. The way that I was treated in those high school classes changed the way I felt about my writing abilities for years. The way that criticism is delivered is one aspect of teacher leadership that could make a difference in a student’s life. Delivering feedback, making positive suggestions, and encouraging future development are key roles for teachers to provide a healthy and inspirational classroom environment.
Attitude
“You catch more bees with honey”
A positive atmosphere is a more successful atmosphere. The mood that a teacher conveys in their classroom is delivered to the students. Neuro behavior science tells us that mirror neurons in our brain make people subconsciously mirror the actions and attitudes of the people around them. Our mirror neurons are responsible for “social learning, mob behaviors, and copy cat” actions. (Jensen, 2008) Teachers that smile and present themselves in a pleasant attitude will influence their students to “mirror” those behaviors. Teacher that set high expectations for their students theoretically will create a sense of high expectations within the learner. The value of a positive attitude in the classroom is high.
The role of a teacher is unspeakably influential on a student’s life and the responsibility should not be taken lightly. Great teachers are great leaders!
Jensen, E. (2007). Brain-based learning the new paradigm of teaching. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Zander, S.,R, & Zander B. (2000). The art of possibilitiy. Boston, MA:Harvard Business
School Press.
Posted by Micheline at 9:56 AM
1 COMMENTS:
Mr. Rainey said...
Good evening Micheline!!
Could not agree with you more about teachers being the unspeakable influence on a student's life. Everyday I goo through riddles in my mind of how to affect student learning and how to be a role model for my students. I battle with directions in which to go and how to act. I even struggle with maturity level sometimes. I just get caught up in the moment of teaching and become one of the students and blend right in with them. Maybe that shows my human side, because as all teachers know, we are not real in students eyes, we live, eat, sleep at our schools. Letting the students feel they are contributing builds a stronger learning environment, to where they can feel as we teachers do everyday and night.
Peace!!
Mel Rainey
May 16, 2010 5:50 PM
Mel Rainey 2010516 wk2 Peer Discussion: Lina Valery
Lina Valery's Post:
When I got married, 10 years ago, it was mandatory to complete a week long course that would prepare us for what becoming a spouse truly meant. Unrealistically, we were forced to do a lot of letter writing, journaling, talking, and this was all while secluded from the burdens and pressures of daily living. In essence this was nothing like what marriage was truly about. The course was over, the letters forgotten, but one thing I learned that week has held its value to this day. One of the instructors had told us to remember that we could never change our spouses; if we wanted change, the only one we could control was ourselves. Therefore if there was something I didn’t like, I couldn’t just complain about it, but rather changing my perception would alter my realty.
This concept transcends into all of life. Many times I find myself complaining about a situation. Yet, a solution is not in the same sentence. Seeing what is wrong with the system, our government, a boss, my children, and co-workers is easy. To look for a solution within myself is much harder. The idea of analyzing each relationship and situation with the rule of contribution in mind is much like this concept. In marriage this means looking at myself as part of team and not as a competitor, with my children it means taking the time to see things from their level, in teaching it means learning the students language instead of demanding they speak mine, at work it means seeing the positive aspects of another’s work and finding a way to merge our strengths instead of focusing our incompatibilities.
Seeing ourselves as a contribution alters the dynamic of every relationship and in turn, as Benjamin Zander states in The Art of Possibility, will have a rippling effect. It is definitely much more work to live life with the rule of contribution, but there is no doubt the results will ultimately change our perception of others and the world we live in.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2 Comments
joe bustillos
thanks for sharing... amazing what we retain and learn despite lessons that turn out to not be true.
Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 08:19 PM
Mel Rainey
I find more value in what is true in myself and what I can create in this world. Finding that balance to resolve my calculating self, is difficult to do when so much of my present world is filled with those who calculate and scheme to achieve success. Sometimes I go to the woods nearest me on days when I need to get away. Nature has always brought my focus back and to relax my mind.
Contribution is a big part of our lives!! I always think to myself of a saying,"what do you want your legacy to be?" I heard this in Ironman 2, this past Monday. Which as a sidebar I find a great deal of meaning and depth in comics. Way to much mythology for me to track, right now. Anyways, I want to go out with my boots on. I am A YES MAN!!! I am with you Lina, Peace!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 08:39 PM
When I got married, 10 years ago, it was mandatory to complete a week long course that would prepare us for what becoming a spouse truly meant. Unrealistically, we were forced to do a lot of letter writing, journaling, talking, and this was all while secluded from the burdens and pressures of daily living. In essence this was nothing like what marriage was truly about. The course was over, the letters forgotten, but one thing I learned that week has held its value to this day. One of the instructors had told us to remember that we could never change our spouses; if we wanted change, the only one we could control was ourselves. Therefore if there was something I didn’t like, I couldn’t just complain about it, but rather changing my perception would alter my realty.
