EDUC 303 Module 1

1. What do you know about yourself as a learner?

I've picked up my share of bad habits over the years, but I read and write when I can, and certainly consider myself a lifelong learner (so far). I listen well, though my biases can obscure what I'm hearing. I've been shaped by reading and discussion, and I care deeply about the transmission of great books, as stodgy as that sounds. Language-learning, math, music, and play are all of major importance to me. I'm generally open to new ideas, including more radical ones, but I hold some principles, like nonviolence and the importance of critical thinking, too close to question, ultimately.

2.  What has impacted your life as a learner?

All of my friends and family have been at least as important as my classes in school. I've done plenty of school, too, of course. The biggest moments I could recall distinctly are riding the bus to school with friends from my neighborhood, telling stories and jokes and philosophizing amongst ourselves; then going to work at the school library in high school and shelving books quickly to have time to read whatever I wanted; then studying abroad in Spain, living with a host family and traveling on my own and with fellow students. 

3.  What do you predict will be your biggest challenges in this course?  Why?

I have put off working towards certification for a long time, though I've subbed and taught full-time in charter schools and online classes for years. I can be stubborn and contrarian, particularly if I think I already know something. I have a lot of patience, but I can get frustrated if I feel like I'm not doing as well as I could be, or if I feel like I'm letting others down. I want to really engage with the material and not just go through the motions, but I know that will be the temptation when things get busy and time is short. 

4.  What do you plan to do to overcome these challenges?  How?

I'll try to keep honest and civil communication going with the professors and fellow students. I'll rely on them to keep me grounded and focused, and in turn I'll try to push them to be more reflective and accountable as well.