The Long Line

http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html

 

This lecture focuses on classical music and developing an appreciation for it. Benjamin Zander talks about the misconception about the four groups of people. It is widely believed that the first category is composed of those who love classical music, the second doesn’t mind it, the third don’t care for it, and the fourth claims to be tone deaf. Zander starts to deconstruct this by saying that there is no such thing as being tone deaf. He claims that there is really only one category: those that love classical music. Most people just haven’t realized it yet. He helps the audience to better understand the music by drawing attention to the impulses placed upon the song by a beginning learner or an unskilled musician. He explains that the numbers of impulses are reduced with each year of piano study. He takes the audience through a Chopin piece, emphasizing the importance of playing a piece in one impulse, or as he says, “it’s about the long line.”

            This video helped me to appreciate classical music more. As a person who has not had much exposure to classical music, I don’t often think about it. Benjamin Zander was able to make the topic interesting and to make me think about the qualities that make musical pieces enjoyable. The way that he talked about making classical music accessible was what had the greatest impression upon me. He asks, “who are we being as we go around in the world.”

            This sentiment about making music accessible and spreading positivity is where I found the greatest connection to the field of education. He acknowledges that a large part of the conductor and musician is to make the music relevant to the audience. His questions apply equally to education. He asks,  “who am I being if my audience’s eyes are not shining?” “Who am I being if my children’s eye’s are not shining?” It is the job of the teacher to make learning come alive for their students and to embrace the goal of facilitating learning in a way that makes the pupil’s eye’s shine.

            I would highly recommend this TED Talk to any person, not just future teachers. It articulates a way to better understand classical music and the importance of having integrity and inspiration in our everyday lives. Not to mention, Benjamin Zander is a man with a great zest for life. He is an inspiration himself.  

 

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Study Habits

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html?_r=2&pagewante...

 

  This article pertains to the misconceptions about study skills and the new research on the subject. It presents information stemming from several new studies about learning. The author discusses how the brain makes connections between the place where information is studied and the actual information. For this reason it is advisable to study in various locations. The article also emphasized the importance of studying multiple subjects in one session, instead of repeatedly studying one topic.  The importance of constant and spread-out practice is highlighted. For this reason, the researchers cite testing as an important learning tool. Tests have the ability to reinforce learning, encouraging the brain to retrieve information that is otherwise stored away. The article claims that these are study skills based in fact, not the common misconceptions that are so often spread around.

            It was interesting to consider the many assumptions people have about learning, and the many ways in which myself and other college students are not studying in the most effective way. This article has made me want to be more conscious about my study habits, so that I may maximize the quality of my study time. There are several main ways the article suggesting doing this: studying the same information in different environments, studying multiple subjects in one session and self-testing. By adopting these few habits it is possible to maximize the gains from studying. 

             This article highlights the latest research in studying, but it is hard to entirely trust it because research is always making new “findings,” many of which are quick to be discarded. Although, the conclusions in this article are logical ones, now enforced by actual studies. It seems like students would benefit from not only being taught what to study, but also how to study. This could be just as important in the retention of course material as any other aspect of teaching. Students need to study for every class, and knowing how to do so effectively could be very helpful.

            When reading this article I thought a lot about my study habits and ways to improve them. I think other people could benefit from reading about this as well, because students are often frustrated at the challenge of retaining course material. Study skills are an important way to improve the quality of our education. 