This concept transcends into all of life. Many times I find myself complaining about a situation. Yet, a solution is not in the same sentence. Seeing what is wrong with the system, our government, a boss, my children, and co-workers is easy. To look for a solution within myself is much harder. The idea of analyzing each relationship and situation with the rule of contribution in mind is much like this concept. In marriage this means looking at myself as part of team and not as a competitor, with my children it means taking the time to see things from their level, in teaching it means learning the students language instead of demanding they speak mine, at work it means seeing the positive aspects of another’s work and finding a way to merge our strengths instead of focusing our incompatibilities.
Seeing ourselves as a contribution alters the dynamic of every relationship and in turn, as Benjamin Zander states in The Art of Possibility, will have a rippling effect. It is definitely much more work to live life with the rule of contribution, but there is no doubt the results will ultimately change our perception of others and the world we live in.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2 Comments
joe bustillos
thanks for sharing... amazing what we retain and learn despite lessons that turn out to not be true.
Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 08:19 PM
Mel Rainey
I find more value in what is true in myself and what I can create in this world. Finding that balance to resolve my calculating self, is difficult to do when so much of my present world is filled with those who calculate and scheme to achieve success. Sometimes I go to the woods nearest me on days when I need to get away. Nature has always brought my focus back and to relax my mind.
Contribution is a big part of our lives!! I always think to myself of a saying,"what do you want your legacy to be?" I heard this in Ironman 2, this past Monday. Which as a sidebar I find a great deal of meaning and depth in comics. Way to much mythology for me to track, right now. Anyways, I want to go out with my boots on. I am A YES MAN!!! I am with you Lina, Peace!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 08:39 PM
Mel Rainey 2010516 Project of the week!! AR Summary and Presentation Ideas
Well it has definitely been tougher to under go the Lit Review and continue to the summary than expected. I have had my ups and downs with the Action Research project over the past year, but light is at the end of my tunnel and my glass is still half full. The summary is falling into pace after what I finished with my revised AR lit review. I hope to find more value in summarizing the end result of my Summary page, we will see how the literature revision go.
As I look towards the final presentation, I find myself leaning to a presentation for professional development on advocacy for LCMS systems for teachers in our district. The benefits that come with this type of presentation I can not only advocate for merging of personal teaching with technology but also the arts. Best of both worlds for an Art teacher. And sometimes I just like to talk and entertain. As for right now I think that is going to be my direction.
In reguards to the DB quickies: I went the route of music, sharing, cd's digital online resources...
As I look towards the final presentation, I find myself leaning to a presentation for professional development on advocacy for LCMS systems for teachers in our district. The benefits that come with this type of presentation I can not only advocate for merging of personal teaching with technology but also the arts. Best of both worlds for an Art teacher. And sometimes I just like to talk and entertain. As for right now I think that is going to be my direction.
In reguards to the DB quickies: I went the route of music, sharing, cd's digital online resources...
Same here Lina, I stop by the Library on my way home and peruse through the music section for some new music to add to the old iPod. SHHHHHHH… Sometimes I leave with to much. Just last month I picked up some really cool 70’s style earth tones, kind of like nature sounds with a funky twist. Never a dull moment when I hit up the good ole Library.
Mel Rainey says:
@Kimberly
I still listen to some old records. I also have a first edition Journey’s tour record collection, got it from one of my students several years ago. They said that it was found at a garage sale for 3$. Awesome!!!! I really enjoy the sound the record play makes when the record plays, crackle/ crackle….
I am a combination of old school musical technology and new. I think merging the different techs helps give students an understanding, not only of the past but the present and the future. Learning were we came from is not a bad thing, I think! It is understanding the present that will change our futures. Hopefully we will learn how to understand the past, to live in the present and to make the future a beacon of light for mankind.
Peace!!
