When we were asked in class to write down what we thought the word facilitation meant I wrote "to help stimulate learning and discussion in a group setting." Being able to facilitate is a skill we have to be good at as a peer mentor. It can be difficult to distinguish facilitating from teaching, but I find that if one thinks about letting the group find its own answers rather than giving them the answers and expecting them to retain that information.
Learning is an experience that takes not only the presenting of information, but the developing and learned skill of critical thinking. When our students get here in the fall they are going to need to adjust to the new way their classes are going to be presented. They may be a hands on learner, but in a class of 300 there is not likely to be many hands on activities. It is our job to help students through new situations like this.
I plan on doing an activity with my recitation very much like the one in class where we discover our learning style and discuss which one everyone is and what problems arise from said style. If we discuss about in in a group not only will we as facilitators be able to help the student using our own expertise, but communicating with other students that may have the same problem. The problem of adjusting to a teaching style different from what you are used to is a common one in college and can be extremely difficult to get over. With the extra help we as peer mentors give them it can be a much smoother less painful road they have to travel and can make their transition to ISU as easy and pain-free as possible.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Communicating Effectively
Hey guys,
First I would like to thank you all for being such good participants during Chels's and my presentation. I wanted to read over several of your guy's blogs before I posted my own to see how you all took the lesson and what you learned from it.
We really wanted to see how you all dealt with the activity of not knowing exactly what the person before you was trying to say. I believe that many of you did learn a lot from this activity about how one message can get misshapen and changed from one person to another. Cory pointed out that this is one thing he learned from the activity so I will mark it as a success!!!
We also learned as facilitators that there is always more information you want to cover than the time provided. Chels and I had another activity we wanted to do, but realized that we were going to run out of time. I think it is good to realize this now rather than plan a jam packed session and not get all our points across next year as a mentor.
Each of us communicates in a different way and it is our job as a facilitator to ensure that each of our students are able to express themselves and learn with the rest of the class. It was a good point that was brought up in class that we should use multiple forms of media to ensure we meet the needs of an ever growing diversity of learners we will have in our classes.
I learned a lot from this teaching experience and cant wait for the next one!
First I would like to thank you all for being such good participants during Chels's and my presentation. I wanted to read over several of your guy's blogs before I posted my own to see how you all took the lesson and what you learned from it.
We really wanted to see how you all dealt with the activity of not knowing exactly what the person before you was trying to say. I believe that many of you did learn a lot from this activity about how one message can get misshapen and changed from one person to another. Cory pointed out that this is one thing he learned from the activity so I will mark it as a success!!!
We also learned as facilitators that there is always more information you want to cover than the time provided. Chels and I had another activity we wanted to do, but realized that we were going to run out of time. I think it is good to realize this now rather than plan a jam packed session and not get all our points across next year as a mentor.
Each of us communicates in a different way and it is our job as a facilitator to ensure that each of our students are able to express themselves and learn with the rest of the class. It was a good point that was brought up in class that we should use multiple forms of media to ensure we meet the needs of an ever growing diversity of learners we will have in our classes.
I learned a lot from this teaching experience and cant wait for the next one!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Diversity and ISCORE
Hello World,
It is very fitting this weeks topic was diversity and that ISCORE was this week as well. I spend a lot of time thinking about diversity in my education classes and in one of my jobs as a community advisor and sometimes the conversation can get overwhelming and downright tiring. Neither of my experiences this week were that way though.
First I want to talk about ISCORE. I was disappointed that I was only able to go to one session, but I learned a lot during that session. I had the pleasure of going to Allie's session over Muslim women. It was extremely interesting to learn about her finding so far from her studies and the experience's she has had on her journey so far. Many of us find it hard to get out of our comfort and knowledge zone and learn about a topic that we have been uncomfortable with. This to me is why there is a problem with racism and stereotyping at all, because there are people that will not let themselves be exposed to new information and new experiences that would at the very least give them new experiences they could pass judgement on rather than just speculation. I am happy that there are people like Allie that are willing to put time and effort into such areas of study.
I really enjoyed hearing everyones description of themselves during class on Tuesday. It was interesting that a good percentage of the class had similar criterion to describe themselves, as Silas pointed out. Every time I am asked to define myself and the criterion I associate myself with I always feel bad somewhat because the criteria I identify with are those very criteria that other groups dislike or attack sometimes. I stated that I always feel like the bad guy because of my privilege, which is the truth in most of these talks.
