My own reflection...
I have always wanted to be a teacher. Teaching and working with people inspires me. I began my journey wanting to teach children that were like me; deaf. I wanted to make a difference in their lives and let them know I truly understand their frustrations, their struggles, and the heartache that they will experience in their lives. I wanted to advocate for them and be their rock. I wanted to give them peace and acceptance in themselves when others were trying desperately to make them something that they are not. I wanted to make a difference. In college, my path changed. I wanted to be part of a movement, a movement to make people's lives better. I decided I wanted to reach out to the hearing community, and my passion became teaching American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. I wanted to educate people so that they would understand who deaf people are and in return they too would be a part of this journey and help end the discrimination against Deaf people. It was this path that lead me to Dignitas. I was honored to become part of this team of incredibly insightful and intelligent people. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with freshman and be a part of their first year college experience. I thought long and hard about my class. I wanted it to be worth while and important. I wanted to make people think, challenge themselves, be aware of their environment and our world, be able to support what they believe logically and passionately, make a difference in peoples lives, see things from many angles, understand that there is not one right or wrong, not everything is black and white, and above all; ask people to approach each day with dignity and motivation to live life to the fullest and allow others to as well without passing judgement, prejudices, and stereotypes.
I have led some very difficult class discussions and have asked you to think, really think. I have not told you how to think nor have I judged you or shown you disrespect. I have listened to you actively and allowed you to voice your feelings and beliefs. I have however really questioned your responses, I have asked you to see things from different angles. I have taken you on a path that is not straightforward and does have many twists and turns. I have not argued with you, nor have I put you down. I have simply asked "why?" I have asked you to question yourself and really hear yourself. I have shared with you personal experiences that have helped me grow as a person and taught me valuable lessons and asked you to share yours. Never have I said this is what I am going to do and you should too. Never have I preached that this is what we should do and then not do it myself. All I have done is challenged you and perhaps forced you out of your comfort zone.
After our discussion this week, I was called a hypocrite. Am I a hypocrite? Well, what is a hypocrite anyway? Lets take a look.
In the modern sense, being a hypocrite is a disagreeable thing, and there are plenty of idioms that express when someone is acting in this manner. “The pot calling the kettle black,” is a classic one and “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” is equally popular. Both represent the modern take on hypocrites in general. The hypocrite is someone who criticizes something that he also does. Alternately, someone who acts in manner that he specifically does not condone is acting in a hypocritical way.
Politics are a fertile field for finding examples of hypocrisy, but so is parenting. A parent who smokes and tells her children not to, is reeking of tobacco and hypocrisy. It’s difficult to expect children to take such a parent seriously, since he/she is acting in a manner which cancels out his/her advice. Similarly, a parent who curses frequently will have a hard time convincing children not to swear.
Political candidates and commentators from all sides of the political spectrum act with hypocrisy. Candidates who run on “family values” platforms and then have affairs are a good example, and unfortunately number many in the US. When their behavior is exposed, much of what they do or say in all aspects of their lives or political careers is called into question.
Just as in Greek times, when debate made use of hypocrisy, though in different fashion, political candidates attempt to expose hypocrisy in their running mates. Comedians, especially those who evaluate politicians often find hypocrisy one of the easiest things to mock. You’ll note in Stephen Colbert’s show, that his “Word of the Day” segment tends to focus on how political candidates make statements that are hypocritical. He points out statements political leaders have made in the past, to show that their positions do not stay static and often contradict what they’ve previously stated.In other words, they set double standards: one for themselves, and one for the rest of the world.
Think about this for a moment....In other words, hypocrites set double standards: one for themselves, and one for the rest of the world.
Hmmm.... Am I a hypocrite....After reading about it and seeing the actual definition, Does this define me? No, it does not. I am not a hypocrite. I abide by the very creed I teach. I do not have double standards. I want everyone to treat everyone with dignity, respect, understanding, acceptance and kindness. I challenge myself and place myself in uncomfortable situations to learn, to grow, and to understand just as I am doing in class to you.
I would appreciate that everyone refrain from making these kinds of comments in class. Negative words are powerful and provoke strong emotions. If it not an example of effective communication. Enjoy the challenge, embrace it, and live in the moment. If discussions in class are making you angry, ask yourself why? Who and what are you really angry at or about?
