Listed below is a collection of readings and videos that have influenced or informed my teaching philosophy and methodology in some way. Click on the word Details below each resource for a short summary of how it has impacted my teaching.
Journal Articles
Listed below are a few choice articles that have resonated with me and inform my perspective as well as my teaching philosophy and practice.
Schonert-Reichl and Hymel begin their article with a quote from Desmond Tutu — “Educating the mind without educating the heart has produced brilliant scientists who used their intelligence for evil.” The underlying message speaks to the importance of combining Right Action with Right Intention, mirroring a similar Buddhist value. Right Intention, without Right Action, leads individuals to misrepresent themselves; Right Action, without Right Intention, can lead to undesirable ends; Right Action led by Right Intention is purposeful, targeted, and potent. Infusing social-emotional learning into teaching practice renders curricula meaningful and relevant by relating it to personal growth. Social-emotional learning offers effective strategies to better prepare students for “the tests of life, not a life of tests”.
St. Denis, Verna (2011). Silencing Aboriginal Curricular Content and Perspectives Through Multiculturalism: “There Are Other Children Here”. Review of Education, Pedagogy, and Cultural Studies, 33(4), 306-317.
This article enlightened me to a more pressing interpretation of “multiculturalism”. On the surface, government initiatives such as the Multicultural Act seem to address the increasing demands of francophones and the cultural diversification of Canadian citizenry, but directing focus to “cultural others” and Canadian identity as a cultural melting pot “erases, diminishes, trivializes, and deflects” from acknowledging Aboriginal sovereignty and rights. This new understanding compels me to look beyond “traditional” curricular content, to question knowledge created from a history of colonial relations; to acknowledge and incorporate Aboriginal perspectives and stories into synthesizing a more wholesome and authentic historical narrative. Dialogue generated from this new discussion will contribute to the synthesis of new discussions with students and families of other cultures as an enactive example of combining Right Intention with Right Action.
TED Talks
Listed below are a selection of TED Talks that reflect some values that I hold. More importantly, they have inspired me to reflect on my perspective!
Susan Cain sheds some light on the normally unseen and unheard internal world lying beneath the quiet demeanor of introverts. Her description of introverts is very insightful and serves as an excellent reminder that every child perceives information and expresses themselves in a different way. As a facilitator of learning, I strive to remain mindful of students’ skills, challenges, preferences, and interests and to tailor my methods to coincide with the needs of my intended audience.
Web Resources
Listed below are a collection of websites filled with useful information, lesson plans, and other resources!
UBC Social and Emotional Learning Resource Finder
Funded by the Edith Lando Charitable Foundation, the SEL Resource Finder is a “one-stop shop” for articles, fact sheets, programs, strategies, and much more for anything to do with social-emotional learning and mental health.
The spotlight is always shining on educators! This website offers many resources for educators who are looking for information on improving and maintaining health and wellness.
If you have any readings or articles you would like to share, I would love to hear from you!