Over the last four months, I have paid a great deal of attention to the details in life. Whoever said “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” hasn’t paid enough attention to the fact that it’s the small stuff that plays a HUGE part in how we think about the overall BIG picture.
Throughout CEP 882-The Nature and Design of Compelling Experiences, I have truly taken the time to analyze and look deeply into things. My husband would tell you that I analyze everything and often times, “read into things too much.” Well, I think my analytical mind has done me great service over the last few months of class, and I’m a better person because of it. Taking the time to look deeply into the details and design of things has afforded me the time to enjoy the experiences along the way. People craft experiences every day and examining how those make you feel, is quite satisfying.
I am a highly organized person, and as a teacher, I’ve learned that this is a good thing. Being organized goes beyond simply maintaining materials, it’s all about how you present yourself, your classroom, or your lessons and how that will affect your students, parents, and colleagues. You want to set up the educational experience to make everyone feel comfortable in your classroom community. I have made some educational bridges about the topics covered in CEP 882 and want to share my insights.
First of all, using a blog to capture my thoughts has been priceless. I have always enjoyed writing and using technology to keep a journal online has been quite satisfying. It’s fun to go back and read what I was feeling and “hear” my voice. Putting your thoughts down on paper is a great way to reflect on what you’ve learned and gives you an opportunity to take another look at it.
Secondly, I learned a great deal from the modules about photography, film, and music. I believe that these three topics all work quite well together. Personalities really come to life through a lens, whether it’s a still camera or a video camera. When you add music into the equation, experiences can definitely be enhanced and naturally become more compelling.
One thing I learned was to use the viewfinder on my camera. This really helps you to “see” what the camera sees. Instead of using my digital screen, which can often be distracting, I was able to take pictures and really focus on JUST the things in the viewfinder…the “heart of the matter.”
How can I use photography in education?
Looking at pictures can trigger feelings and just might make writing more fun. I’d like to allow my students to take pictures of things and then focus on the details of their experience. Getting students to write about personal experiences and then critiquing the actual writing should be easier…focusing on structure, word choice, voice, etc.
How can I apply the concept of digital photography to my career as an educator?
Digital photography is so much easier than the old way of film. Taking digital photos allows us to quickly accumulate a large supply of pictures. Here’s the connection. Educators tend to collect many ideas for teaching. The trouble is that we end up with file after file of ideas and don't put enough of them to good use. Some ideas are better than others, much like some photos are better than others. Sorting through these ideas and making good use of them is key. My goal is to sort through my teaching files and get those good ideas organized. If it no longer seems like a good idea, I'm going to toss it out. I'm only in my 4th year of teaching and if I don't get my files in order...just think of all the stuff I'll have when I retire! I want to be as effective as I can, making the most of every given moment…making sure that I’ve got quality things to work with, as opposed to quantity.
How can I use music in my teaching?
Music is an awesome tool and definitely has the power to evoke feelings in people. Music, in itself, is an art form and listening to the details and hearing the stories being told in music, is exciting. Because music can be so powerful on feelings and emotions, I think playing some music before teaching certain subjects might be a good way to get kids fired up to learn. I need to find a song that kids like...and play it just before I teach Science or Writing. I think using music to make a positive association with learning could be the key to success.
Reflecting on the Fashion Module, “What NOT to Teach,” was a very fun activity. Taking a snapshot of myself as a teacher has allowed me to see what other’s see…and to evaluate what can be improved. Although it can be difficult to critique yourself, making sure that you’re using best practice to teach your students is imperative. Finding new ways to teach core curriculum, in today’s ever-changing society, is a challenge. This challenge is certainly one that good teachers need to accept. We need to keep the momentum of teaching moving forward and not grow stagnant in our ways.
My friend, Abby, highly recommended taking this class and I’m so glad that she did. Paying attention to the details of all experiences will make me a better teacher. Learning to slow down and then reflect on how things make me feel, will help guide me when I’m designing my lessons or even arranging my classroom. Knowing how to influence my students will help me create lifelong learners, who use the small stuff to get the big picture.
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