 

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Hyperactivity

http://discovermagazine.com/2010/mar/01-vital-signs-there.s-hyperactivity

             It is not unusual for a child to be overly hyperactive at times. It is a part of growing up and every child will seem like they need to be tamed at one point or another. But there is a difference between normal hyperactivity and a disorder or syndrome that creates such intense levels of hyperactivity that need to be monitored. In this story, three-year-old Tyler is very hyperactive and his mother believes he has ADHD. It turns out that Tyler has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which creates physical and cognitive disorders. He will need a comprehensive program that includes medications, special educational services, and a behavioral intervention program. With firm and thorough guidance, Tyler should be able to control his impulses and be on a more normal developmental track.
             There is such in epidemic of children being diagnosed with disorders such as ADHD and ADD. I think just as the doctor in this story pointed out, that a lot of parents are just over concerned and hyperactivity is just a normal part of growing up. Too many children are being put on medications that don’t truly need them. From this article I learned that there are some medical issues such as FAS that have symptoms that are closely related to symptoms of ADHD. Tyler was overactive, very impulsive, and had a poor short-term memory. Without close evaluation he would have been labeled ADHD like millions of other children. In fact he has FAS, which requires a lot more attention.
             A child’s development takes place just as much at school as it does at home. It is really important that students receive care and attention for their needs from their parents as well as from someone in the school setting. This story made me realize that developmental issues children have really affect their overall life in and outside of the school. It is vital for students to receive guidance and be placed in a suitable program at school at an early age. If the child is getting the right help and attention they need, they will be able to achieve just like any other student. Teachers really need to be patient and caring towards all their students. Just because a child might have learning or behavioral disorders doesn’t mean they are any less intelligent or hard working than the other students.
             This story was very enjoyable to read. At first I thought it was going to be about a quick diagnoses of ADHD. I was glad to read that the doctor didn’t just hand out medication to an overactive toddler. The doctor really evaluated the child and realized that he had a more severe syndrome. Stories like this are important to read, especially for parents of children with disorders. I think it is important for them to have a support group because I am sure having a developmentally impaired child is a lot to deal with. I also think that it is vital to start the children on a strict program in and outside of school so they can achieve like everyone else. I really believe that a learning disability shouldn’t make you any less capable of being successful; it just means you have to work harder to get there.

 

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Modality

http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae/summer2005/willingham.cfm

 

 

  It is a widespread misconception among educators and the general public that students are best taught in their strongest modality. It is true that children have strengths in different areas and prefer different modalities. The teacher’s instructions in the students’ strongest modality does not provide for higher educational achievement. There has been much research on the relation between instruction in various modalities and student retention. It has been discovered that students retain information independent of modality. Meaning is the most important factor in retention. What is most important is that the instruction is given in the content’s best modality. If you are asking the students to remember the greatness of an Egyptian pyramid you would want to show the students a visual cue. If you are asking the students to remember a fact or reading then they should be given the content in auditory format. 
 This article completely changed my perception of teaching instruction. I had always strongly believed that students learn best when instructed in their preferred modality. In my personal experience I feel like I retain content more when it is presented to me in a visual or kinesthetic format, because I have a greater strength in those modalities. But from this article I have realized that tasks in the classroom are inherently meaning based. The best modality for the content is the best to use to instruct the students in for them to retain meaning. Teachers do not need to be so concerned with figuring out how to teach material in different modalities to comply with every student. Content should be presented in the most forward way that allows the students to most easily and strongly extract meaning and understanding. 
This article was very interesting to me. I really think that all teachers should read this article. It is vital to students to have straightforward, thorough instruction given to them when completing any task. But the teacher does not need to worry about adapting their instruction to children’s personal learning preference. I am still not completely convinced that modality of preferred instruction has no affect on the students retention. I personally feel like I learn and retain knowledge a lot better when it is presented to me visually or kinesthetically. I guess that may be true in some contexts, but in the classroom it does not affect my achievement.

 

 

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Finding Peace- Jill Bolte Taylor

