This was the problem that led to my Action Research:
Thus, my presentation is about how I developed video lessons that students could access online 24/7. For my first cycle, I created a website with class blogs on iWeb. I used Viddler as my video hosting site and while the feedback on the video tutorials and lessons indicated that they were effective, the whole interface of my online presence called for more user-friendliness. So, for my second cycle, I decided to use an LMS instead of a website. I also switched from Viddler to YouTube. For my LMS I used Blackboard since our school had purchased its license recently and we had been encouraged to try it out. The main issues my students faced were addressed during the second cycle. The LMS has become a great tool not just for my students but also for me in helping me organize and build a video library that I have been able to share with my colleagues.
These are the links to my two "Thinking Out Loud" blog posts:
1. Week 3: Thinking Out Loud
2. Week 4: Thinking Out Loud
This is the link to my presentation (including speaker's notes):
Taylor-Roman_Leadership_Project_Presentation
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
wk4 Thinking Out Loud
I received an e-mail last Sunday inviting me to the TFLTA Annual Regional Workshop. I think this was perfect timing. I asked Dr. Bustillos if he considered this a good opportunity to present and after he consulted with Dr. Berdard, this was his reply:
"YES!" So, go forth and conquer! jbb.
I am so thrilled to say the least. I filled in their proposal form right away and sent it as an e-mail attachment around 6:00 p.m. today. Since, I'm not a member of TFLTA, I also had to send it as a hard copy which I printed and mailed (about 5 hours ago). To my surprise, at 9:30 p.m. ET I received a reply from the event organizer:
Silvia,
How delightful of you to send us your session proposal. I am sending it on to the Spanish session facilitators for their consideration and have added you to the list of Spanish teachers for the Workshop as well.
Please spread the word to your Oak Ridge world language colleagues RE: the Workshop! It should be an exciting day for everyone.
Welcome to TFLTA, BTW! I'll look for your letter in the mail this week!
I'm so excited that things are taking shape and I look forward to hearing from them. Cross your fingers for me!
wk4 reading - No enemies
"We need never name a human being as the enemy" from The Art of Possibility pg. 190
What else is there to say?
The last chapter reminded me of my visit to Hiroshima in 2006. This is a close up of the top part of the Children's Monument for Peace.
This is part of the inscription:
Throughout my time there, I could hear the story of WE and not one of THEM and US as tour guides and survivors told their story. There was no room for blame. There were only questions: What do WE want OUR world to be like? And what can WE do to get there?
This was my crane offering and prayer:
It reads: Mexico prays for peace, love, and coexistence.
What else is there to say?
The last chapter reminded me of my visit to Hiroshima in 2006. This is a close up of the top part of the Children's Monument for Peace.
This is part of the inscription:
Throughout my time there, I could hear the story of WE and not one of THEM and US as tour guides and survivors told their story. There was no room for blame. There were only questions: What do WE want OUR world to be like? And what can WE do to get there?
This was my crane offering and prayer:
It reads: Mexico prays for peace, love, and coexistence.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
wk4 reading - Chapters 9 - 12
I have truly enjoyed this book. It has open my eyes to the possibilities around me in my job, my marriage, and my life. In three years of teaching, I had caved into the downward spiral of the teacher's lounge. In three years, just around the time to be granted tenure, I had become whom I swore to never be as a teacher. I had lost my vision. I had forgotten why I went into teaching.
My calculating self blamed my students for their lack of enthusiasm and work ethic in my class, blamed my department for lack of cohesion, blamed the administrators for lack of communication, trust, and leadership, blamed the parents for lack of involvement, blamed my master's program for taking away too much of my personal time. I was taking myself way too seriously that instead of seeing everyone as a contribution, I saw them as obstacles. There was a clear distinction of the I and Them. There was no WE.
Then, came this book "The Art of Possibility" and the video that all of you watched was more a message for me than anyone else. When I watched it the first time on YouTube I cried as I realized no one was going to do change things for me, I had to take the initiative. I had to put on my shoes and start the walk...