Mel Rainey 2010516 MAC wk2 Readings"Starfish"
Why does the little dancing girl have to throw the starfish back into the sea? Why not place them in buckets and gently place them back into the water? My district used this metaphor a couple of years ago, they gave every staff member in the district a starfish pin to remind us why we joined the public educational arena and what we can achieve. I still have my pin, even though my starfish saving days have shifted in idea. I no long think that I can save just that one, but rather take them all back to the sea and create new worlds for them all.
Games, Structure and a challenge to adapt have always been what I think to be my strong suits. Passing these ideas to my students and family have been something that just comes naturally to me in leadership. I look at some of my students families and even my own, and reflect on statements made,"You Have the Best Job!!!!" And I see in the looks of their eyes they don't play enough, they need less freedom more structure and have little to adapt to for challenges when they end up doing the same thing day in and day out. Teaching is different everyday, that is what keeps me on my toes. So what if it is somewhat chaotic at times but some of those times are the best times to learn or motivate learning. Looking for the passion in my students is what helps level out the days of chaos. Finding these students can really make the day meaningful and worth teaching.
When you really stop to think about how people interact with each other, negative and positive energy is a big factor. listening to the right music in the morning can also shift energy for the day. What do you listen to in the morning on your way to the next day? Attitude in the classroom will change if the leaders of these students environments are shifted in either direction(+/ -). I have observed this to be true, through my ten years of teaching. I also see this in the faces of my nephews and nieces, who expect to play with "Uncle BIG/ Melio", and he is wiped out or under stressful situations that put me in a not so positive light. Coffee and caffeine are awesome. High and Lows.
I think life and education are about communication and understanding each other. When both are obtained in any environment positive energy occurs. Real Learning is achieved in a generative, prolific and creative nature.
Games, Structure and a challenge to adapt have always been what I think to be my strong suits. Passing these ideas to my students and family have been something that just comes naturally to me in leadership. I look at some of my students families and even my own, and reflect on statements made,"You Have the Best Job!!!!" And I see in the looks of their eyes they don't play enough, they need less freedom more structure and have little to adapt to for challenges when they end up doing the same thing day in and day out. Teaching is different everyday, that is what keeps me on my toes. So what if it is somewhat chaotic at times but some of those times are the best times to learn or motivate learning. Looking for the passion in my students is what helps level out the days of chaos. Finding these students can really make the day meaningful and worth teaching.
When you really stop to think about how people interact with each other, negative and positive energy is a big factor. listening to the right music in the morning can also shift energy for the day. What do you listen to in the morning on your way to the next day? Attitude in the classroom will change if the leaders of these students environments are shifted in either direction(+/ -). I have observed this to be true, through my ten years of teaching. I also see this in the faces of my nephews and nieces, who expect to play with "Uncle BIG/ Melio", and he is wiped out or under stressful situations that put me in a not so positive light. Coffee and caffeine are awesome. High and Lows.
I think life and education are about communication and understanding each other. When both are obtained in any environment positive energy occurs. Real Learning is achieved in a generative, prolific and creative nature.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mel Rainey 2010051 Free Post wk 1
TED video on Benjamin Zander.
While watching the video this new phrase that is sticking with me, is everywhere. "Live in it!"
Mr. Zander definitely is living in it. The amount of risk that he instills in his presentation speaks volumes! Just the interaction with the crowd is inspiring to teachers. This is teaching at its best, a roller coaster ride in 20 minutes.
When I sit in professional development seminars, with guest speakers. I like to get involved. The speaker usually has interaction with crowd, works the room, and invites the teachers to interact. Sometimes it seems to me like I feel as an outcast. Most of the room is grading papers, reading the newspaper or some other activity instead of looking for what could spark something in my mindset. So I continue to be weird and engage in activities and people laugh. I am ok with that. what gets me is that half of these teachers and staff could care less to be there and get no insight out of the activities. Or so I think?
Being able to allow possibilities to happen, I think comes from risk taking. Nothing has ever been gained from sitting around and vegetating. Adventure and excitement are not always the key to knowledge, but they do spark something with in all of us here on this earth.
Peace!!!
While watching the video this new phrase that is sticking with me, is everywhere. "Live in it!"
Mr. Zander definitely is living in it. The amount of risk that he instills in his presentation speaks volumes! Just the interaction with the crowd is inspiring to teachers. This is teaching at its best, a roller coaster ride in 20 minutes.
