#5: Discussion In The Classroom

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During our inquiry class, we tried a new way of facilitating discussion; we each received two “tokens”, where each token represented 2 minutes of talking. If you wanted to have input in a discussion during class, you had to put in a token to be able to talk. One person in the classroom suggested this idea because lately, we’ve been having discussions, which turned into debates, which turned into verbal “fistfights”.

It was pretty good idea in the start; people started respecting other peoples’ answers, and had great input on the topic, and no one went off topic. However, as the topic slowly started evolving into a bigger and more controversial topic, some started interrupting, while others became quiet as they didn’t want to “waste” their tokens. Some students used up all their tokens, so they started zoning out and had zero input in the discussion.

While an interesting idea, I don’t think this methodology was a very good idea. I feel that as adults, we should be able to control the discussion and be able to move with the fluidity of conversation as time passes. Also, we should be able to handle some feedback, whether it be new ideas or critic, and not feel hurt. I think that this inquiry class is a great way to learn how to have a “good” discussion and be able to facilitate it.

#4: Three Weeks In

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It’s been three weeks so far in the education program at UBC. Everyone has settled into the schedule, some have already done many presentations (including myself), and assignments are starting to be handed in. During these last three weeks, I have surprisingly learned a lot about my personality, thought, and teaching style.

For example, I learned that I tend to stay quiet during class debates on topics such as social class, oppression, etc. These topics can be very sensitive to a lot of the class members, so although I’m more observant in those kinds of conversations, I still give some input when needed. Secondly, my teaching style is very different from what I thought. From day to day scheduling, I tend to be on the more perfectionist side where I write down my schedule and follow it to a tee; however, when I am presenting or teaching something, I am much more relaxed and laid back, and feel much more fluid on how the lesson is presented.

It’s interesting that although it’s been only three weeks at UBC, I’ve already developed a big interest in some courses such as my inquiry class or my LLED class. While some classes don’t interest me at all, I am still trying to learn and retain as much information as I can because I see the importance of all the classes and information that I’m learning. To end, I hope that I stay on task, don’t get stressed, and have a fun experience here.

#3: Maker Space Vs. Trades

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That is the big question that was explored in the inquiry class today (or at least that’s what I observed). The discussion was based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a maker space, but it seemed to slowly turn into a huge battle between Maker Space vs. Trades.

From the trades point of view, they deemed maker space as not a “real” maker space; rather, they viewed maker space as a very negative area in technology education. The people with backgrounds in the trades thought that maker space was not truly a place where students make things. They viewed it as a regurgitation of previous made designs, of other people’s projects, etc. and saw it as a negative. A lot of them stated that the original industrial education that exists in school today (and in the past) still have a very important impact on students, and that these industrial spaces are needed in order to ensure that students receive the best educational tools and skills that they will need in the future.

From other maker space point of view, they thought that this maker space was a great way to integrate the industrial and design aspect of technology education. Yes, a lot the “maker space” movement has to do with computers, 3D printing, etc.; but it is a great way for students to get their hands on new innovative technology that involves not only making, but designing.

I feel that both points of view are very valid; industrial work such as woodworking, metalworking, and electronics are still very relevant in this day and age, and there is a shortage of workers in Canada in these fields. However, the maker space movement is also important in this day and age where technology is advancing very quickly. It brings a question of whether which one is more important? Or are both equally important? If both are important to students, how do we balance the two different areas in a secondary school setting? I think that these questions are interesting questions that we can explore in future inquiry classes.

#2: TPI Results

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I decided to take the TPI and my results have come in!

TPI, which stands for Teaching Perspectives Inventory, can be a great way to “help you collect your thoughts and summarize your ideas about teaching.”

If you look at my results (reference chart below), you’ll see that my perspectives are pretty linear in that there isn’t really a category where I’m particularly high or low. It’s interesting that while I have many years of teaching experience, I don’t really have a particular orientation in teaching. I wanted to explore this further by thinking of a reason why this was the result for my TPI.

I think one reason is that I took this test from a Technology teacher’s perspective; although I may have teaching experience, it has all been teaching ELL and to second language students. Because I do not have the experience in teaching technology in a secondary school setting, I think I chose answers based on what kind of teacher I want to be, rather than what kind of teacher I already am. I think it’ll be interesting to take the TPI again after my one year study at UBC, and I hope that it can shine light onto what teaching orientation that I will fall into.

#1: Finally got it to work!

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After having difficulty making a personal blog page (not being able to log in or even signing up for that matter), I finally have my page working. Thus, this is my first post to my blog! I want to reiterate that all ideas, feelings, and experiences shared on this page will be my own thoughts and opinions, and are in no way, shape, or form trying to relay some sort of “message” to anyone; it will be a personal reflection page where I can breakdown how my week went, and how technology has had some sort of impact in my daily education.

Also, I will sharing some inquiry that I have throughout this UBC Education program, such things as:

1) How will technology impact education in the future?
2) What kinds of technology is best utilized in a classroom setting?
3) As a teacher, what are your roles and responsibilities? How about Tech. Studies?
4) What learning strategies can be implemented to better serve all students?

These are some of the questions that I will be exploring, but will not be limited to these specific questions. I look forward to a great experience here at UBC!