Really, it was not until I accepted the way things are and that defined myself as the board that my perspective changed and I saw opportunities rather than obstacles.
I'm not saying that suddenly I'm living a fairy tale, but I was given the opportunity to dream,
to redraw my professional framework, to redesign the rules of my own invented game and, in the process, I've gained a refreshing vision and I'm starting to see the change: first in me, then in those around me.
Once, I had a clear vision of who I am as a teacher I was able to see the power of enrolling my students in my course. I have seen the power of enrolling the head of my department and the principal of our school to get an Apple Learning Lab with 30 mac books and a mobile cart for my classroom next year. It is now that I can, once again, be excited --like Zander's friend when she was six years old and about to play the cello in the competition- right before I get to teach each of my classes and my students have seen the change and they want to be a part of it. Like Ben put it "enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share." (pg. 125)
Let's share that spark!
My calculating self blamed my students for their lack of enthusiasm and work ethic in my class, blamed my department for lack of cohesion, blamed the administrators for lack of communication, trust, and leadership, blamed the parents for lack of involvement, blamed my master's program for taking away too much of my personal time. I was taking myself way too seriously that instead of seeing everyone as a contribution, I saw them as obstacles. There was a clear distinction of the I and Them. There was no WE.
Then, came this book "The Art of Possibility" and the video that all of you watched was more a message for me than anyone else. When I watched it the first time on YouTube I cried as I realized no one was going to do change things for me, I had to take the initiative. I had to put on my shoes and start the walk...
Really, it was not until I accepted the way things are and that defined myself as the board that my perspective changed and I saw opportunities rather than obstacles.
I'm not saying that suddenly I'm living a fairy tale, but I was given the opportunity to dream,
to redraw my professional framework, to redesign the rules of my own invented game and, in the process, I've gained a refreshing vision and I'm starting to see the change: first in me, then in those around me.
Once, I had a clear vision of who I am as a teacher I was able to see the power of enrolling my students in my course. I have seen the power of enrolling the head of my department and the principal of our school to get an Apple Learning Lab with 30 mac books and a mobile cart for my classroom next year. It is now that I can, once again, be excited --like Zander's friend when she was six years old and about to play the cello in the competition- right before I get to teach each of my classes and my students have seen the change and they want to be a part of it. Like Ben put it "enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share." (pg. 125)
Let's share that spark!
wk3 reading – Chapters 5 - 8
I still think this is a great read for this month. It's like a breath of fresh air. I think the first four chapters opened my mind up to the world of possibility so that I could take in the next four chapters as I seek to apply them in my daily life.
Thus, I will be sharing with you a few passages that stood out for me:
Fifth Practice: Leading from any chair.
(pg. 72)
Ben asked: "How can you bear to play day after day in an orchestra led by conductors, many of whom know so much less than you?"
Eugene Lehner: It is now forty-three years since this happened, and it is less and less likely that I will be asked. However, in the meantime, I haven't had a single moment in rehearsal, as I sit wondering what I would say to the orchestra should I suddenly be called upon to lead.
Ninth Practice: Lightning a Spark - The practice of enrolling (pg. 125)
"Enrolling is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share".
This next anecdote reminded me of how anyone can lead from any chair and how by practicing the art of enrolling we can light up a spark of generosity and great creativity.
In college, I signed up for a course in microbiology even though it had nothing to do with any of my majors, I just thought it would be fun (yes, the nerd in me). Two weeks into it, I knew I was in big trouble not knowing the terminology or methodology. I still thought it was a great class, so I decided to organize a study group and I asked everyone in class to join it. Most of the students who showed up were in my same situation, and after a few minutes we realized we were not going to get anywhere. There was one guy who had not said anything. So, I asked him, what about you, what do you think? He went up to the board, drew pictures, told stories, and suddenly we understood all the concepts.
