As I read this chapter and with the activity about identify the characteristics of a healthy community, it is true that if we foster one it will be meaningful to teach in community. I think that what it is required from us, it is always seek to form community in our schools. "Be part of the solution, not part of the problem" in a Christian words as St. Francis says "Be an instrument of peace".
When Palmer says, "Community or connectedness, is the principle behind good teaching, but different teachers with different gifts create community in surprisingly diverse ways, using divergent methods".
We all are rich. God gives us talents and gifts that if we put them to service...they will be multiply. We enrich our students when we use them in different ways that help them to learn. But we also need to HONOR the gifts of our students. (student-centered) We do not have all the knowledge, we must engage them in active learning.
Hi Eloisa,I love this quotation "Be part of the solution, not part of the problem." It is quite true in ordinary life as well.We need to create an atmosphere in our education sytem where everyone is welcome and everyone feels at home. It is true that more you give to others the more you receive. Thank you so much for enriching my life through your sharing. See you next summer.
ReplyDeleteHi Sister Eloisa, that is amazing that each of us who answered the call to teacher are as diverse as it gets!!! And, if you and I were to teach the same group of kids the same subject, we would do it so differently, however I believe we would hopefully be on the same page about "how" to teach them considering how they best learn and their needs....
ReplyDeleteWe as teachers need to always be developing our gifts as well as seeking other gifts that God has bestowed upon us. God's generosity cannot be OUTDONE!!!
I absolutely LOVE when you said 'We are all rich" I truly hope this class has helped you as it did I to become more aware of my gifts and discover in richness God has put in me :)
ReplyDeleteSister Eloisa I loved that you said "be part of the solution, not the problem." How nice it would be if everyone thought this way! I also really enjoyed that you spoke of the gifts God has given us. The biggest thank you to God is to share our gifts he has so graciously given to us with our students! You have many wonderful gifts and I am so happy and thankful that you have shared them with me this summer.
ReplyDeleteBlessed be God!
ReplyDeleteDear Elo,
I congratulate you for your accomplishments! We are done...well I am still writing its 1:41 am, and you are sleeping already.
I wish you the best in this school year!
It was a pleasure to study with you this summer!
Enjoy your family!
God bless!