Teaching Philosophy

 I’ve come from a long lasting tradition of teachers in my family, well, not so long but my grandmother set a great example of a great educator where the German tradition and behaviorism were the trendy. My grandmother was the kind of teacher though that were called the “normalistas,” she would teach different subjects and relate them to one to another in the same class. There was an integration of subjects in the class because there were classes for people who would work in farms and also would live in the city. It was different than the most strictly traditional education. My mother was educated under this style, and my aunt became a music teacher, then some cousins are pursuing in pedagogy now utilizing a different education methodology. They use the Montessori system, which lead towards a more constructivist method.

I’m more incline to that system and the different readings can support the reasons why I believe that especially with media literacy behaviorism really doesn’t work. As I learned in my history of education class that the Latin is “to take from.” That was one of the first lessons I had and I still can’t forget that because I understood how important as a future teacher is to treat others in a way that they can feel value by what the bring to the class. A good teacher would help students to value their background and to make them understand that the interaction that happens in class is invaluable, and is a constant contribution.  As Freire expresses “No one is born fully-formed: it is through self-experience in the world that we become what we are.”  This means that the interaction in the class is key as part of the learning process throughout life, whether the experience may be more or less enjoyable. This will be helpful to value, understand, and learn from each others. Another interesting point on Freire’s text and also part of Jenkins thoughts about the appropriation of media or in the case of Freire.

“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.”

This means that the environment in the class and the value of each one of the students that the teacher gives them is key to help them to express themselves, to free them from the bonds of an old structure in which the master of all knowledge is the teacher.  In the Jenkins position the only way for students to get some appropriation of media is by experimenting and experiencing with new media, as Lystina pointed, some alternative media may be introduce in the educational process.  Experiencing is fundamental for students to feel motivated and related to the subject that is being taught.

In many ways, my classes in education, the texts we have read in the class, and my experience as an MTC instructor all has build up to understand that following a curriculum is a good guide to have, although a teacher in order to help the students to experience in the class has to be willing to adapt or even change some activities “, If the structure does not permit dialogue the structure must be changed” ― Paulo Freire. 

In conclusion, I believe that these writers, educators and philosophers highlight how important is to inspired students and to treat them not as in the banking process learning. Students are not empty vessels, on the contrary they bring stories, and a family upbringing that is unique and it can contribute to the class. For what the students participate and feel free in a classroom, they need some validation and make them see their personal value. Followed by that participation, the experience they may gain in the classroom is what would help to drive and motivate the students to pursue an education in any subject it may be interested.   The correct use of media especially nowadays would be also an important key to free them from the frequent standard in younger generations, is the new way to explore and do research on things that may be important for students. To get it right and learn these techniques and be literate in media would make a huge contribution in the way the validate themselves as responsible researchers and active participant in the topics to learn. Both the students and the teacher would benefit from each other, and both would have the real educational experience. 

Is school enough? probably not, but we still need it.

Is school enough?

 Even though I really enjoy some of the ideas that were represented in the documentary, I believe this could have have a better angle in the premise if school is enough? For me the message was too straight forward, I got mainly school is not enough. With this said, there are some Jenkins moments that were pretty interesting an amazing, but that’s not a surprised either, he is great! This documentary is a good effort to highlight how extracurricular activities or planning according the things that interest some kids may be more suitable to get to an effective learning process, that may even replace or enhanced the school experience.

Project Noah is a great example of how a teacher can use effectively media to communicate with people around the world and get some preparation for Rosie the elephant.  As Giroux and Simon explained about how pedagogy is engaging students and teachers in political cultural activities. The teacher uses Skype and other media to communicate and to establish connection with the scientist   and the owner of Rosie, with the students.   The student and the teacher were engage in a more-less activist group to save and provide  a safe home a defenseless animal that has been working all its life in a circus. This is a good idea of how students may be involved in something that can relate to them and at the same time may allowed them to investigate and do some more research on the areas of biology, math (budgeting), media coverage (taking pictures and analyzing plans), and other great benefits.  

 Another interesting point in the documentary is the story of the girl who decided to quit school to pursue her career. I think this is a way, a very not conventional way to continue with a learning experience that it might not be reachable for many. Having tutors and being a Yoga instructor are things that maybe can be a possibility as a part of a school program. I thought it was interesting how determined and focus and enthusiastic the girls was. I still believe though that learning some core elements might be important to experience in high school, with that, having to deal with the social experience is also a way to grow emotionally as a part of the whole. As Lystina planted in many questions in her text, maybe in high school and not completely outside there can be a mix of  this democratization of media and information between the “classics” and some alternative elements that can give a different view to students who have different interests.