In my daughter's elementary school, they encourage students to make "I statements." Rather than saying, "He's distracting me!" They are instead encouraged to say, "I feel frustrated that I am distracted." Please work to make "I statements" along this journey as this is an example effective communication; the very goal of this course.
Live, learn and grow....I want you to comment on your development so far.
Your partner in learning (if you let me be),
Monica
All right here I go, I want to start by saying I have a lot of ideas when I read this based off the reading, conversations I have had with Monica, my on class experiences, and my observations in this class. This may jump around a lot but please try to follow along. First, Monica really is trying to make a difference in the world; she does this by sharing her own stories. Having her for my Dig class and all my ASL classes has exposed me to more stories than you can imagine. Just like she said in the reading she wants to reach out to the hearing community and educate them about the deaf community. She as succeeded in this in me. She has changed me for the better and amazingly enough has made me a better person. This is what she is trying to do for you all as well. It is important to keep an open mind, see what she is trying to tell you. Just from any experience in my life, you may not always agree with what someone is saying. It is important that you see and understand where the person is coming from, and if you disagree do it respectfully. Have a conversation, not a yelling match, because that gets you nowhere.
ReplyDeleteI know the question “why” is a very annoying one. I associate this with a little kid repeatedly asking why and you get to the point where you don’t have an answer and you just get frustrated. Just from observing this class I can see this is the feeling you all also get. When you get to the point of not having an answer that’s when you ask yourself why. I had many beliefs about many different things when I came here; Monica and Meridel are the only ones who have challenged me to look at myself. I asked myself why I thought the things I did and it came down to “that’s what my parents believe and that’s what they have always taught me.” Not a good answer in my book because we are all different people than our parents. If it wasn’t for people like Monica and Meridel I would be a very ignorant person. So please take time think why are you mad, is it because your belief is being challenged? Are you mad because you don’t know how to back up your argument? Are you made because….?
ReplyDeleteI like how the reading says that a hypocrite has double standards, one for themselves and one for the rest of the world. I feel that this is how the whole world works; you see it in couples, male and female situations, punishment celebrities vs. the common people. Hypocrites are just a specific example. Another thing I liked in this reading was the use of I-statements. It is amazing how well these work. Going through education I have been told to have these be used in my classroom. These statements allow you to express how you feel without putting someone on the defensive. This is something we should work on in our class. If you disagree don’t say “how can you say that or think that….” Instead say “I cant agree with that because…” Practicing I-statements will not only help us create a comfortable environment, but it will also help you get farther in life. These statements make you take control of your own emotions making you a more responsible person.
ReplyDeleteFinal thoughts I promise :D . From my field experiences in teaching I have been exposed to a good handful of classroom cultures. A classroom culture is basically the mechanics of how a class operates, rules they follow, the general feel for when you walk into the room, and things of that nature. What I have noticed is classrooms that have respect as the top of their list of things to follow generally have a friendly engaging learning experience. Some of the rules of respect would be not laughing at what might sound like a “stupid” question; making put downs for losing the big game, looks, values, not understanding, and other things of that nature. What this does is take away the chance of targeting individuals. This also makes a class setting that is comfortable to ask and share opinions. When I was in classrooms that didn’t have these rules in place, class discussions were very dull and almost non-existent. Lets work together to follow such rules so we can have great classroom discussions. I would like it if everyone shared their opinions and they felt good about sharing them as well.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYou have made some really very insightful and thought provoking comments. I appreciate your comments very much. This one, "I know the question “why” is a very annoying one. I associate this with a little kid repeatedly asking why and you get to the point where you don’t have an answer and you just get frustrated", really stood out to me. Excellent point and it can be applied to this class! My two year old is doing this now. It can be very frustrating yes, but it tells me that she cannot see my point of view or understand what I am explaining and perhaps I need to do something differently to help her get there. Recently, she wanted to know why she had to go to bed; she wasn't tired and did not want to. I exhausted myself with many explanations. Finally, I physically showed her if she did not sleep what happens. I showed her that I was too tired to play and could not have fun. She got it, and went to bed telling me she needed to sleep because she had to play tomorrow and it is hard work. It took a half an hour but we both understood where the other was coming from. I understood she did not want to miss out on anything, and she understood if she didn't sleep she would be too tired to play. Often time we think that people want us to accept what they are saying but really all they want is for us to respect it and try to understand from a different angle. I didn't accept that she would not go to sleep, but I tried to see if from her point of view. By respecting it and working to understand it, we ended our discussion peacefully. This is not small task, I know. I understand that this is how many of you feel. We can all learn to be effective communicators with time and practice. Use this class to do just that!