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html

             This was a very passionate and interesting TED video. Jill Bolte Taylor, a brain researcher describes her experience when she has a brain hemorrhage, which resulted in a massive stroke. She describes herself at that time feeling like, “an infant in a women’s body”. It took her eight years to fully recover.  During her stroke she lost control of basic functions such as movement, speech, and spatial and body awareness. She was being pulled in and out of consciousness between her left and right brain hemispheres.
              In her presentation she showed the audience a real human brain. She explains how the hemispheres of the brain are completely separate from each other and communicate through the corpus collosum. Just like we learned in chapter five of our textbook, she explains the functions of the right and left hemispheres. The two parts of the brain think and care differently and have almost different personalities. The right side deals with the present moment. It learns though pictures and movement. The left side houses the language center and deals with the past and the future. From our readings and this TED talk we have learned that the brain has specific spots that control various functions.
             Besides the two sides of the brain dealing with different functions, I now know that they deal with our relation to the world in different ways as well. Jill explains that the ride side of the brain has a sense of community and bonds. It brings us all together and relates us to one another. The left side separates us from our surroundings. It promotes individuality between one another. It was really interesting to hear her describe how she would flow between one sense to the other during her stroke.
             This talk was full of passion and energy. I really enjoyed hearing her story and how she describes studying her own brain from the inside out. I know I would never want to go through a stroke, but she does make the value of her experience apparent. Through her stroke, believing to be near death at one point, she was able to find peace. She felt a strong energy, loss of stress and all worries, and a sense of freedom. Jill was able to see the world and people in a beautiful, healthy, loving way. I think it is really important to see the good in people and in the world even in dark times, and she made me think a lot about that.

 

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Problem Solvers Not Parrots

 http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae/winter2002/willingham.cfm

 

This article discusses the differences between rote and inflexible knowledge, and what that means in terms of student’s learning.  Rote knowledge is basically memorizing form in the absence of meaning. Students will memorize something but have no clue what it means and will not be able to transfer it to another experience. They have a complete disconnect from the understanding. Inflexible knowledge is meaningful but narrow. The students somewhat understand the information but still are not able to transfer it to a new experience. It is like they have skimmed the surface of the structure without going deep within. But researchers believe that inflexible knowledge is the unavoidable foundation of learning. Our minds are wired to understand concrete rather than abstract material. So when we learn a new theory or skill we can only apply it in the learned setting and not transfer the learning to a new experience. Over time with practice that knowledge should shift to flexible knowledge, which is what is desired.
             This article opened my eyes to the different types of knowledge and how they affect learning. Just like many others, I didn’t realize there was really a difference between rote and inflexible knowledge. I thought they were pretty much the same and negative. Now I understand the inflexible knowledge is really just a step in the learning process. It is how we first view a new skill or idea. We understand its basic outer layer but have trouble applying it in the real world. With practice and studying we can dig deeper into the layers until we have reached the core; which means using that learned skill with a full understanding of how and why.
             It is really important for teachers to understand the difference between rote and inflexible knowledge. Tests that are made to have students only recall facts or dates only promote rote learning. Assessments should require some creative thought produces on behalf of the student. Also it is important for teachers to recognize that inflexible knowledge is unavoidable and just part of the process of learning. Students should practice skills in different settings and work on applying theories to different situations so they can more quickly get deeper into the understanding. In lessons plans teachers should try to implement culturally responsive and creative context so that students can more easily relate to the material and make meaning.
            I did find this article interesting. I could really relate to it on a personal level. I know when I am in a class, history for example, I usually only have rote or inflexible knowledge. Because I don’t enjoy the subject and struggle to relate to it, I form no connections with the context. I can receipt facts and dates but there it little or no meaning behind it. I know that if I were to study it more and try to make personal connections than I could work on that knowledge and turn it flexible which is what is wanted.

 

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Technology- For Better or For Worse