Afterward, I told him we were so grateful and that we would appreciate him coming every time we met if it was alright with him. I also asked him how could he understand and explain each concept so well. Then he shared with me his secret, he said, every time in class, instead of taking notes from the slides, he would write how he could teach that same class if it was him, what examples he would use, and stuff like that. He said he wanted to be a science teacher but he was always too shy to talk in public. He was grateful we had invited him because this sessions could help him get over his stage fright. The rest of us were also very grateful that we had a chance of passing this class. By enrolling him in our group, he felt empowered to share with us what we lacked. And, in the process, all of us overcame our shortcomings.
This is the only picture we have from our honeymoon
And yes, there is nothing in the picture. Our camera broke as our plane lifted. And that was the beginning of a not-too-sweet honeymoon.
It was just like everything we had planned for that weekend just fell through; and even though the weather was perfect, we missed it all just because we just didn't open up to the world of possibilities that were there for us.
The third day we had to be back at the airport and again, due to our lack of organization, time management, and lots of blaming each other, we arrived late and missed our plane. That was it! There were no planes leaving that day to our destination. We got a rental car to Tampa and the cheapest flight back was over $2000 for that day per person. We were very upset, we were blaming each other, we couldn't see beyond ourselves. After much arguing, we were tired and mad. We sat down about three yards from each other. I don't remember how but suddenly we were engulfed by a most wonderful sunrise. The golden sun rays bleaching the purple sky reminded us of the love that we had for each other. I don't know how long we stared at that sensual image but when we were done we look in each other's direction and we smile for the first time that weekend. We ate some airport sandwiches together watching the rest of the sunrise. About 10 minutes later, my husband suggested we take the rental car back home (a 12-hour drive) and I said "sure!". The rest is history. We had an amazing time coming back home, we actually had time to talk, to stop and eat and enjoy the scenery, we had not had that much time together since the previous summer (this was in January) and this just proves that when we take a good dose of Rule #6 and accept things the way the are, we give into passion and our life takes a 180 degree turn.
I had forgotten about that incident, and reading chapters 6 through 8 made me realize how I need to give into passion more often, how I must not take myself too seriously because that tends to obstruct my personal relationships;and, most of all, I learned that when I accept the way things are, I can create the change I need to go on.
Thus, I will be sharing with you a few passages that stood out for me:
Fifth Practice: Leading from any chair.
(pg. 72)
Ben asked: "How can you bear to play day after day in an orchestra led by conductors, many of whom know so much less than you?"
Eugene Lehner: It is now forty-three years since this happened, and it is less and less likely that I will be asked. However, in the meantime, I haven't had a single moment in rehearsal, as I sit wondering what I would say to the orchestra should I suddenly be called upon to lead.
Ninth Practice: Lightning a Spark - The practice of enrolling (pg. 125)
"Enrolling is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share".
This next anecdote reminded me of how anyone can lead from any chair and how by practicing the art of enrolling we can light up a spark of generosity and great creativity.
In college, I signed up for a course in microbiology even though it had nothing to do with any of my majors, I just thought it would be fun (yes, the nerd in me). Two weeks into it, I knew I was in big trouble not knowing the terminology or methodology. I still thought it was a great class, so I decided to organize a study group and I asked everyone in class to join it. Most of the students who showed up were in my same situation, and after a few minutes we realized we were not going to get anywhere. There was one guy who had not said anything. So, I asked him, what about you, what do you think? He went up to the board, drew pictures, told stories, and suddenly we understood all the concepts.
Afterward, I told him we were so grateful and that we would appreciate him coming every time we met if it was alright with him. I also asked him how could he understand and explain each concept so well. Then he shared with me his secret, he said, every time in class, instead of taking notes from the slides, he would write how he could teach that same class if it was him, what examples he would use, and stuff like that. He said he wanted to be a science teacher but he was always too shy to talk in public. He was grateful we had invited him because this sessions could help him get over his stage fright. The rest of us were also very grateful that we had a chance of passing this class. By enrolling him in our group, he felt empowered to share with us what we lacked. And, in the process, all of us overcame our shortcomings.