I look forward to your comments,
Monica
I apologize for the grammar errors in my pervious comment. My daughter was in the need to my attention and interrupted me several times!
ReplyDeleteMonica
Sorry, I should have mentioned who Meridel is. Meridel Kahl is a instructor her at CSS and she is in the education department. I have had her for several of my methods/strategy classes, but she also teaches a human relations class. Human relations is the class that really made me grow as a person and challenged me to look at why I think the way I do.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I have always hated is a hypocrite. Monika is definitely not one. She just wants us to understand why we feel the way we do and not just accept it because our parents feel that way or society does. I think it is important to have someone play the Devil's Advocate and who better than our teacher?
ReplyDeleteI think I have come very far in our class in regards to being open and trying to decipher why I feel the way that I do. At first it was hard. I just wanted to say "just because." Now I take a step back and really try to grasp why I hold a specific opinion and if I think it is valid or not. Nobody said it would be easy.
I think it is important to explain ourselves in conversation. Just stating an opinion doesn't justify its significance. Also, I feel that "I" statements are very important. One can only speak for themselves so it is vital that they do only speak for themselves. This is something that is easily mistaken but can be fixed if it is recognized and practiced daily.
Michelle Fischer
In response to this weekly reading, I agree with Monica, youre highly an influential instructor, and has challenge the classroom many times. It is through this challenge that we can all see from different angles of everything. I appreciate all the things youre doing so far, challenging us, and never giving up on trying to show us all the possibility there is to something. You open my eyes to issues that I have never really thought hard about. Taking this class has make me a stronger person, and had made me become more aware of many other perspective around me. A professor, teacher, or instructor, should encourage and continue to challenge their students to the extent of seeking knowledge, which is what youre doing. They shouldn't pick side and narrow the pathway to what the students feel or think. Instead they expand and show their students what else is out there, and show them to continue to question. You are an amzing instructor, and I highly enjoy this class, for everything we discuss in class, you have shown me so much ways of thinking and impact me. Like what I learn in philosophy, the only way to find the truth is never stop questioning. So when you continuously ask "why?" there is nothing wrong with that. That question "why?" will only help us to delve further into thinking and undersatnding many other perspective there is to the issue. I see that many other students may seem to dislike that phrase "why?", but for me I disagree with that. I felt that no one should be angry, or mad, when it comes to sharing ideas or discussion. When one can't think of an answer to back them up, then they feel like what they believe is wrong and dislike that feeling. However learning is to challenge us to qestion and to enlarge our mind with knowledge. So never stop questioning, and always continue to think and learn. This is an interesting class and I have learn so much through this amazing adventure with my fellow classmate and our amazing instructor.
ReplyDeleteMonica,
ReplyDeleteI am as guilty as anyone for getting angry and fired up in class. In our generation, I feel like no one pushes us to really THINK. Every single one of my professors I've had, and high school teachers besides only one, have just come to class, taught what they need to taught, then left. It takes a strong professor and a strong person to stand in front of a class of students, push them to their limit, and then deal with their retaliation. When you mentioned the whole "black and white" concept, I kind of chuckled because my mom had talked to me about that the other day. I have decided that I am a very black and white minded person. And when people prod at me to look into the gray, I get extremely defensive. Being in your class is really making me work on that. Already, I am stopping and thinking before I blurt out a comment like "that's so retarded," or "that's gay."
As Shrek says, people are like onions, because onions have layers. :) You know what you're getting yourself into by peeling apart each layer. You will see our true personalities- our true weaknesses. Because really, that's what it takes to expose someone's raw emotion. From reading this, I will work on toning it down in class and thinking in my head before thinking aloud.
