After Class Six

In class we heard a variety of narratives -- thanks to our presenters for sharing their thoughts and experiences.  The first one explored a new way of seeing gender stereotypes and how teachers must be prepared to deal with them.  The second discussed a difficult situation where Alzheimer's brings on upsetting changes in a loved one and how this can make someone appreciate the problems other people deal with in their families.  Third, we heard about a ski trip gone wrong, how a bad decision can ruin trust in a friendship, and yet, by taking the higher road, the narrator demonstrated a genuinely human approach to the person at fault.  Fourth, we learned how conflict in one workplace where the manager and employee were good friends led to applying this knowledge in a new job and creating an atmosphere of honesty and confidentliality which led to a healthier work environment.  The fifth narrative dealt with the milestone of leaving home, with all its comfort and familiarity, and learning how to be more independent.  Last but not least, we heard about an early encounter with death, the altruism of kids, and the conflicting emotions we experience while trying to cope with the grief we feel.  Well done, everyone.
In our lecture we looked at the importance of communication in making connections with others.  We know what we want to say and shape it to fit our listener, and then there is what Habermas calls a "negotiation of meaning", until both sides are satisfied that the other understands the same meaning.  This also happens on the level of society, but we must also be aware different information can be communicated in different ways for different purposes.  By reflecting on what we hear and discussing ideas in a critical manner with other thinking people, we are more likely to fight off oppressive ideas.  Teaching students to think for themselves is vital.  We also discussed what communication looks like in the workplace, which involves imagining your audience, preparing, organizing information, including visual aids and allowing for follow up questions.  A good lesson plan will involve the teacher first knowing the learning styles of the students, what they have already studied, how prior knowledge should be activated, covering any new vocabulary before launching into the new material.  Other considerations might be to maked an effort to engage the students' interest, make the material relevant and important to their lives, allowing them to work with the material in small or large groups and apply what they know. At the end of the lesson the teacher will assess learning and evaluate the effectiveness of the lesson.
Our short story today was Wayson Choy's "The Jade Peony" (image) and we discussed the many sides of the connections between generations in a family. 
If you have not done so already, please send me a brief descriptions of the topic you plan to write on for your paper.  Just a reminder, our next class will be March 3rd.  Hope you get a chance to take in some of the Olympics!  Go Canada!

After Class Five

Many thanks to those who read narratives this week.  First, we heard about how we respond to hurtful comments and reassess ourselves; second, in working with kids who may come from very diferent backgrounds from ourselves, we must come to terms with those who seem to have "no dreams".  Thirdly, we learned how something like attending a performance at the VSO can trigger memories that raise questions about our choices and how life steers us in certain directions.  Our last story presented a strong ethical dilemma in deciding whether to do what's best for the child or to comply with the wishes of the parent(s).
We also exchanged narratives and gave each other feedback, hopefully providing responses to improve our work.  Our lecture looked at Kohlberg's stages of developing moral consciousness, and also moved into ideas from our second unit, "connecting with others".  Diversity is an umbrella term for anyone who is considered different from the mainstream, whether it be due to poverty, a dysfunctional family, ESL, learning disabilities, physical or mental handicaps, race, religion, ethinicity, and so on.  Leaders in the workplace set the tone for inclusion and create a healthy, respectful environment.  They also remember to honour unique qualities in people as well as seeking out ways in which people are similar.  Reading literature is one way to surmount barriers of difference and connect with the thoughts and feelings of others.
Lastly, we discussed our story for the week, "The Third and Final Continent" by Jhumpa Lahiri, from her short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies (image), which offered an excellent example of how people close the distance between strangers and maintain an appreciation and sense of amazement of "the ordinary life:.
Now is a good time to start thinking about a topic for papers (due Mar.24).  When you have an outline or brief description of what you will write about, please run it by me, either by e-mail or in class.  Have a great weekend.