This is the only picture we have from our honeymoon
And yes, there is nothing in the picture. Our camera broke as our plane lifted. And that was the beginning of a not-too-sweet honeymoon.
It was just like everything we had planned for that weekend just fell through; and even though the weather was perfect, we missed it all just because we just didn't open up to the world of possibilities that were there for us.
The third day we had to be back at the airport and again, due to our lack of organization, time management, and lots of blaming each other, we arrived late and missed our plane. That was it! There were no planes leaving that day to our destination. We got a rental car to Tampa and the cheapest flight back was over $2000 for that day per person. We were very upset, we were blaming each other, we couldn't see beyond ourselves. After much arguing, we were tired and mad. We sat down about three yards from each other. I don't remember how but suddenly we were engulfed by a most wonderful sunrise. The golden sun rays bleaching the purple sky reminded us of the love that we had for each other. I don't know how long we stared at that sensual image but when we were done we look in each other's direction and we smile for the first time that weekend. We ate some airport sandwiches together watching the rest of the sunrise. About 10 minutes later, my husband suggested we take the rental car back home (a 12-hour drive) and I said "sure!". The rest is history. We had an amazing time coming back home, we actually had time to talk, to stop and eat and enjoy the scenery, we had not had that much time together since the previous summer (this was in January) and this just proves that when we take a good dose of Rule #6 and accept things the way the are, we give into passion and our life takes a 180 degree turn.
I had forgotten about that incident, and reading chapters 6 through 8 made me realize how I need to give into passion more often, how I must not take myself too seriously because that tends to obstruct my personal relationships;and, most of all, I learned that when I accept the way things are, I can create the change I need to go on.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
wk3 response – @ Catherine Yoho
This is my response to Catherine Yoho's Reading blog post:
Catherine,
I really like how you immediately put the words from this book into practice. I think that was the main intent of the writers.
I think that's what makes this book different from 'positive thinking' books in that it calls for action. It calls for change of the self more than we changing the world. I feel like I've missed a lot in life during the last year because I've been to busy taking myself too seriously with work and the masters program that I've neglected some of the relationships that matter the most to me. This book has helped me reconsider my priorities and I'm starting to see changes in me and how that is affecting everyone else around me.
Thank you for sharing such great personal insights.
Catherine,
I really like how you immediately put the words from this book into practice. I think that was the main intent of the writers.
I think that's what makes this book different from 'positive thinking' books in that it calls for action. It calls for change of the self more than we changing the world. I feel like I've missed a lot in life during the last year because I've been to busy taking myself too seriously with work and the masters program that I've neglected some of the relationships that matter the most to me. This book has helped me reconsider my priorities and I'm starting to see changes in me and how that is affecting everyone else around me.
Thank you for sharing such great personal insights.
wk3 response – @ Jacqueline Jones
This is my response to Jacqueline Jones' week 3 Reading Blog post.
Jacqueline,
I really liked your Voki. It was a fun way to start your presentation. In regards to your comments about the book, I couldn't agree with you more on the violation of rule six and how we need humor to survive a high-stress job. I think that the more personal relationships you build with your co-workers, there are more possibilities of lightening up a dull work environment.
I also appreciate the fact that you share the anecdote your pastor told you. Many times, we're so immersed on our current situation that we can't see the possibilities that would open up to us if we were willing to take initiative like that guy that went to work at Subway. We had a tough time last summer too when my husband was laid off and we had just purchased our first home two months earlier and suddenly, it seemed that everything was going to crumble. At first, he wanted a 'good' job but soon he realized that coming out of college, laid off with less than a year experience he was not going to get anywhere he wanted to be. When he decided to take what was there, he got a job, he is learning a lot with them and his boss has suggested him to take the leadership training with them to take a higher position. I think that when we act, a world of possibilities opens up to us. However, if we are passive, and we wait for change, it will never come.