Maria Valesano
In our class every one has seem to be talking more and more each week. every discusion we have had has made me upset in a small way at some of the things people say but it has also made me think and get under the real issue. Every one has been talking more and more now too. Monica has done great at geeting down to the core of our issues and makings all of us think even though it made some of us uneasy at times.
ReplyDeleteHypocrite is a tough subject to talk about. I think many people are a hypocrite at one point or another. We all of said things at one point in time and then later on realize you dont agree with what you said. i really dont like the kind of people who are a hypocrite about every thing. Monic is not one at all. She never takes a side in class she just says thing to make us think and say how you truly fell. It does make alt of us upset but it works very well.
I don't think that Monica is a hypocrite at all. She doesn't say one thing and do the opposite. She rarely even says what side she's on. She never said if she's against giving homeless people money and food or for it. You might think she's for it since she's done this, but most people after finding the jacket just laying there without the homeless man or woman wouldn't give to them anymore. She doesn't pick sides or do anything hypocritical in any way. I love how she actually pushes us and makes us think. You can tell that she actually cares about all of us and our opinions. I love how Monica says "your partner in learning." What teacher has that main goal? It's awesome!You don't find too many teachers like this. I know I don't say too much in class, but I'm kind of a quiet person around a lot of people. I still do have my thoughts though. I have grown in this class and it has made me think in a lot of ways I haven't before. I have learned to be more open and understanding about different people and their different situations and lifes. It's fun to hear someones opinion that you totally disagree with, and then try to see it from their perspective.
ReplyDeleteKristin Sorensen
In regards to Monica being a hypocrite, I don't think she is at all. This dignitas class has taught me many things including making me think about why I believe what I believe. By Monica being the devils advocate it pushes me to really think about my beliefs. I loved the story about Monicas daughter not wanted to go to sleep and how she had to look at what her daughter was saying from her daughters perspective, and not her own. The "I" comments are a really clever way to not hurt anyone and make it focused on the fact that your not blaming anyone else. I plan on trying to use "I" comments instead of "you" comments in the future. It has also made me more open to different opinions and to see others views and question my ideas.
ReplyDeleteKatelyn Geib
I do not believe that Monica is being a hypocrite with the class discussions at all. She does not state her opinion until after the class discussion is over with because she wants to see what other people have to say about it and she will put little twists and turns in there to get your mind going, which makes people think that she is then stating her opinion. I really enjoy class discussions and I enjoy hearing the other peoples ponits of view and what they think on the topic that we are talking about. I do not say much during class but when I do I say whats on my mind and what I think. I believe that the whole point in having these discussions in class is to get us to think outside of the box and for us to hear what other people have to say about it or what they even think about the topic. I dont think we need to change the way class is it because it has made me think and look at things in a different way, and im sure im not the only one that has had an effect from it.
ReplyDeleteNikki Darker
My development throughout this class seems to be taking baby steps. I still feel it hard to share my beliefs with people I am not comfortable with. Sometimes, to me, the more “fired up” the conversation gets, the more uncomfortable I feel. Lately, some of the class discussions have been really heated, and I just shy away. This is why I don’t say much during class. But I feel that me feeling uncomfortable is from me not speaking up.It's not like I don't have anything to say, but I don't want the next person who disagrees with me to "bite my head off." I am thinking that maybe if I do speak up, this sense will loosen up a bit, and maybe this bumping heads will another person will not even occur. One thing that I don’t get is how these heated conversations cause effective communication?
ReplyDeleteMonica I’m feeling pretty guilty also, because I just never ever think about the stuff you have shared with us. It’s defiantly a huge challenge for me to think outside the box. I know I have come pretty far in this class, I don’t swear as much as I use to or use the nonsense words that shouldn’t be used. This group assignment is really exciting, I enjoy every second about it. Our first group project went wonderful and we had no interruptions. I’m pumped for the next discussion and I’m sure everyone will watch their words because it’s not right to call out anyone.