Another interesting thought that I have in this regard on how Giroux and Simon, and Lystina about pedagogy is about a democratization of education among teachers and students. I really love the concept of this because while I studied pedagogy in my country I learn from actually a Freire text the Latin root of the word pedagogy that means “to take from,” taking it from this side as these three writers discuss plus Freire I would say that the real pedagogical experience is not one sided, but it has to be a two ways experience were the student may be involve in the subjects that are being discuss. Especially in an era in which newer generations are raised with technology and media, they can contribute so much to enhance the learning experience only because of the major exposition they have with new technologies. 

Resolved

Resolved was a challenge to follow and to completely understand, not in its theme or the overall discussion, but to understand the world that debaters have, the way they communicate and express themselves. I thought is really interesting to see how each on of these students would bring something to the table and show how Freire explained not empty vessels, but young generations that may contribute with their habits, personality and determination to learn or have a voice and show it to the rest of the world.

 One interesting theory that Freire explained in more detailed in his book is the banking theory and how in the traditional educational system, the teacher or superior would treat the students as empty vessels or piggy banks that are only to use to deposit, there is no coming back, or a way to benefit from the piggy bank until is full of coins.  Louise and Richard were inspired by Freire’s teachings in regards on education, and wanted to bring something different to a tight system that has different codes and rules as is the debate world.  As Dewey would also explained these two debaters wanted to discuss about real problems, again things that were relatable with their realities, more than a combat against a third world war, and a nuclear destruction. This democratization of letting go certain rules or standards according to debate were a big surprise for the traditional and for people who was actually in the debates… Why? Because they again started to understand about the things that were debated.  I think is remarkable of how their background and education from someone who trust them to represent this idea mark the lives of these kids, who maybe didn’t change the system, nor the competition, but indeed changed their way to see education.

Another interesting thing about this documentary was to see the training an the life that the traditional debaters have. First of, there is some racial and status on this elite of debaters. Second, there is an enormous amount of information and of study to do to prepare for a debate. The kids literally “absorbed” their readings and investigation with an enormous reach of data. Both Louise and Richards team and Sam and Matt’s team,  have great merits to earn in each one of these sides.  It seems that Sam and Matt were almost computers that spill information as fast as they can, communicating with codes and words that only a few really understand.

 The film gave me some hope for Louise and Richards in their future, even though their circumstances were not ideal, their fight is a thing that would continue and some day it will be resolved. On the other hand, I’m fascinated by the amount of information the most traditionals manage in a debate. I’m still concern about how they developed themselves in society; maybe they should also internalize some of the thoughts of Dewey and Freire to understand that after debate, there is a lot to do in real life. 

Class Observation "Polaris High School."

The class in   Polaris high school that we attended was a great opportunity for me to understand the American high school experience. Even though this was an especial class with students with a different situation, the overall experience was very revealing for me. I think that the interaction between the teacher an the students was not so much of a hierarchy but a relationship based on respect and a well balance use of media in a context in which the circumstances may not always be so favorable.

I had no idea about the class or the students this teacher was dealing with, so after knowing that my vision might have change slightly.  The class was about current events, Amberly was very energetic and calm down some of the students rapidly. I waited a bit to see if that was her only reaction every time someone was talking or maybe it was something that she would do to get some attention before losing control of the class period.  I was greatly impress that during the class there was a lot of participation, not as much as in a college level, but still I thought some of the students were very much engage with the topics they were talking about. The class was about the process of planning a documentary, Amberly used media to explained about  shots, and how can we plan on this with macro, medium, wide shots example. Something interesting about the media she used was that, she presented a wedding video, I thought it was a very normal, and maybe even a little boring representation of different shots. The video  was well done, although there were some improvements in many aspects related to the aesthetics of the short film. After she finishes and the classes discusses and identifies the different shots that were in the video. Amberly said that she was the author, at that moment I understood better why she was showing that to the class. I think it was very courageous from her to show something so she can be criticizes and put on the spot. I believe a teacher should show him/her self-not as a Godlike presence, but as we have talked in class, a superior that is still learning and also can learn from students. The class discussed thinks that they like and that learned from the media she presented, also could felt identified with the level of knowledge they were receiving, the goal of doing a documentary is not as hard as maybe a Hollywood film could express. The learning they had, was relatable with their lives and it challenges but do not stress.