There is a video that I saw on youtube the other day that had Morgan Freeman in it that I think has a good message. If we stop identifying ourself with these drastic differences and see each other as who we are individuals, individuals with differences yes, but individuals none-the-less we can end stereo-typing and move closer to a society without race or gender issues.
Here is the video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeixtYS-P3s
This is my opinion and I believe that everyone has a different opinions on ways that we can resolve the problem. It has taken centuries to create the problem and I believe it will take quite a long time to fix it. We have came a long way in the last thirty years and I believe we will continue to press forward.
It is very fitting this weeks topic was diversity and that ISCORE was this week as well. I spend a lot of time thinking about diversity in my education classes and in one of my jobs as a community advisor and sometimes the conversation can get overwhelming and downright tiring. Neither of my experiences this week were that way though.
First I want to talk about ISCORE. I was disappointed that I was only able to go to one session, but I learned a lot during that session. I had the pleasure of going to Allie's session over Muslim women. It was extremely interesting to learn about her finding so far from her studies and the experience's she has had on her journey so far. Many of us find it hard to get out of our comfort and knowledge zone and learn about a topic that we have been uncomfortable with. This to me is why there is a problem with racism and stereotyping at all, because there are people that will not let themselves be exposed to new information and new experiences that would at the very least give them new experiences they could pass judgement on rather than just speculation. I am happy that there are people like Allie that are willing to put time and effort into such areas of study.
I really enjoyed hearing everyones description of themselves during class on Tuesday. It was interesting that a good percentage of the class had similar criterion to describe themselves, as Silas pointed out. Every time I am asked to define myself and the criterion I associate myself with I always feel bad somewhat because the criteria I identify with are those very criteria that other groups dislike or attack sometimes. I stated that I always feel like the bad guy because of my privilege, which is the truth in most of these talks.
There is a video that I saw on youtube the other day that had Morgan Freeman in it that I think has a good message. If we stop identifying ourself with these drastic differences and see each other as who we are individuals, individuals with differences yes, but individuals none-the-less we can end stereo-typing and move closer to a society without race or gender issues.
Here is the video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeixtYS-P3s
This is my opinion and I believe that everyone has a different opinions on ways that we can resolve the problem. It has taken centuries to create the problem and I believe it will take quite a long time to fix it. We have came a long way in the last thirty years and I believe we will continue to press forward.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Values
(so funny story I went to comment on two blogs this evening and realized that this was autosaved as a draft and not sent...... whoops)
I have actually gave quite a bit of thought to values prior to this class due to my experiences with fraternity. Values are a part of life that everyone has. Granted some people have poor values, but values none the less. Analyzing and actually thinking about one's values really make you think about what you believe to be right in the world and how you run your life.
When I was asked the question who is/ has been a role model in your life I thought of one person. My grandfather. I have always said since his passing that if I live the life he did I will die a happy man. The core values I picked for him were creativity, responsibility, dependability, and positive thinking. He was a man whom everyone loved and cared for. This goes to show that these values are important in the relationships we build and that is why they are important to peer mentors.
I feel I share many of these values with him and I have used and developed them to build relationships with my friends, residents, and co-workers. Responsibility is one value that I treasure, even tho I sometimes fail on some of my efforts I try to take responsibility of everything I do, i.e. my work responsibilities, family, and school work. I think it is important to have all of these values if you plan on making a difference in the lives of your students. It was a common trend for the role models of several of the peer mentors to exhibit several of the listed values, so become that responsible role model/mentor we need to work on and exhibit as many of these as possible.
One of my weak points is focus, I am involved in so many things that stopping and focusing on one is a hard task and one that I have tried to work on more as of late. It has not been a hinderance to me since I have adapted to functioning this way, but it does affect my life when I have to stay up late to do homework because I put it off and didn't do it because I was thinking about something else.
I have actually gave quite a bit of thought to values prior to this class due to my experiences with fraternity. Values are a part of life that everyone has. Granted some people have poor values, but values none the less. Analyzing and actually thinking about one's values really make you think about what you believe to be right in the world and how you run your life.
When I was asked the question who is/ has been a role model in your life I thought of one person. My grandfather. I have always said since his passing that if I live the life he did I will die a happy man. The core values I picked for him were creativity, responsibility, dependability, and positive thinking. He was a man whom everyone loved and cared for. This goes to show that these values are important in the relationships we build and that is why they are important to peer mentors.
