Entry Slip - Embodied learning

I found the reading really interesting. Although it focuses more in geometry and mathematics, I can see the connection between the approach of this paper and my teachable subject. The stories were relatable to my personal story. I always found something special about nature, I did not know what it was, but whenever I went on a fieldtrip, or just a beach or backyard I felt empowered. I always wondered what was the story behind all of the things we see at present. I also felt a fascination whenever I saw mountain or a tree. As I grew up, I understood that I had curiosity and a desire to understand nature, in my case planet Earth. So, we are sometimes motivated without no apparent reason, and today I know that I love Geology.

This particular subject has got a big component of abstraction, and recognizing it in our classroom is of vital importance.

The paper gives some examples of "undefined terms", such as point or straight. In Geology, it is really difficult to define time, because the perception of it is completely different. It is hard to imagine how old our planet is. If I think of geometry in Earth Science, I can come up with plenty of examples. The chronology of events in sedimentary rocks is defined by stratigraphic principles, which involve the geometric relations between each body of rock. If we want to know what is the course and ditch of a rock we need to measure angles, and so on.

Sometimes, we appreciate geology because of how it looks like, without knowing what is the mechanism that sustains what we are observing.  In our classroom we can discuss these type of stories, which I consider of high value for learning.

There is a beautiful quote from Nicolas Steno that says " Beautiful is what we see, More Beautiful is what we know, most Beautiful by far is what we don't".

Exit Slip - Inquiry Thoughts

Having discussed in this lesson the importance and significance of assessment, I would like to include some sort of discussion of it to my inquiry project. Earth Science is a discipline that has got a major component of abstraction, so field trips in my opinion, are of great benefit for the students. I believe that my inquiry project will still be about the relevancy of the practical component of geology, However, I would like to think about how can we assess students in this particular and interesting subject. Moreover, I think that the idea of giving them freedom to choose a topic of their own interest of the subject, and build a project based on that, allows me to assess them in more ways that just grading a test. I would like to evaluate their development of the project, individually and as a group. I believe that if I am able to combine a nice field trip where they can all observe and feel the geology in a different way, and from that curiosity that they will feel, choose a subject that called their attention, I would be finding a way of assessing them. I do not like the idea of marking them for the sake of marking, and I think that the education system is looking for alternatives and growth mindset in students, so I feel motivated with my idea of inquiry. 

Entry Slip - Assessment

Reading this article made me wonder what was my own perspective on assessment. The topic was already familiar to me, because I have worked on this subject for other course of the program. Moreover, reading what were the differences between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation made me realize again the role that we have as teachers when assessing students.

Personally, I do not think that grades work as a good indicator of their knowledge. They are extrinsic motivators that creates an atmosphere of stress among students, and they also arise a feeling of competition. The expectations that they have towards an evaluation may vary, but using grades as rewards or punishments do not contribute to their learning. This paper touches on the idea that extrinsic motivator decreases a growth mindset, because it does not allow them to freely decide what are their interests in that particular subject.

As a future educator, I believe that we will have to adapt to the standards of the secondary school we are working for. On the other hand, I think that we should consider finding other ways of assessment where students do not feel the stress to just get a "successful" grade. We should find the way of focusing on their learning and searching their own interests of the subjects. If we as a class (teacher and students) can find a method where they can apply the content and knowledge and at the same time enjoy what they are doing while being assessed, we would already be working on an alternative as a classroom.

Exit Slip - Role Models

When we think about role models, we tend to think of a person who is doing the right thing and providing good examples of what should be done. In the field of geology for example, there is an image of a white man working in the field doing "heavy" stuff. However,  I believe that in our classrooms, it should not be about portraying what should be right or not. It should be about telling and expressing that there is no fixed stereotype for every single field or action. Stereotypes only offer boundaries, and we as teachers need to erode these stereotypes by showing alternatives and examples.

In my case, I am a South American geologist, who will become a teacher in Canada, and that does not mean I am a good role model because I managed to get into a prestigious institution coming from an underdeveloped country in terms of economy. I achieved my goals because I had passion, determination and a dream, and also because I was really grateful to have a family who supported and keeps up to now supporting me.

I think that a role model is defined by the person who wants to deliver something, and as teachers I believe that sharing our story that took us to where we are now already says a lot. Proving that alternatives and options exist in our classrooms, is priceless.

Entrance Slip - Things that can make you feel welcome or unwelcome in a classroom

The things that can make me feel welcome in a classroom does not strictly depend on the subject. Being an international student, and a future educator, I can visualize a few things that can provide a welcoming atmosphere to students. We need to embrace every's student background and history rather than tolerate it. It should be a genuine interest from part of the teacher and from your peers. Embracing other's culture creates a supportive environment for everyone.

On the other hand, things that can foster a hostile environment may be related to not providing an inclusive atmosphere. If we as teachers create a competitive classroom, or a place where we challenge or question our classmates beliefs, we can generate an unwelcoming space.  if we continue building traditional stereotypes we will not see any change, so understanding the power and influence that we as educators have is of vital importance. We have to allow students to be wrong, and embracing alternatives. 

Exit Slip - Garden

Today's class was absolutely beneficial for me. Having read the paper about the benefits of this multicultural space before, gave me an idea of how it would look like, but experiencing it was completely different. It surpassed my expectations as I could feel the space vividly. I really enjoyed all of the activities, sharing our thoughts, drawing, and also the involvement of dancing. Providing a space where we can explore our creativity in such a magical place like nature is great, it not only fosters social skills with your community, but it also promotes health. As a future educator, I would really like to implement this type of activities, where students can relate to each other and appreciate nature in the best way possible, interacting with it. 

Entrance Slip - Multicultural School Gardens

I found the reading really interesting. Growing up in Uruguay, we did not have the opportunity to work in a garden as part of our school curriculum. After reading this paper, I found so many benefits and advantages that students could grab that really motivated me to know more about the subject. 

The idea of the students being the researchers was fascinating, as it enabled them to investigate and capture what they liked through the experience, fostering their curiosity and freedom. I really liked how diversity in the school was used as a key motivator for the activity, allowing the implementation of different social backgrounds in a different place of learning. The idea of "slowing down" as the paper says, it is really important, sometimes we do not realize how stressed we are due to the amount of stimuli we constantly receive, so finding the time and space to share in a peaceful way is always beneficial. So we can understand how important is to value the environment, activities of this kind are needed, not just in schools, but in every space of the community. 

To sum up, I consider that activities like this are of great benefit for students and teachers. Learning how to take care and appreciate nature, while at the same time gaining social skills and beautiful values such as respect, sharing and empathy, for me is priceless.