http://www.thetakeaway.org/2010/aug/16/sent-down-river-study-brain/

             Earlier this year five neuroscientists took a break from their everyday life and headed for the wilderness. Their purpose was to study the affects of strong usage of technology on the brain. Two of the scientists, Paul Atchley and Steven Yantis, spoke about their experience and what they felt while being in nature with absolutely no digital devices for a week.  They describe how they had a better sense of awareness and clarity. They believe that in our society, we are to reliant on technology and digital devices; we are often distracted too aware of everything going on around us. So much going on impairs our everyday performances. We think better in a natural environment and it changes the way we interact with people and our surroundings.
             This talk reaffirms my beliefs of the negative affects technology has on humans, especially in American society today. We are so wrapped up in our cell phones, computers, and TV that we are missing out in life. I think all the devices that we are constantly using are putting us out if touch with reality and inhibiting the connections we could make with others and the world. I agree that being pulled away from mainstream high definition society is healthy to do every so often. People need to get in touch with their feelings and body. We can’t do that if we are running around listening to other people words blaring through buds into our ears and pictures of models being scanned in front of our eyes 24/7.
             It is really interesting to hear these scientists view of digital devices and then relate it to some of my new learning’s in the field of education. Lately there has been a lot of promotion of digital devices to help kids learn. Some devices are being used in the classroom for all kids or kids with disabilities to help them understand content. But do we know how those devices are really affecting our students? Are they actually doing more good than harm? Are they helping our students connect material and be able to learn better or are they setting them up for distraction and a world of over stimulation?
             I enjoyed hearing this talk. I really feel like the technological devices in my life have hindered more than helped me. I know I am not wrapped up in technology as much as a lot of other people are, but it is still very apparent in my everyday life. My laptop and cell phone serve as a great distraction to y learning process. I cant go on my computer to write a paper without taking frequent breaks to check my facebook or email, just because its only a click away. If there wasn’t such a strong positive influence of the use of these devices in my everyday life I really think that I would be a much better student. I would be forced to be more active and take control of my own learning rather than sit back and click away.

 

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New Zealand Presentation

“Transition” was the topic of one of the New Zealand presentations. Usually between grade school, middle level, and secondary school, students have to physically switch school buildings with a whole set of new teachers, rules, and maybe student body. The focus of this presentation was the transition that takes place from middle level to secondary school, and the struggles that can arise during that process. It is a hard time for many students in early teenage years. There is a big difference from smaller schools housing younger aged students to larger establishments with a more diverse student body in reference to neighborhood and age.

This presentation made me think a lot about not only the potential annoyances of having to go to a new school, but the emotional aspect of it too. Transition of any kind is difficult for a lot of people whether it’s a new school, home, team, even running on a new route. Humans are creatures of habit. Once we find a way we like to do something, or a place that we find comfortable, we usually keep going along with it until we are forced to change. Middle level education is usually two or three years. In that time you have created a bond with your surroundings and peers. By time you make it to eight grade, the top of the food chain, you are getting ready to be plucked out and thrown into a huge tank being bottom rank, a freshman.

Environment plays a huge role in the learning process. The more comfortable and familiar you are with your surroundings, the more open and willing you are to put yourself out there and be able to focus. For example, the town that I went to high school in brings in students from the five surrounding towns. It was also a brand new building that was quite larger than I was used to. Not only did the physical size grow, but the amount of students in each class did as well. I, along with some of my friends, were pretty scared in the transition process moving to secondary school. The transition did just end the day we got to that new school, it had some lasting effects. For the first few weeks of school we were more timid and stuck together more than we did before. In the classroom we wouldn’t raise our hand to speak even if we knew the answer, and giving presentations made us very anxious. Our ability to learn was inhibited by the fact that we weren’t comfortable with our surroundings yet. It is really important for teachers to foster a caring, welcoming environment in the classroom. Get to know your students and encourage them to get to know each other. Education is most affective with participating and willing learners.

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Intent vs. Impact

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128621057

 

Eating nutritiously is one of the most important steps to having an overall balanced and successful lifestyle. But acquiring healthy food is not as easy as some may believe. In today’s society eating healthy requires money. Organic, fresh, and unprocessed foods are a lot pricier than bulk, highly processed, long shelf life. Families with low incomes have less of an opportunity to buy healthy foods because they simply are unable to, not because they don’t want to. This article describes the situation of the Williamson family. They are a family of five, including three growing children that live on only $600 a month from food stamps. The mother knows what kinds of foods are healthy than others and wants to provide those for her family but is unable to because they do not have enough money. She describes how it is cheaper to buy high calorie foods to fill the stomachs of her children rather than a healthy option that will not be filling or lasting.

