Antidote for Apathy

When the theories from the books become alive, how would you handle the overwhelming feeling of witnessing those, first hand?

When apathy of the some of the members of the groups is considered inevitable, how do you counteract it?

Assignment 2 process felt like seven brains that needed to fit into one bowl; it was tedious, at the same time rewarding when you come to agree and agree to disagree on one thing or another. This process needed art. The art to communicate, collaborate and construct on top of another constructed idea.

It needed time and enough patience to master this kind of art.

Sometimes, you would even need to deconstruct in order to reconstruct.

I come to grasp more the theories and its principles without judgment on why the teacher used such principle and why the students responded in such a way. The whole class has been composed of several learning events which occurred not in isolation from each other, but rather in a cumulative trend, sometimes correlated and sometimes causal.

Through this task, I was able to appreciate more the integration of a variety of teaching strategies in the classroom in order to stimulate different learning strengths of your students.

When the principles started to be at work among the students in the classroom, without intentional scrutiny, you would miss vital learning events. That’s why the guide in observing the teachers and students has been very helpful; it prevented over analysis and subjectivity. It kept us focused and dedicated to one principle at a time, so we will be able to fully digest it as it is. Without the guide, there would have been a lot of clutters, gaps and disintegration.

I think, five to six members per group is an ideal number for a group work as this one. Although, all of us in the group (seven of us) were able to contribute our own strengths and expertise in the process. I couldn’t think of another way we could have done it better than how it has been done through the forum and with the help of google drive. One crucial reason I believe that led our group to be driven was that each of us has this hunger for learning, so none was disengaged and passive.

Nothing else fuels teaching and learning than learning.

Therefore, learning is the means and the end in itself; in fact, it is the antidote for apathy. 

Apathy of the teachers to settle for mediocrity, apathy of students to disengage from the reality and apathy of the group members not to perform excellently.

 

Models and Mentors: More than an Extra Mile

Your pupil, now a student.

This was the Closing in the letter made by my teacher’s former student, which she read in front of our class— for one reason: To inspire us. All the apprehensions and fears that I have in leaving behind my elementary days faded away because she didn’t just teach math, she taught more importantly, the concept of CHANGE. She didn’t just lecture on structures, but she actually allowed us space to grow in her class. She let us seek patterns on our own, then we were able to falsify conjectures. The curly and gray-haired woman, who became our class’ friend, was Mrs. Foncardas.

Our Father… Give us this day.. and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us.

After we utter Amen, she will immediately yet gently instruct us to properly articulate the word ‘against’.

She did that almost every day until every one of us has truly learned. My best friend was able to showcase her fiction story and directed it in the School and Division-Wide competitions because Mrs. Lachica supported and guided us throughout the whole process. That tall and fair woman with short and brown hair was my English teacher during my freshman years in High School. She didn’t just give us a chance, she gave us her trust and confidence that we can succeed.

Ms. Pulido suddenly went in front of the class and shouted; “I am Moses!” Ms. Pulido has ___________ disorder?

This was one of the items in our quiz during my freshman year in college. Her weird yet contagious laugh while teaching coupled with demonstrations and facial expressions were the reasons why Psychology has become one of my favourite subjects, she didn’t just teach, she loved to teach. I come to grasp the lessons, because she never stopped until we recognize the difference of hallucination from delusion, she introduced to us the different theorists through how she knew them, like they are all her long time friends, embodied in Mrs. Quila.

No tricks were done, she simply loved what she was doing and it exuded that even when we just randomly met her along the corridors, she was always prepared to answer any given question.

 You create your research title like it is your trademark.

This line changed it all.My Masters’ thesis was accepted in all oral and poster presentations I have submitted it to both in the Philippines and overseas.

I will always be grateful for how Doc Tuppal exemplified excellence for me. He didn’t just teach classroom research, he taught me to make research my way of life. He constantly checked on me, he was my mentor and tormentor. He challenged my trail of thoughts yet humble enough to note those which are praiseworthy. He was my instigator in the search for “more”.

These are the teachers who gave not just an extra mile.

They gave wholly their self to teaching.

They gave their life to educate.

I desire to be remembered by my students as one passionate teacher they could ever have. In which everything that I impart to them are expressions of my pursuits for excellence, wisdom and acceleration in all aspects of life.

I wish to impart to them, that:

• Learning is a responsibility to one’s self, nobody else owes you that privilege but yourself.
• Excellence is the ultimate goal of learning, mediocrity has no place in a world of aspirations and dreams-coming-true.
• Serving is a noble act, even the most menial tasks are opportunities to display integrity and honor.

Most of all, I hope to be remembered not only as a teacher but somebody who have inspired them to pursue their dreams and chase after what their hearts desire; one who encourages them not to be complacent but to continuously challenge what has been and set a new standard for themselves to beat.

In nursing, particularly in the community setting, I will demonstrate to my students the qualities that must be possessed by a community health organizer and clearly communicate to them the roles and responsibilities it entail to become one.

• I will journey with my students hand in hand as they conduct their social investigation and home visits.
• I will see to it that I have ample time for one on one discussions with my students in order to guide them well in what they are doing.
• I will ensure that I will respond to their learning journal daily to provide formative feedback.
• I will make time to know my students and their challenges, then strengthen them to overcome those challenges.

A mentor for me is more than just a classroom teacher, he/she is one who truly understands and desires to guide and enlighten his/her students.

Tita Alice, that’s what she is fondly called. She is a veteran faculty member who specializes in research and community health nursing practice. During the related learning experiences of her students, she chose to be on the background. She seldom commands nor prescribes her students what to do, she allowed them to practice independently with minimal supervision. Instead of having all eyes on her students during the duty, she chose to immerse with the community people and serve in her own ways.

She made the duty appear not as an academic requirement for all her students but rather an opportunity to hone their skills, enrich their knowledge and exercise their leadership.

She taught through actions, not through words. Live, not through the books.

Most of all, she taught with her heart. She served the people together with her students.