When I sit in professional development seminars, with guest speakers. I like to get involved. The speaker usually has interaction with crowd, works the room, and invites the teachers to interact. Sometimes it seems to me like I feel as an outcast. Most of the room is grading papers, reading the newspaper or some other activity instead of looking for what could spark something in my mindset. So I continue to be weird and engage in activities and people laugh. I am ok with that. what gets me is that half of these teachers and staff could care less to be there and get no insight out of the activities. Or so I think?
Being able to allow possibilities to happen, I think comes from risk taking. Nothing has ever been gained from sitting around and vegetating. Adventure and excitement are not always the key to knowledge, but they do spark something with in all of us here on this earth.
Peace!!!
Mel Rainey MAC 2010051 Becky Lamborn Comment Post
When reading the Art of Possibility, the first thing that came to my attention and started my head swirling about the world of possibilities in our lives was the idea of varied perceptions and how some things can be important to one person but not to another. The example in Zander’s book pointed out the Me’en people of Ethiopia who viewed a photograph and did not know what it was or that there was an image of something depicted on this piece of paper reminds one to be conscience of differences in people and cultures. NOt everyone views things with the same weight or measure of importance. While others may not agree, the above video shows an African culture that sees the expansion of lips as a beautiful thing,.
Becky's post:
With the shrinking of our world we are bringing more cultures together that are different in many ways, and it is important to respect those differences. And now in this developing age of open source writings and knowledge building fueled by Internet communications and connections, sharing with others becomes a central theme. From the time we are little toddlers we are taught to share and play nicely with others, and now as adults the toys we must share consist of information, knowledge, and communications. Whether that sharing is done “freely” or not is still evolving, but the community mindset that is evolving is encouraging.
Exercising and activating the mind through the sharing and building of ideas, makes for a rich and stimulating life. Setting up a mindset that looks beyond assumptions and perceptions and embraces differences, while including values such as respect, compassion for others, and sharing, may be the common values that bring this big world of differences together.
Mel's Response:
MEL RAINEY
@ Becky
It has become a large theme to share. Imagine, is this not what we are taught from a very young age, to share!! We do need to be able to think and look outside the box. Setting students on this road of changing their mindsets is difficult to do. When it seems everything they do is wrong. I had a student tell me just last week, "What different does it make its going to be torn down anyways." We were talking about our old school and the memories and people that have past through its halls. I hope one day humans will be able to embrace the world of differences that are positioned all around us!! I am with you Becky!!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010 - 09:23 PM
Becky's post:
With the shrinking of our world we are bringing more cultures together that are different in many ways, and it is important to respect those differences. And now in this developing age of open source writings and knowledge building fueled by Internet communications and connections, sharing with others becomes a central theme. From the time we are little toddlers we are taught to share and play nicely with others, and now as adults the toys we must share consist of information, knowledge, and communications. Whether that sharing is done “freely” or not is still evolving, but the community mindset that is evolving is encouraging.
Exercising and activating the mind through the sharing and building of ideas, makes for a rich and stimulating life. Setting up a mindset that looks beyond assumptions and perceptions and embraces differences, while including values such as respect, compassion for others, and sharing, may be the common values that bring this big world of differences together.
Mel's Response:
MEL RAINEY
@ Becky
It has become a large theme to share. Imagine, is this not what we are taught from a very young age, to share!! We do need to be able to think and look outside the box. Setting students on this road of changing their mindsets is difficult to do. When it seems everything they do is wrong. I had a student tell me just last week, "What different does it make its going to be torn down anyways." We were talking about our old school and the memories and people that have past through its halls. I hope one day humans will be able to embrace the world of differences that are positioned all around us!! I am with you Becky!!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010 - 09:23 PM
Mel Rainey MAC 2010051 Donita Massing Comment Post
Donita Massing:Thursday, May 6, 2010
MAC_Wk1_Reading&Video_1
At any rate, I think it would be so neat to take an idea like this one and get my students involved in designing, shooting, and production.
A multimedia instructor at a nearby career center recently had his students aid in the production of a Hollywood motion picture shot in their town. Of course they had to gain the cooperation of the CTE district; but most of the production was done outside the school day and on weekends. The name of the film escapes me, but all I can say is "Wow! What opportunities" and at the same time, I am a little envious!
-
@Donita
Truly it is the dreamer's perspective!! Reflection is some of the best assessment tools, that I know how to use and use with my students. That why I thing blogging, a our social sites in Ning are such powerful tools to use in the classroom.