There is a huge difference between intent and impact. Not all lower income families want to buy cheap, fattening, unhealthy food for them selves even though they may taste good. Often cheaper food is just filled with starches and sugar. Those in no way provide for a healthy lifestyle. It is not like those people who buy orange soda instead of orange juice are clueless to the nutritional facts. They may intend to buy the healthy option, but in reality when it comes down to it they are forced to take what they can get. And what they can get is the bottom shelf canned product or whatever was rejected by someone else at the food bank. Society definitely doesn’t provide and equal opportunity for all.

My sophomore year of high school the school majorly changed what was being sold in the vending machines and in the dining line. They took out many high sugared, fatty drinks and treats, and replaced them with yogurt and fresh fruit. A larger salad bar with more varieties of veggies was placed in the center of the food area. I know a lot of students were annoyed with this change because they could no longer get a homemade chocolate chip cookie at homeroom. But overall the change was beneficial, especially in an educational setting. A well balanced diet helps the body and mind to stay healthy. Success is granted to those who can achieve. Having a balanced lunch that the school provides for you gives the chance for all students, no matter what their family income is, to consume at least one meal a day packed with vital nutrients for a growing mind.

There are many projects and organizations around the world to end child hunger. That is definitely an important issue to work on. From this article I’ve learned that it is not only important to make sure children are eating, but also that they are eating a meal with nutrients and substance. Too much sugar can be over stimulating and detrimental to a child in the classroom causing them to be over active or unfocused. We should be working on getting healthy foods into the hands of all, not just those who have the fiscal means. The body and mind need to have an internally and externally healthy lifestyle to succeed.  

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Brains suffer from technological advances

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/technology/25brain.html?pagewanted=1&_r...

Technology is absolutely everywhere. Multiple personal digital devices are quite popular and common things to have these days. Many people are completely attached to their cellular phones, Ipods, and/or laptops without even realizing it. The amount that we use those personal technologies is becoming mentally unhealthy. Our bodies need time to rest. During the day we are constantly running around performing numerous tasks. Without even short periods of quite, downtime between tasks we are unable to fully process information. Just like our legs get tired if we go for a three mile jog, our minds get tired if we exercise them too much as well. Using your cellular phone while in the elevator might seem productive, but it also may be detrimental. If you were to give yourself that one-minute of time to clear your head then you might come up with a new idea or better process something you had just learned. Having a clear head allows for better focus and understanding when needed.

This article really makes a lot of sense. Over stimulation can be detrimental to your health. I know that when there are too many things going on around me I have trouble processing and even sometimes get a headache. It is a good skill to be able to multitask, but not to the point where you are over extending yourself. I think keeping the extra digital devices to a minimum is important to stay focused on your task at hand. It is a good idea to give yourself a few breaks during the day from all the activities around you. Having even a few minutes of personal time provides the opportunity to clear your head, reflect on what has happened, and make rational decisions.

Technological devices in education settings are becoming more and more prominent. I think there are good and bad side effects of this. I know that some new devices being put in the field of education greatly enhance the opportunity for a Universal Design for Learning. Computers, projectors, and clickers for example provide students with certain disabilities or learning differences the chance to succeed as well as others. But I also think that students can become over stimulated or distracted in the classroom because of these devises. In many of my classes I see students playing games or surfing the web on their laptops while a lecture or discussion is going on in class. If these devices weren’t being used then there would be less of a chance for distraction and more of an encouragement to focus on what is actually being taught.

In the classroom, gym, grocery store, and on the streets I see people using digital gadgets. They are everywhere and people are completely addicted to them. This article was really interesting for me to read. I often think about the ways that technology has made our lives easier but also a lot more difficult and complex. Reading this made me think a lot about my own lifestyle and all the times when I could be reading or just relaxing and not doing anything rather than unnecessarily checking my email or sending a text message because I am bored. 

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