ReplyDeleteKayla Heisler
Responding to Nikki-
ReplyDeleteI agree about what you’re saying about Monica, its one crazy rollercoaster inside your head, that’s how I feel about it. I enjoy our discussions also and I personally think you should talk more because you do state what you think and smart! Also I don’t want the class to change, it would dumb if it did, because I enjoy hearing everyone speak outside their thinker.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteHeated conversations are not effective. That is why I wanted to bring this to everyone's attention and ask them to use "I" statements, stop and think why or what they are so angry about, and refrain from labeling people in class. Perhaps people did not even think about how when they become angry, others do not feel comfortable and therefore will not contribute to the conversations. What a terrible waste! We are working on it and taking baby steps together. ALL of you should be heard and all of us should respect each other. It is a process and a journey.
Thank you for bringing this up and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Monica
I do not think Monica is a hyprocrite at all. During our class discussions, she never states where she stands on the issue but instead pulls us along to see different ones by pointing out other angles. She wants us to step outside of our little box we call our life and view the world with new eyes. That's why she keeps asking "why?" or "what if..?" She wants us to see other options so we can decide if our previous thinking was accurate and true to ourself. I'll admit, when this class first began I was excited to hear about these topics, but I didn't think it was going to be these deep topics. I figured it was going to be on politics or something easy like that, but when you asked us deep questions that scratch at our very souls, it scared us because we had no clue on how to answer them. Now, mostly everyone is beginning to open up and discuss their views which allows our conversation to grow deeper and more connected. We shouldn't be growing angry at Monica, but instead we should be thanking her for showing us a more meaningful look on life with bigger hearts and fresh new eyes.
ReplyDeleteMeghan Mittelstadt
First of all, I just want to say that I truly enjoy this class. When I signed up for it I had no idea what to expect; this was the best I could have asked for. The teachers back in my high school were actually wonderful in that they taught me to view the world from different angles & encouraged other ways of thinking. I think I was very fortunate to have such an enriching educational environment & coming here (being enrolled in this class especially) has been also very enriching. I love having to think & rethink everything. There are always new perspectives to consider. I mainly love that we are challenged to support why we believe what we do. It makes us all so much stronger & reliable. Personally, I like to make sure my opinions are thoroughly backed up, but these discussions are an even better approach. Thank you for creating this class Monica.
ReplyDeleteMonica is genuine...I haven't seen her do anything hypocritical & I verily appreciate that.
I feel I've made progress because every discussion we have gives us all potential to grow. & if not everyone changes, through education we're at least building tolerance, compassion, & respect.
Our communication as a whole could indefinitely be more effective. It's great that others are speaking their minds more, but we do need to be considerate of one another. Differences in opinion are a given, but that diversity has the potential to put up walls or bring us together. I hope for the latter.
Once again, sorry for the lateness; I don't intend to let it happen again, God willing.
Mary~
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments about how Monica doesn't state her opinion until the end for a reason. She want's us to think for ourselves and try and figure out why we think what we think. Even though I might not say much in class doesn't mean I do not have an opinion.I like how you said it gets us to think out of the box. Because her situations get everyone thinking which is a good thing. I enjoy the class and hearing everyones perspectives.
Katelyn Geib
Lane- I agree with you when you say this.
ReplyDelete"I think many people are a hypocrite at one point or another. We all of said things at one point in time and then later on realize you dont agree with what you said. i really dont like the kind of people who are a hypocrite about every thing. "
A lot of times it takes experience on the situation to really know what you believe. You might believe one thing, then go through something that makes you realize that that's not actually what you believe. There are many things that can change a persons point of view. But if you say something and later on realize that you don't think that anymore, I don't think that makes you a hypocrite. People change their minds all the time, it doesn't mean your a bad person or did something wrong. It's all a learning experience.
Kristin Sorensen
Last year I took a high school class called Social Issues and in this class we touched on very sensitive topics much like the ones we discuss in class. My teacher for this class always used to make me furious because he would always play the role of the devil’s advocate and ask the question of why? From my experience in that class I have learned to look at all of the angles of an issue before I make my decision on any topic of discussion. A lot of the time I find myself sitting back and listening to what everyone else has to say before I speak. I feel that by being in this class that I have strengthened my skills about facing difficult issues. In my earlier years, I always used to think that it was either my way or the highway, but now that have developed the skill of seeing all sides of an issue I feel that I have become a wiser person and it will help me later on in life in my future career.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Carlson
Monica,
ReplyDeleteNow I understand where you are coming from with these heated conversations, and feel that this was a good idea. I never thought of these conversations in that why, but they are real “eye openers” if one thinks of them in “I” statements. I am willing to take these baby steps so I can be more effective. Thank you for responding and explaining this to me!
