Tag Archives: Influenced*

May 5 2016

Independent vs Dependent Learning

Posted on by

After reflecting on the year as a whole, I realized how my Ole Miss experiences have differed from those of my high school years. More importantly, I have seen an increased amount of personal growth in myself than I have in high school. In fact, I feel that I have become a more independent learner and person compared to high school.

Take a look at my Weekly Artifact: NEVER LOFT YOUR BED ALONE . My head got ahead of my capabilities and there wasn’t a soul there to talk me out of it. I made up a list of why would it be a good idea to loft my bed rather than why it is not a good idea to loft my bed. When I look back on this moment, all I can think is “Only Madelyn Moments”. This simple example demonstrates how I have begun to think independently about life decisions. Although I think this was a huge learning moment for my personal life, I believe that this is dramatically different from how I would have acted in high school. During those four short years of my life, I had to have permission from my parents before I did something. This prevented me from making the bad decision or not thinking something through entirely. In college, I don’t have to have parental consent. If you had asked me a year ago if I would decide to do something without asking my parents first, I would laugh in your face. Now I am making all kinds of decisions on my own, whether it be about personal matters such as what I am going to eat for lunch to educational decisions about doing my homework. Therefore, I believe that through out my first year at Ole Miss, I have become more of an actively independent person in my life actions.

My independent thinking was not limited to the personal life experiences. In my educational opportunities, I have become more independent than my high school self. If you consider my Weekly Artifact: Math Master , it becomes more clear how I have begun to have to think and learn independently. This post highlights how I have developed many perspectives on how to solve a math problem. I was presented with a problem from a class I have never taken and was able to solve it because of what I have learned from another math course. In high school, I can guarantee that if I was presented with a problem like that, I would have gone straight to the teacher and they would have showed me how to solve it. Absolutely no outside problem solving. I think this example really goes to show how I have begun to further my knowledge and be less dependent on a teacher spoon feeding me the information. This idea of independent problem solving becoming one of my strengths in college is evident in other classes as well. I believe that this really demonstrates who this one skill is not only new, but one that can help me in life and other educational obstacles.

In my Classroom Ideas post, I mentioned how I hated group projects. What I have realized during my first year in college is that I absolutely hate having to rely on other people doing work that will affect my grade. I guess this labels me not only as a person comfortable with doing things independently (even if it means more work on my behalf), but it also classifies me as a control freak. I am a perfectionist and have come to the conclusion that I work better by myself than with other people. In high school, I absolutely dreaded independent projects. Anytime I had the opportunity to work with my friends, I did it. I believe that my high school self would also rely on other people to do the work for me. I absolutely hated research, writing/composing the final project. Oh my how times have changed through out this first year at Ole Miss. I think a lot of this stems from the fact that I was a very lazy learner and relied on people more than I did on myself. I also believe this demonstrates how I have grown as an individual with one year of being out of high school.

So what changed within this last year that made me such an independent person? I believe that my attitude towards my grades and reputation in college is way more important than it was in high school. During grade school, your grades were important to your teachers’ reputations, thus your grade was a reflection of how the teacher wanted to be represented. At Ole Miss, your grades represent nothing more but yourself and your work ethic. I truly realized this when I posted my Weekly Artifact: History or Theology . I talked about how in my history class I read a book that paralleled and contradicted beliefs/parts of the Bible. As I was commenting, I realized that not only did I view myself as an independent learner, but I learned how to conform to be independently different from class to class. Since my teacher was a nonbeliever, I had to conform my personal thoughts into a manner that the opposing viewpoint would at least respect. I think this post and comment really demonstrates how college has uniquely shaped me into the learner I am today. In high school, I would have easily just written the paper or assignment in the exact manner that my teacher would want, even if this meant putting my personal beliefs aside. With this new concept of my grades representing me, I want them to be the best they can be which required me to learn how to individualize my courses.

I think on a much larger scale, being independent from parental control, high school “babying” and collaborative work has better prepared me for future classes and moments in my career. This first year of college has been nothing more than a “trial-and-error” year. I have made the spontaneous decisions and learned. I have been presented with a problem without teacher assistance and learned. I have failed many assignments across all my courses and learned. Time and time again, I have begun to develop into a well rounded learner who does more than copies down notes, regurgitates it on tests and assignments, then forgets about it. With each experience in college, I realized how independent of a student and individual I have become compared to the high school version I once was.