I feel I share many of these values with him and I have used and developed them to build relationships with my friends, residents, and co-workers. Responsibility is one value that I treasure, even tho I sometimes fail on some of my efforts I try to take responsibility of everything I do, i.e. my work responsibilities, family, and school work. I think it is important to have all of these values if you plan on making a difference in the lives of your students. It was a common trend for the role models of several of the peer mentors to exhibit several of the listed values, so become that responsible role model/mentor we need to work on and exhibit as many of these as possible.
One of my weak points is focus, I am involved in so many things that stopping and focusing on one is a hard task and one that I have tried to work on more as of late. It has not been a hinderance to me since I have adapted to functioning this way, but it does affect my life when I have to stay up late to do homework because I put it off and didn't do it because I was thinking about something else.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Becoming Self Aware
- What is your role in helping the freshmen students become self aware?
My role as a peer mentor is to facilitate students in their own journey of becoming self aware. I set up the situation for them to analyze their own awareness and guide them as they ask questions and share their own experiences.- How do you think you can do this?
I set up the situation by doing activities very much like the ones we did in class on tuesday. Another thing that is extremely important is reflecting on what you realize during these activities. I have learned from being a education major that reflecting is a integral part of developing and becoming aware of how things work and how you can make them better. I believe this is so because once your thoughts and feelings get put on paper you can go back to them and rethink them from time to time. This is why in lecture I brought up the fact that perhaps our students should blog more then they have in the past, perhaps for every class period like we do!
- What kinds of questions can you ask to make them more self aware?
Questions like those posed in activity 5.1 are very good, questions that make you think about yourself and how you perceive the world you live in. for the most part I believe that people don't really reflect everyday on who they are and how they interact with the world, so this activity poses questions that make them do that.- After looking at your activity 5.4 results, make 3 goals to improve your self-awareness.
My lowest area was emotional awareness primarily the areas of self content and change. I have never been good at dealing with change that was not controlled by me, I always like to be in the middle of everything that is happening and being a part of the change not just affected by it. I need to become a little better at going with the flow and taking stuff as it comes.
I also used to be overweight and I have worked hard over the last three years to be where I am today. I believe that my low self content is a after effect of my low self esteem during that period of my life. I am still working towards being content with my self so my goal is to become whole and happy.
My last goal is to become more spiritual, maybe not in the go to church every Sunday sense, but spiritual in the sense of finding something that makes me feel whole and happy!
My role as a peer mentor is to facilitate students in their own journey of becoming self aware. I set up the situation for them to analyze their own awareness and guide them as they ask questions and share their own experiences.- How do you think you can do this?
I set up the situation by doing activities very much like the ones we did in class on tuesday. Another thing that is extremely important is reflecting on what you realize during these activities. I have learned from being a education major that reflecting is a integral part of developing and becoming aware of how things work and how you can make them better. I believe this is so because once your thoughts and feelings get put on paper you can go back to them and rethink them from time to time. This is why in lecture I brought up the fact that perhaps our students should blog more then they have in the past, perhaps for every class period like we do!
- What kinds of questions can you ask to make them more self aware?
Questions like those posed in activity 5.1 are very good, questions that make you think about yourself and how you perceive the world you live in. for the most part I believe that people don't really reflect everyday on who they are and how they interact with the world, so this activity poses questions that make them do that.- After looking at your activity 5.4 results, make 3 goals to improve your self-awareness.
My lowest area was emotional awareness primarily the areas of self content and change. I have never been good at dealing with change that was not controlled by me, I always like to be in the middle of everything that is happening and being a part of the change not just affected by it. I need to become a little better at going with the flow and taking stuff as it comes.
I also used to be overweight and I have worked hard over the last three years to be where I am today. I believe that my low self content is a after effect of my low self esteem during that period of my life. I am still working towards being content with my self so my goal is to become whole and happy.
My last goal is to become more spiritual, maybe not in the go to church every Sunday sense, but spiritual in the sense of finding something that makes me feel whole and happy!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Week Five
Hey World,
Well I am super pumped about this week. Around 50 degree weather and of course Hixson Class!!! I enjoyed class last week, the format was a bit different because of having to have two complete lessons in one class period, but I believe the message got across very well and both groups did a great job! Well since I messed up and talked about chapter four last week I don't have a lot to talk about this week.