I like the phrase "Live into IT, not up to IT", from our readings. that is going to be my new take on classroom education. When the day is not going as planned, switch gears and live in it. - May 9, 2010 6:04 PM
Mel Rainey MAC 20100509 Wk. 1 readings post
This weeks reading are more than a start to inspire but the beginnings to guidelines that I ave been taught by most of my teachers throughout my life. And I am not just talking about school teachers, but friends, family, peers, colleagues, animals, nature, literature, art, music, film, and the list goes on. As an artist we are taught to see the world around us and to perceive it in ways most people have difficulty with. Just like the frog those who are not artists, are limited to what is hard wired to their own brains. Just as I have a perception deficit towards mathematics. My brain is only hard wired to understand certain perceptions. But, what makes being an artist exciting and full of risk, is the idea of creating something from nothing. When I read the quote on Michelangelo, for the umpteenth millionth time, I never get tired of it. Because it is the truth, so many children have build a strong stone facade around them, you need chip it away to reveal their true identity.
Not long ago I completed a course called Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms. The main idea was about building relationships with students to truly understand how to get that spark back in their eyes to learn, create, feel apart of this world. Relationships between people are the most important I think for all educational environments. Take Full Sail Online, I personally would not be doing so well if it were not for the relationships and personal connection that has been achieved through this program. "The Game" of finding this balance in education between relationship and boundaries is what scares most systems of education. There are some people who have nothing but ideas of destruction and chaos with in their minds that want to bring down everyone and everything on this plant. Which built our own walls of fortitude for survival.
To teach others to take risks and say YES, we as teachers and leaders must first break down our own walls as they did in Berlin.
When I started teaching and till now, I have used the A method to invoke a state of equality in my classroom. Students focus less on the grade and more of the content and engagement of the lesson. Sometimes I struggle to understand some of my students, because they have been behind their walls since birth, that I think I will never make a dent. And then it happens at the least expected time and the light bulbs gleam brightly. Say YES, take risks, and have FUN doing what you love have been building blocks in my educational practices and teachings. Sometimes a couple of bricks fall and need repair, but that is what being human is all about right?
One of my favorite movies is all about relationship building and Inventing! It is called "The Big Labowski."
How are you today, tomorrow, and in the future?
I will respond with "Living into it!"
Not long ago I completed a course called Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms. The main idea was about building relationships with students to truly understand how to get that spark back in their eyes to learn, create, feel apart of this world. Relationships between people are the most important I think for all educational environments. Take Full Sail Online, I personally would not be doing so well if it were not for the relationships and personal connection that has been achieved through this program. "The Game" of finding this balance in education between relationship and boundaries is what scares most systems of education. There are some people who have nothing but ideas of destruction and chaos with in their minds that want to bring down everyone and everything on this plant. Which built our own walls of fortitude for survival.
To teach others to take risks and say YES, we as teachers and leaders must first break down our own walls as they did in Berlin.
When I started teaching and till now, I have used the A method to invoke a state of equality in my classroom. Students focus less on the grade and more of the content and engagement of the lesson. Sometimes I struggle to understand some of my students, because they have been behind their walls since birth, that I think I will never make a dent. And then it happens at the least expected time and the light bulbs gleam brightly. Say YES, take risks, and have FUN doing what you love have been building blocks in my educational practices and teachings. Sometimes a couple of bricks fall and need repair, but that is what being human is all about right?
One of my favorite movies is all about relationship building and Inventing! It is called "The Big Labowski."
How are you today, tomorrow, and in the future?
I will respond with "Living into it!"
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
BP1 2010051 MelRainey Wimba Session 1 Review
Well after watching the Archive file, I don't feel so worried about what is needed to happen this month. I am one of those creators that works best under pressure. I definitely do not want to hate life! Life is what has brought me here to Full Sail. I heard "Square Space" mention as an alternative blogging space, I will have to check that out.
The assignment for the AR summary and report will be my main objectives this week with the blogs. I have had to do much reworking of my Lit Review and a bit more research to encompass all of my AR project. It has surely had its ups and downs and there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Making sure that lit. review is in and loading up my AR web pages is key to survival. All nighters here I come!!
In other news, This past several months have been overwhelming. My school district just past a critical levy on Tuesday, that will ensure my job, for at least the next 6 years. Woo! I was the team captain for my high school during our levy campaign. Extra meetings and activities really over loaded my system while in LMO. So now that my city has past this crucial levy, I can get back to business.
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