I love how there is a whole weekly reading dedicated to none other than the loud mouth of the class... me! I can't say I have ever had a weekly lesson based off of something I told someone they were. I proudly accept this award.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, when I say Monica is a hypocrite I say this as a final statement to end some of our discussions. At the beginning you may not always directly say how you feel about the situation but you portray feelings that you have. In the end you seem to contradict your feelings sometimes. So to me it seems hypocritical that you portray a feeling or thought at the beginning of the discussion and end with a totally different view point. It may not be direct hypocrisy but it is almost a twisted mind game that I don't agree with. This is what "fires" me up in a conversation and they end up going in circles. I do enjoy this class, but at the same time I feel like there is only a select few of persons that are comfortable enough to voice their opinion.
I don't take back the statement I said nor did I mean to hurt someone's feelings but I am a strong willed person who says what is on my mind. I am opened minded and see how she may or may not be a hypocrite but I feel like this is singling me out. Give respect to get respect. This is disrespectful to me. I am not disrespecting Monica in any way but I will say there were many students who approached me after class and agreed with my statement.
Two wrongs don't make a right. If I felt disrespected by one of my students I wouldn't make it into a public affair like this weekly reading. Next weeks posting should be HOW TO SINGLE OUT A STUDENT.
Thanks,
Joshua R. Kellner
Maggie-
ReplyDeleteWe had a class similar to yours in high school as well. I feel this might help me later in life but I think from now on I am going to just stay quiet in class. I need to see it from one of these different "angles" I am hearing about. Sorry to disappoint my classmates but there will be less contribution from me and more effective listening.
Josh Kellner
Josh-
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to say I'm sorry that this blog here was directed at you. Even though she did not post a name, we all know it was directed at you. I agree it is disrespectful. I believe that what comments are left in class (such as this one) needs to stay in class and not shown to the whole internet world to view. I do not believe she is a hypocrite, but this blog topic was unnecessary.
In repsonse to Mary,
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of your statements, of how this class has change you emotionally, and physically. I have learn a whole lot through this class, and the agree with your statements. Plus your comment that Monica is not a hypocrit is also a statement I can agree upon. This class has made such big impacts in my life and I truly appreciate the topic of this weekly reading, of what is a hypocrit.
I think a lot of us in class are truly moved be all our discussions and we take a lot of the messages to heart, which if you think about it is really cool. I know I feel that way. I also think we should really pay attention to what anyone has to say and try to listen to the meaning behind what they say....
ReplyDeleteI really hate when people have double standard because it really doesn't make any sense to me. If you think someone should do something one way, you should definatly do it the same way too. You can't expect someone to say o no big deal that they are doing something one way but tell me to do something another way. NOT COOL!!! More people need to learn to look at them self and see what they do before the try and tell someone different. There is one phrase I really think shouldn't be used any more, which is "Do what I say not what I do". Now I think that is a hypocritical phrase.
I like like the idea of "I statements". I really want to use those more and ask myself why more!
I didn't know we had to comment on someone's comment in this blog entry...Sorry! Okay, Maria said & I quote, "In our generation, I feel like no one pushes us to really THINK."
ReplyDeleteMy response:
I agree & I see this condition worsening with each successive generation. The media & many other sources do not encourage intellectual understanding or even understanding for that matter. Even the slogan for Nike, "Just do it" implies the notion of action before thought (I know it's supposed to be encouraging of success within athletics, but it really has some bad implications). I worry about the state of the world currently & if the trend of thoughtlessness continues, I truly worry about the future. If we lose our rationale then what do we have? I think classes like this can open our minds. Once we think, we can relate to one another & come together for the common purpose of helping each other as brothers & sisters in humanity.
