Field Trip to The Children's Centre at Caltech
Prior to spring, the entirety of the Careers in Education program had the opportunity to visit the Children's Centre at Caltech. During our visit, we diligently recorded observation notes, witnessing firsthand the interactions between the adults and the children. It was fascinating to observe the educators' approach, which emphasized encouraging the children to engage their cognitive abilities, fostering creativity, and promoting collaborative learning experiences. This experience provided valuable insights into effective pedagogical methods and the importance of cultivating a stimulating environment conducive to intellectual growth and social development.
Teacher Quality Checklist
Within this evaluation, I was presented with a set of teacher qualities against which I assessed my own alignment. Upon careful consideration, I conducted a self-assessment to determine whether I possessed these qualities or not. This process involved reflecting on my experiences and behaviors within the context of teaching, with the aim of identifying areas of strength and areas for growth. By engaging in this self-reflection, I sought to gain a deeper understanding of my capabilities as an educator and to identify opportunities for further professional development.
Teacher Interview
Completing this assignment deepened my understanding of one of my teachers and the teaching profession's dynamics. Teaching offers fulfillment in shaping young minds and building classroom communities, yet it also involves challenges like meeting diverse student needs and navigating systemic issues within education. Recognizing and addressing these complexities are essential for creating inclusive learning environments.
My perfect Square
The assignment tasked participants with crafting a design using solely a single square piece of paper, permitting cutting and manipulation. Within this constraint, individuals were challenged to demonstrate creativity and problem-solving prowess. Through cutting, folding, and shaping techniques, participants explored the intricate balance between form, function, and aesthetics. This exercise not only encouraged critical thinking but also fostered experimentation, as individuals navigated the limitations of their medium.
Children's Book Evaluation
For this project, I was tasked with selecting a book to read to students in the after-school program at Mark Keppel Elementary School. After careful consideration, I chose "Canoe Days" as the literary piece tailored for second graders. The selection process involved evaluating various criteria such as age-appropriate content, educational value, and engagement potential. "Canoe Days" stood out as an ideal choice due to its ability to captivate young imaginations while imparting valuable lessons. To assess the efficacy of the reading session, detailed feedback and observations were documented, providing insights into the students' responses and comprehension levels.
Kohlberg's Moral Dilemmas
Engaging in Kohlberg's Moral Dilemmas involved analyzing various scenarios and offering informed opinions on the most ethically sound decisions. This exercise required a nuanced understanding of moral reasoning and the ability to critically evaluate complex ethical quandaries. By carefully considering each scenario presented, I assessed the underlying moral principles at play and deliberated on the implications of different courses of action. Through thoughtful reflection and analysis, I endeavored to identify and articulate the decisions that aligned most closely with my personal ethical beliefs and principles. This process not only facilitated the development of moral reasoning skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in ethical decision-making.
Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action in the Early Years
In this reflective analysis, we explored a film focusing on the interconnected goals of anti-bias education: identity, diversity, justice, and action. Through viewing and discussion, I shared my perspective on these themes and related topics. The film prompted critical examination of issues such as identity formation and the importance of embracing diversity and promoting social justice. Additionally, it sparked conversations about taking meaningful action to foster inclusivity and equity. This process deepened my understanding of anti-bias education and underscored the ongoing need for dialogue and reflection to enact positive change
Bread, bread, bread Assignment
This assignment centered on a straightforward task: selecting a preferred type of bread and delving into its origins, alongside recounting a personal memory associated with this particular bread. From a professional standpoint, the assignment provided an opportunity to explore the cultural and historical significance of bread, while also allowing for a personal narrative that adds depth to the analysis. By examining the origins of the chosen bread variety, participants gained insights into its culinary heritage and regional significance. Furthermore, recounting a memory linked to the bread offered a lens through which to explore its emotional resonance and cultural symbolism in everyday life
Froebel’s Occupations Origami Activity
In this activity, participants were provided with paper and instructed through a step-by-step origami process. I chose to construct a Pinwheel. Each fold and crease required precision and attention to detail, resulting in a tangible representation of creativity and craftsmanship. By engaging in this hands-on activity, participants not only honed their fine motor skills but also exercised spatial reasoning and patience. The Pinwheel serves as a visual testament to the value of experiential learning, illustrating the transformative potential of engaging with materials in a tactile manner.
In this assignment, the focus was on researching notable facts about Herbert Hoover High School, particularly highlighting famous individuals who attended the institution. Through meticulous investigation, I compiled a timeline showcasing the influential figures associated with the school over the years. This timeline offers insight into the rich legacy and impact of Herbert Hoover High School within the broader community. By emphasizing the achievements of its alumni, the assignment underscores the school's role in nurturing talent and fostering success across various fields. Through this exploration, I aimed to shed light on the diverse contributions of individuals who have passed through the halls of Herbert Hoover High School, thereby honoring their legacy and celebrating the school's enduring influence.
Building a Bridge
In this activity, participants were tasked with constructing a bridge capable of supporting a phone using a restricted set of supplies: 20 popsicle sticks and 10 clothespins. The objective was to engineer a structure that could effectively bear the weight of the phone. By clicking on the provided photo, viewers are directed to a slide detailing the step-by-step process of creating the bridge. This exercise encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking, as participants navigated the constraints of limited resources to achieve a functional outcome. Through collaborative effort and innovative design, participants demonstrated their ability to apply engineering principles in a hands-on, real-world context.
In this task, participants were challenged to devise a mechanism to move a ball from point A to point B using minimal materials. Through inventive problem-solving, I successfully engineered a solution by utilizing a straw to blow the ball through a miniature cup, directing its trajectory to land within a designated circle. This innovative approach showcased resourcefulness and ingenuity, demonstrating the ability to achieve objectives through creative thinking and effective utilization of available resources. Furthermore, the project underscored the importance of simplicity and efficiency in problem-solving, highlighting the value of lateral thinking and practical application in engineering solutions to real-world challenges.
My Lego Duck
The assignment involved utilizing a set of Lego pieces to construct various iterations of a duck. With a limited selection of six pieces, including four yellow and two red/orangish Legos, participants were challenged to explore the creative potential within constraints. Through ingenuity and problem-solving, I successfully crafted approximately eight distinct versions of the duck. Each iteration represented a unique interpretation of the avian form, showcasing versatility and adaptability in design. This exercise not only fostered spatial reasoning and fine motor skills but also encouraged innovation and exploration within the parameters of the available resources. Overall, the assignment underscored the transformative power of imaginative play and hands-on learning experiences in fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Back to back Legos
In this assignment, participants engaged in a collaborative exercise focused on communication and teamwork. Paired with a classmate, individuals took turns assuming the roles of instructor and listener, tasked with replicating a Lego structure based solely on verbal instructions. The activity served dual purposes, serving as both a listening game and a teaching exercise. Through effective communication and active listening, I successfully replicated the structure depicted in the provided photo, underscoring the importance of clear instructions and attentive comprehension in achieving shared objectives. This interactive learning experience not only honed communication skills but also fostered mutual understanding and cooperation among peers, highlighting the significance of effective teamwork in problem-solving scenarios.
This digital cultural context doll offers a glimpse into my personality, reflecting aspects of who I am. It's important to note that this representation was crafted during the fall of 2023, capturing a specific moment in my life. Since then, I've undergone changes in my interests and aspirations. Specifically, I no longer engage in dancing, and my career aspirations no longer lean towards becoming a veterinarian. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of personal growth and the fluidity of individual pursuits. By updating this context, I aim to ensure accuracy and relevance in portraying my current identity and aspirations.