Mar 4 2016

Discussion Form: SPED Across Borders

Posted on by

In today’s discussion, I wanted to hear about the different special education systems in the school systems of my classmates. Through out my research, I noticed that many schools don’t have special education systems and if they do, they were either great or not at all. I am thinking about writing my cause and effect paper about how schools are putting their money in to their physical structures and as a result they are not turning their attention to things in the school district that need the financial support.

 

Feb 29 2016

Connect 10: Statistics vs Major

Posted on by

For this connect 10, I wanted to highlight how this research had a moment where one of the statistics made me have an emotional connection. In my personal life, I have been having a hard time with my major. The more I shadow teachers and other educational specialist, I fell that I want to make more of a difference. When assigned this topic, I really wanted to find a way to not only push me out of my comfort zone in researching, but I wanted to explore all the issues of the educational system and find a passion. After reading that initial article, I thought I was going to focus my paper on how the schools are being funded differently and why that was wrong. As I was attempting to further my research, I came across three statistics that depicted an interesting common thread to how funding was different and why. This reoccurring theme was special education. As hard I have been trying to disconnect myself from it, deep down, my passion has always been to help special education students. Each time I am out in public and I see a child who is has a physical, emotional or learning disability; I can’t help but give the family and child a hug and tell them how wonderful I think they are. After reading how the statistic suggest that there is a growing rate of special education students up north, where my family is moving this summer, I instantly knew that God was calling me to add on a major that would further satisfy my passion in life. More importantly, this new self discovery provided a motivation for my deeper reading and researching for this particular assignment. One thing I have learned about myself is that reading is like pulling teeth. I don’t want to do and I will use every excuse to try to talk myself out of doing it. After having this moment of emotional connection, I realized that I had been looking up articles and other statistics until 1:30 in the morning. In my educational experience, I have never had an assignment that seemed so easy to read and research things about. Overall, I think this learning and connecting moment was not only beneficial to my paper, but to my decision on what I want to do with my life.

Feb 24 2016

Connect 10: Back at it again with Education

Posted on by

As much as I enjoyed reading about the money and success, I think I wanted to change my myth/topic back to my favorite thing to write about; Education.

Still separate, still unequal- This article was the first one that caught my attention. As I read the quotation underneath the title in the table of contents, I immediately was able to draw a connection. I was blessed to go to a very well off public high school. In fact, we were known through out the district as Cy Rich. With this being said, my mom works as an assistant principal within the same school district. During my junior year of high school, my mom received a new position within the district at a title one school. When I went there for the first time, I was surprised as to how different it looked compared to the schools I had personally attended. I think it was at this moment that I realized that even though Cypress Fairbanks claims to be an equal opportunity school district, there are some schools that are more advanced than others.

I just wanna be average- I was taken aback by this title when I first read it. I always viewed myself and peers as wanting to better ourselves through our education. If we didn’t, why were we paying all this money and being away from our families? As I read the quote from the article underneath the title, I was shocked as to how relatable this article was. It talked about how they were just set on a track and there was extreme emphasis on the bottom level. I was really intrigued by this because I want to know more about what this author has to say. I have always viewed education as a positive, not a negative.

Jan 29 2016

Classroom Ideas

Posted on by

After reviewing everybody’s PowerPoint presentations, I accumulated a list of ways that our writing class could be improved. First, I liked the idea about there being three different classroom set ups (independent, collaborative, and teacher led). Sometimes I feel that listening to a teacher present a PowerPoint and providing a corresponding assignment can be a bit repetitive and monotonous. While I still find value in teacher led lectures, this new idea of incorporating different classroom environments provides a decent and appropriate amount of change. Another idea that caught my attention was the idea of field trips. Classrooms are great in accomplishing a traditional lecture, but some of my favorite classes last semester were those that were taught else where. While I understand it is impossible to have an extravagant trip, I think there is plenty of things would could do in the community or even on campus. For example, say we had a paper that was about different cultures within The United States. I would find more motivation and inspiration by exploring cultures here in Oxford. Whether that be a walk through campus or a ride on the double decker bus, I think field trips would be a fun activity to do during class time to add variety to the curriculum. In addition to adding variety to our writing class, I liked the idea of having people or possibly other professors, with experience or insight on the material we are discussing, coming to our class and speaking to us. This is another way to gain more inspiration and motivation towards our writing. Lastly, one group mentioned the idea of having more group projects. While I tend to dislike group projects, I think that researching or accumulating ideas within a group setting is a good idea. In the past, I have found myself stuck on a particular assignment with no idea about a topic to write about. By having group discussions and research days, I think it would help provide not only fresh ideas, but fresh perspectives. Overall, I gained a lot of ideas from reviewing other classmates’ PowerPoints.

