Inquiry Project- I

For my inquiry project I decided to focus on international schools and learning. Taking from our readings like Kara Poe Alexander I tried to build my project off from there, seeing if I could come up with themes for international countries, primarily from Asia as a whole and the Philippines, and comparing them to themes that are common here.

My first thought was what makes them successful? Motoko Rich, from New York Times wrote an article, US Students Still Lag Globally in Math and Science, Tests Show, on America's rank in comparison to other countries, and points out that we're around the center of the list. Which is surprising considering we spent over $970 Billion last year and the amount of support and value we seem to place on it. Is it our views that make us different? Is it because of how we view success or school?  Or is it because of the regulations and policys set by the  government?

After careful thought I believe one main difference is how teachers are viewed in foreign countries. They seem to be held in higher esteem, are given better support and are specially selected and pulled out of their programs to continue on training the younger generations. This reverence that is held for them is not only shown in how they are paid and rewarded monetarily but also how students view them and act in class. Classes tend to be far more orderly and respectful when it comes to the teachers.

This is just one of the many things that help influence international learning. For my next project im interested in finding out how teachers were given their niche in society.

Forrest View HS

 

^Forrest View High Logo^

     So last week on wed we got to meet the HS Seniors from Forrest View High. It was a crazy and fun experience and it was kind of boggling just imagining that we were in their shoes not to long ago. I remember being a Senior, even a Freshman and thinking that college was so far away but now, looking back at it, it all seemed to go by pretty fast. College here has taught me how to really study, manage my time and understand that for everything you do, they're are consequences, good or bad. Study, work, eat, play and sleep - there needs to be a balance. I feel like those guys from Forrest View might come in to college and learn a few things too, about the world around them and themselves.

What have you guys learned?

Poetry

I see all sorts of things,
the world- altered, worked with, befriended.
As we party to our own rendition,
get connected, stay connected
-
Party, your invited.

On Monday we went around trying to find words or phrases that interested us. Although we all had the same words I thought it was really cool and interesting how we each came up with something unique. Each of us, having different experiences allowed us to create something different. Putting on our own twists on the poetry piece and what ever else we may be working on. Its a way of expressing who we are, and by meeting other individuals, it allows us to interact with, learn and see things we would have never been able to experience otherwise.

Flow

On Feb 20th Lacy gave us a couple of quotes to read from the book Flow. It talked about exploring life on your own, finding a sense of achievement and enjoyment, for enjoyments sake and not to base it on others expectations or measures.

Trying to link this back into class, I feel like we were all born with this sense of thinking. The idea of adventure, of climbing the trees in the backyard or playing games like hide and seek. These ideals were then slowly and systematically replaced when we entered school. In search of results and empirical evidence, schools taught us how to think critically, to analyze, giving us information to critic rather then exploring it ourself.  We were given to tools to decipher the world around us but never the drive, the imagination or creativity. I mean when has school material genuinely been interesting?





Just  a little blurb fueled by Flow's quotes. What do you guys think?

Internationals

On Feb 11 Lacy gave us an excerpt that asked the question of whether or not foreign languages, languages outside of English should be allowed in an English class. Personally I don't believe they should. I agree that yes, having a view point that is unique and different can help stimulate creative writing, and that a different language may or can act as the tool to guide that unique view point, but English class is meant to teach English and the only way to get better is through practice. I whole heartedly believe that we should and need to study other cultures and exam other idea, beliefs and thoughts. That way we may be able to strengthen our own ideals, remain open to others and learn new things. Although when it comes to English, I prefer that we stay consistent and attempt to master one thing at a time.

What do you think?

Media, Music and Culture

So for the past week we've been talking about representation. The connection between media, schools, learning and language. Coming from a Filipino family, with both parents born in the Philippines, I was raised up listening to how different life in America is, and how blessed we are to live here.

So now i am shamelessly going to induce you guys to my favourite music group, Beast. They are a Korean group that does a variety of music, pop and hip-hop while mixed it in with stylized dancing. They among others of the K-pop genre, represent a broad and popular music movement in the Asian area. About two and a half minutes in you see some shots of a school, a medley of different colours and unique sets of clothes. K-pop has helped define and shape the culture within the youth and it can be seen and heavily represented in the videos and lyrics of the songs that they create.

So, although this is just kind of a little way for me to slip in my blurb and hopefully get you guys hooked onto K-pop music with me, it also shows how heavily and influential music and celebrities in general can have on our culture. Regardless if its in Asia, the Philippines or America. What kind of impact do you think our media has on us?


Another one of my favourites by Beast, a practice video.
 Shock - Beast

Belief v Doubt

We live in a world were we are inundated with new information each day. New advertisement, products, songs and labels. A never ending sea of facts, opinions and things in between. Peter Elbow asks us to shift our thinking and focus it onto a new type of game, the believing game.

The believing game is where we consciously make an effort to open our mind to thoughts that we would normally filter out Although I found what he said interesting I think the doubting game does have its place. We need those filters to run and make it through our everyday lives, to stay on track. Its what keeps us focused, instead of going through every thought and idea, we try to pick up only on things that are relevant and important. What are your thoughts on these two games?