Jacqueline,
I really liked your Voki. It was a fun way to start your presentation. In regards to your comments about the book, I couldn't agree with you more on the violation of rule six and how we need humor to survive a high-stress job. I think that the more personal relationships you build with your co-workers, there are more possibilities of lightening up a dull work environment.
I also appreciate the fact that you share the anecdote your pastor told you. Many times, we're so immersed on our current situation that we can't see the possibilities that would open up to us if we were willing to take initiative like that guy that went to work at Subway. We had a tough time last summer too when my husband was laid off and we had just purchased our first home two months earlier and suddenly, it seemed that everything was going to crumble. At first, he wanted a 'good' job but soon he realized that coming out of college, laid off with less than a year experience he was not going to get anywhere he wanted to be. When he decided to take what was there, he got a job, he is learning a lot with them and his boss has suggested him to take the leadership training with them to take a higher position. I think that when we act, a world of possibilities opens up to us. However, if we are passive, and we wait for change, it will never come.
wk3 Wimba Session - Art of Possibility
This week I could not make it on time to our Wimba session. I was there only for the last 25 minutes. So, I thought it would be good to watch it from the begining in the archive especially because of the Abstract that we have to write by the end of this week.
It's good that I decided to watch it because I was not clear on the "Think Out Loud" blog posts for week 4 nor the Leadership/Publishing project. I'm quite nervous as to whether or not I will be able to finish everything on time. My second cycle just finished last week and I'm working now on the data collection and interpretation.
Then, there was the discussion about "The Art of Possibility".
It has been a great read because it has allowed me to reflect on my self as a wife, as a teacher, as a daughter, as a student. It came at a great time because I needed some encouragement as the end (of the program) is near and I have so many more things going on at work and home.Then, came the youtube video. And this is the line that stood up for me.
Then, there was the discussion about how "The art of possibility" was different from positive thinking. One of my classmates wrote: "The art of possibility is a way of creating possibility rather than thinking of the positive in the a situation." And I agree with this person. I think it's not about seeing what is not there and claiming it. It's about seeing beyond, thinking outside the box, and create new possibilities. It's not just about thoughts but actions.
And for that reason, I really liked the 3rd and 4th chapters: Giving an A and Being a contribution because once you realize your potential or realize the potential in others, there is no limit to what you can do.
It's good that I decided to watch it because I was not clear on the "Think Out Loud" blog posts for week 4 nor the Leadership/Publishing project. I'm quite nervous as to whether or not I will be able to finish everything on time. My second cycle just finished last week and I'm working now on the data collection and interpretation.
Then, there was the discussion about "The Art of Possibility".
It has been a great read because it has allowed me to reflect on my self as a wife, as a teacher, as a daughter, as a student. It came at a great time because I needed some encouragement as the end (of the program) is near and I have so many more things going on at work and home.Then, came the youtube video. And this is the line that stood up for me.
Then, there was the discussion about how "The art of possibility" was different from positive thinking. One of my classmates wrote: "The art of possibility is a way of creating possibility rather than thinking of the positive in the a situation." And I agree with this person. I think it's not about seeing what is not there and claiming it. It's about seeing beyond, thinking outside the box, and create new possibilities. It's not just about thoughts but actions.
And for that reason, I really liked the 3rd and 4th chapters: Giving an A and Being a contribution because once you realize your potential or realize the potential in others, there is no limit to what you can do.
wk3 Thinking Out Loud
I'm going to go for a presentation. I think that as much as I have controlled stage fright when it comes to teaching or leading worship, I still get really nervous about public speaking (in English).
Since this publishing/leadership project is about stepping out of our comfort zone, I think that the presentation will be the best choice for me.
And that's all the thinking I can do about this project right now.
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