Mary~
MONICA IS NOT A HYPOCRITE! She really isn't. Everything she says and every issue she provides us with is in order to make us think. She never takes a side and she has never made a statement of which she has turned her back on. In the case that she did do that, one that we did not pick out and attack her for, it would only be to make a specific point stand out. So no, Monica is not a hypocrite and to say she is would be false. As for my progress in the class, I think it's true when I say I have progressed but to be honest its been a slow process. I feel that my tortoise pace is due to being in a class with people I've never been around before. It's much easier for me to open up to people about such serious issues when I know them better. So I'm sorry if I have been reserved but I believe I have progressed somewhat but at a slower pace.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Maggie Dolan's comment, "More people need to learn to look at them self and see what they do before the try and tell someone different."
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the comment came from someone else but as the Black Eyed Peas sang, "Can you practice what you preach, and would you turn the other cheek?" This is exactly what Maggie means. I think this is such a good question to live by. Monitoring our own actions rather than picking apart the actions of others is something that I would like to see more of. Really, if there's going to be a change in anything it has to start with ourselves and I know that in order to make my life better I need to do stuff that makes me happy. Something I forgot to mention in my previous comment though, was that I really do enjoy our discussions even if I leave the class feeling beyond frustrated. When something happens that really gets me thinking and considering the choices I've made in my life, I appreciate these moments. If I didn't have them I would just continue meandering through life being ignorant and not knowing how my actions effect others.
Kayla,
ReplyDeleteNo reason to feel guilty! I admire that you admitted that you have not thought about about some of these things before and now are making an effort to be aware and make a difference. That is huge!
Monica
Maria,
ReplyDeleteI love your energy in class and your willingness to voice your thoughts and opinions. Acknowledging that you can become defensive is a great step to becoming a better communicator. Most people never admit to that. You should be proud of yourself for not only admitting it but making a conscious effort to change it. Excellent!
Monica
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your comment, "I feel I've made progress because every discussion we have gives us all potential to grow. & if not everyone changes, through education we're at least building tolerance, compassion, & respect.
Our communication as a whole could indefinitely be more effective. It's great that others are speaking their minds more, but we do need to be considerate of one another. Differences in opinion are a given, but that diversity has the potential to put up walls or bring us together. I hope for the latter. " It is so insightful and very true. I too hope for the latter and think we are getting there.
Monica
Josh,
ReplyDeleteYou stated, "I love how there is a whole weekly reading dedicated to none other than the loud mouth of the class... me! I can't say I have ever had a weekly lesson based off of something I told someone they were. I proudly accept this award". I am sorry that you felt that this blog was directed towards you, but it wasn't. You were not alone in your comments, you mentioned yourself in your posting that several students thought the same thing. During class other students said this as well and side comments were made. I decided to do this posting for a number of reasons, but you personally were not the reason behind it. It was my own communication and the direction the class had taken that I felt I needed to post my intentions so students could better understand what I am trying to communicate and what I am striving for. I felt there was confusion there. I also wanted to stress the importance of using "I" statements in our class discussions, so students become aware of their language usage and how it can cause others not to voice their feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions. As comfort increases in our class, "I" statements become necessary.
I left class last week feeling that I had not been successful, no one else. I take responsibility for that. These discussions are not meant to be about me, they are meant to be about the issue at hand and looking at it from all different angles, and questioning ourselves why we think the way we do. Is it society, how we were raised, or is it something we truly believe. These class discussions are lessons in effective communication and learning about ourselves, each other and our world. I will take situations from class and use them on our blog, they are meant to be teaching moments. This was a great one for all of us. I can look at it and appreciate it for what it is, a great opportunity for all of us to learn and grow from. I did this before with, "it is what it is" because I thought it was a great topic to ponder.
I am thrilled you are stated you are going to dedicate time to effective listening in class (we should all engage in that), but I do not want to hear less from you. Your comments, as everyone else's are always appreciated.
Monica
Monica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for clearing up this weekly posting. I felt it was directed towards me because I remember saying that to you. No hard feelings it just upset me because I knew I was a reasoning behind this. I should take it more as a compliment knowing I am making the teacher think just as hard as us sometimes. I mean no disrespect in what I have said nor would I treat you with disrespect.
Thanks,
Josh
Josh,
ReplyDeleteLooking at this from all the angles I can understand why you thought this now. I am glad you know it was not intended towards you at all. I believe you are very passionate about your beliefs and I respect that. I also appreciate what you have to say. I look forward to your comments next week as well as everyones. I am glad you are a part of this journey.
Monica