Reflection on Role Playing: Town Hall Meeting

The role playing we did on Monday was a great way to learn about the No Child Left Behind (nclb) legislation that will probably affect my teaching experience. Direct instruction approach in the form of a lecture would have been more informational and a more objective overview of nclb would have been given, however I would have tuned that out for multiple reasons. First, I have a very basic understanding of legal documents and legislation. I am unable to translate the complicated jargon of legislation into how it affects people on a day-to-day basis. The role playing we did on Monday did just that; we were able to learn about the legislation through its application. This had far more meaning for me than would a lecture about the same subject. So yes, this was a very legitimate way to learn about the truth behind nclb and examine not only the good points, but the bad as well.
The emotional engagement aspect brough it really close to home and my emotional investment made it important to me. The whole thing will stick with me better because I was emotionally invested. I do agree that people need basic skills in order to engage sucessfully in an activity like this. It takes skill to be able to put your own opinion aside and see things from the perspective of another person. I was given the perspective of a parent of a high achieving student, which was a stretch because I'm not a parent. For someone lacking the basic skill of empathy, role playing in a role unlike their own would be very difficult.
I do think we pay closer attention to more successful people. Look at Oprah; people hang on her every word and she is a respected woman. The same kind of reverence is not reserved for the garbage man. As harsh as that may seem, it's a fact of life. People admire those who are successful and make everything, including their opinions, worth more. Is it right? No. But in our culture it is crucial to have prestige. As a teacher, I will begin with no prestige and will have to build it through hard work and being a good person. Prestige is important on all levels, and with prestige I will be able to gain respect from co-workers, administration, and students.

Reflectiveness

Reflecting is hard. It's challenging because reflecting means admitting that you're imperfect and that there are things you can do better. It's hard to realize that your habits and tried and true ways of doing things may not be the best or more effective. Because of this, reflectiveness is really important in becoming and staying an effective teacher. I always hated the teachers who have had the same lesson plans and activities for 20 years, which weren't really relevant anymore anyway. Besides, as a teacher, I want to stay interested and invested in what I'm doing and the material I'm teaching.
I reflect best when I'm outdoors on a walk. For some reason, those two components of light exercise and the great outdoors makes me pensive in a way that no other environments can. I think being outside brings me peace and I'm able to enjoy it for the beautiful creation that it is without being distracted by man-made structures. Walking keeps my body busy so I feel like I have a purpose and a destination, even though I usually do not. With my body busy doing something natural that requires little or no thought, my mind is free to wander and reflect on problems and their possible solutions.
No matter where or how one chooses to reflect, it's frustrating sometimes to have to admit to yourself that you are always a work in progress. No matter how much you improve upon yourself, there are always more things to work on and more problems to address. That's something effective teachers are able to admit to themselves; that they aren't perfect and neither are kids, but putting forth effort to better oneself in personality, mentality, or academics is beneficial for all parties involved.