With that said I thought I would just review some of the highlights of my learning the last several weeks. I believe a high point for me so far would have to still be the MBTI. I was amazed at how accurate that test was in seeing what kind of person/personality I am and was able to break it down in to such accurate little sections. I still believe that it is a test that everyone should take once in their lives. Another highlight is really getting to know the other peer mentors. It has been relieving to know that there are other people out there that share the same concerns as I do. It is also great having so many people I feel like I could talk to if I had to.
To kind of revert back to chapter four and last weeks class the subject of confidentiality stuck with me. In my previous work and leadership experience I have noticed that it is hard for a lot of people not to gossip or talk about fellow coworkers or students behind their back. This is always something that has made me uncomfortable. I am glad it was covered in our lesson we discussed it somewhat. Nothing can hurt a relationship more than being caddy or talking about information that was supposed to remain personal with others.
All in all I have had a good experience so far and I hope I continue to have a great time and an interesting and developing experience.
Well I am super pumped about this week. Around 50 degree weather and of course Hixson Class!!! I enjoyed class last week, the format was a bit different because of having to have two complete lessons in one class period, but I believe the message got across very well and both groups did a great job! Well since I messed up and talked about chapter four last week I don't have a lot to talk about this week.
With that said I thought I would just review some of the highlights of my learning the last several weeks. I believe a high point for me so far would have to still be the MBTI. I was amazed at how accurate that test was in seeing what kind of person/personality I am and was able to break it down in to such accurate little sections. I still believe that it is a test that everyone should take once in their lives. Another highlight is really getting to know the other peer mentors. It has been relieving to know that there are other people out there that share the same concerns as I do. It is also great having so many people I feel like I could talk to if I had to.
To kind of revert back to chapter four and last weeks class the subject of confidentiality stuck with me. In my previous work and leadership experience I have noticed that it is hard for a lot of people not to gossip or talk about fellow coworkers or students behind their back. This is always something that has made me uncomfortable. I am glad it was covered in our lesson we discussed it somewhat. Nothing can hurt a relationship more than being caddy or talking about information that was supposed to remain personal with others.
All in all I have had a good experience so far and I hope I continue to have a great time and an interesting and developing experience.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week Four- Let it Snow
Well here I am writing my blog for the week, I know everyone in class was very upset about not having class this week because of snow ;)
As I read this chapter I tied everything I read to experiences I have had as a Community Advisor. This helps me analyze the way I have handled situation and the how I could improve them in the future. The part of this chapter that really made me think was the mentoring relationship. The chapter says that mentoring is primarily about creating and enduring a meaningful relationship with another person. This made me think about why I wanted to become a community advisor. I wanted to have/build a close relationship with students that I am supposed to be an authority figure over. It is important for me to master this because I plan on becoming a teacher and i need to know how to build meaningful relationships, while maintaining distance and authority. I believe being a peer mentor will help me learn and develop this talent more as well.
Another part of the peer mentoring relationship were the attributes that improve the peer mentor relationship. Many of these included knowing and utilizing campus resources and drawing on previous experiences. One thing that I need to work on is the acting and coming across as authentic. I sometimes have a tendency of coming across as sarcastic when I really don't mean to be. I need to put a stop to this because a peer mentor needs to come across as caring and authentic in order to have a positive affect on their students.
These were a couple of things that really stuck out to me in the chapter!
As I read this chapter I tied everything I read to experiences I have had as a Community Advisor. This helps me analyze the way I have handled situation and the how I could improve them in the future. The part of this chapter that really made me think was the mentoring relationship. The chapter says that mentoring is primarily about creating and enduring a meaningful relationship with another person. This made me think about why I wanted to become a community advisor. I wanted to have/build a close relationship with students that I am supposed to be an authority figure over. It is important for me to master this because I plan on becoming a teacher and i need to know how to build meaningful relationships, while maintaining distance and authority. I believe being a peer mentor will help me learn and develop this talent more as well.
Another part of the peer mentoring relationship were the attributes that improve the peer mentor relationship. Many of these included knowing and utilizing campus resources and drawing on previous experiences. One thing that I need to work on is the acting and coming across as authentic. I sometimes have a tendency of coming across as sarcastic when I really don't mean to be. I need to put a stop to this because a peer mentor needs to come across as caring and authentic in order to have a positive affect on their students.
These were a couple of things that really stuck out to me in the chapter!
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