Jan 24 2016

A Texan’s Bridge Project

Posted on by

“The American Dream through the eyes of a Texan”
Being a girl that was raised in Texas, home to a distinct and unique culture, I feel that my perception of the American Dream differs from those of other states and cultures. Throughout this list, I hope to relay how the “Texas Things” are influential on the larger picture, The American Dream.

IMG_0900

  1. You drive a truck…or at least your daddy does

Whether you’re at the grocery store, school or shopping mall, you can’t park without witnessing ten to twenty people jumping in/out of a pick-up truck. It has been something that Texas men and women have found to be important to own. In relation to the American Dream, I can’t help but realize how materialistic Americans are. The pick-up truck, with all the bells and whistles, is a Texas version of a luxury.  Americans claim to have the freedom to be who they want, but in reality they all try to fit in to a mold that society sets.

IMG_0889

  1. The Bigger the Better

The common statement, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” is beyond true. For us Texas girls, we like our hair to be voluminous and teased. We live by the thought that the higher the hair, the closer to heaven. To me, I feel that this relates directly to how we view the American Dream. We Texans feel the American Dream is big and endless. Being surrounded by this culture, I believe that to be an American you can and must dream big. If you truly take advantage of this opportunity, you can achieve anything your imagination engineers.

IMG_0921

  1. Mexican food (Tex-mex) is only good in Texas

First things first, it’s called Queso, not cheese dip. For any true Texan, hearing something so delicious be called cheese dip is borderline disgraceful. I’m a firm believer that Texas has the best Mexican food. In opposition, many people think their state’s food is better. There is one thing neither of us can deny; most Americans’ appetites have moved to eating for pleasure, not just for sustaining life. Part of the American dream, in my opinion, is finding joy in what this country has to offer. Whether its food or other things, it’s our privilege as Americans to indulge ourselves.

IMG_0919

  1. Road construction is inevitable

When I drive home from school, the second I cross the state line, I see nothing but construction signs and cones. No matter where I am in Texas, you have to add extra time to your travel plans for construction traffic. I feel that Texas road construction compares exactly to the fact that Americans are always expanding and moving in their desire for something new. I believe that Americans are constantly taking what they have, finding new paths to broaden their horizons, while fighting through the obstacles in the way of their final destination or desire.

IMG_0898

  1. Texas =  Cowboys

If you were born and raised in Texas, someone in your genealogy is a Cowboy. Much like a cowboy, The American Dream is simple, yet complex. I think many Texans disagree on what it means to be an American. Nothing sums up this argument better than America allowing states to decide if the right to openly carry weapons is legal or not. Representing the “cowboy” way, Texas recently passed laws allowing individuals with the proper license to carry weapons openly.  There has been nothing but arguments on this decision. This is a prime example of how something simple becomes complex.

IMG_0862

  1. Family is the most important thing

Family trumps all American rights…even the right to privacy! Texans put family first in all circumstances. To me, Americans should work together for a common good and protect each other, while understanding even family has differences. Instead, in my opinion, America has moved away from considering ourselves one big family. For example, other nations fight us and pose threats, but we fight amongst ourselves which is an even greater threat. I think to call yourself an American, you must demonstrate nothing but love and respect for your fellow Americans.

  1. Texans have one volume…LOUD

If it were possible, I would write a letter to Thomas Jefferson thanking him for granting us the freedom of speech. In Texas, if we have an opinion, we say it loud so everyone hears!  I think it’s safe to say this “Texas Thing” is an “American Thing”. When something is on debate, state or nationwide, you can count on Americans to express their opinions. Respectfully, I think Americans are slowly degrading the American Dream by abusing their freedoms. I don’t think outside nations see that “fresh start” in America anymore, because Americans excuse hateful actions or behaviors by claiming them as freedoms.

IMG_0906

  1. High schools could easily be mistaken for a community college

My high school graduating class was close to 800 kids. At graduation, I was shocked at the amount of people I didn’t know. But on Friday nights in Texas, students around the state are seen hugging each other when their football team scores. This really points out how populated America is becoming and even with its diversity and impossibility to know everyone closely, we are capable of being united when necessary.

IMG_0896 IMG_0899

  1. Everyday is the 4th of July

Right when you walk into a Texan’s house, you are met with three colors: red, white and blue. The saying “God Bless Texas” is an understatement for the pride Texans have for America. The state flag boldly uses these three colors and includes one star.  I think the most important part of being an American is the pride each citizen shows. Whether it’s by the flags we wave or the decorations in our house, we Americans have a piece of our heart for America. For Texans, its half our heart; because without America, Texas wouldn’t be Texas.