I also realize some  real direction from Amerbly that I think is very important , especially when dealing with kids in high school. The dynamics are different and the energy should be different too. I could see a difference from Amberly teaching and then having a small conversation with me, is just not the same situation, and I’m not saying she has to be a different person, but the teacher who is interested on getting to his or her students are willing to adapt somehow, depending on the students.   The teacher in this matter did very well because attracted the attention of the kids, and at the same time made an effort to keep a class were everybody can express themselves, but in the right time, without overstepping on others students comments or interrupting the teacher.

Finally, Amberly did some group activities and approach each one of the groups and pay attention to consults and other questions. She also took time to notice a student that was late, and ask him quietly the reason he was late without calling the attention of the class. I could tell that although she can be tough, she may act this way because she knows them and care for them letting them know that showing interest on their activities.

This wasn’t a perfect class, but it was a really fun class to watch and to analyze. The teacher applied many of the key concepts that we have talked in class, and the students also collaborate with the teacher. I sense a feeling of community within the class and I thought it was a remarkable sensation. There are some shy and different students in the class but I can tell that there is an ambiance of respect and care among some of the loud students present towards their teacher. 

Ip Man defending Cultural Identity

I started with this amazing idea of pulling a bunch of footage from all the greatest kung fu films, then I realize that there was not so much of an argument in doing so, and it was a huge amount of work. My piece is a humble attempt on trying to reinforce what Ip Man 2  teaches us during this film in a concentrate 3 minutes short film. Yip Man is talking about the importance of Kung fu as “the heart of the Chinese people.” This means that he values his traditions and worked his life passing these on, from one generation to another. Sadly, there are people who believe that one tradition is better than others, and because of globalization matters, cultural identity is becoming standardize. Even though since the beginning of the semester I’ve argued that globalization is not so much as a problem but an opportunity to share and embrace different cultures. If there are no people to share, keep and pass on their own cultural traditions a hybrid culture and the sharing wouldn’t be so much. Because of this,  I’m arguing against people who feel that other cultures or traditions are better than others only because they are more globalize or popular. I believe in taking a stand on people who undermine one culture over the other by defending, keeping and sharing with others the power of traditions and cultural identity.

First of all, I did think to big for starters on what I wanted to accomplished in my video taking two text that one of the film Ip Man 2 is too explicit with my own argument, and the other was too complicated to organized as is the series Dragon Ball Z. Because of that, I decided to reinforce the message within Ip Man 2 with different Kung Fu Films that represent the traditional oriental cinema such as Seven Samurais, Ip Man I and II, Hero, Fearless, The legend of the Drunken Master. With all these films I also included the starts of Kung fu Films and the one who trained and defend this martial art as is Yip Man the grand master, followed by Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Jackie Chan. That is one of the first thing that I wanted to include, but to make this more into a globalize world I include Hollywood references such as Kung Fu Panda, Kill Bill, Matrix. Finally, I add some of the Dragon Ball Z series because I felt that it was a huge influence on myself and thousands of children to learn more about the intensity of martial arts. Also, Goku’s story is based on a traditional Chinese tale; I thought it was appropriate to have him to defend this tradition against the boxer who insults Chinese traditions calling it stupid.

 I think I was able to achieve a really simple narrative with a beginning, middle and end, Ip man introducing himself and then training different students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Then, the Boxer came in and insult Chinese tradition; there is a challenge and a fight that he successfully wins. At the end he declares the importance of respect to all cultures. I believe that the message comes across pretty easily, and there are some interesting moments in the three parts of my story like the interaction with Ip Man and other characters, the fight have some good moments, and the celebration fits very well with the audio of Ip Man. Although I tried hard to make this a decent video, took me hours to think about my list of films, selection and acquisition of all these footage, it feels rough at some points, and I could have done a better job with the fight. Over all, this was a great learning experience to understand the hard work that people who dedicate time to remix on videos.  I feel very critical with my last product; still I think that with some weeks more of work this can be a great subject to go viral.

In conclusion, feeling superior and better than other culture only shows little care and information for the importance of cultural identity and how this contributes to a Hybrid culture in a globalize world. My work wants to portray the invaluable power of traditions and the impact that can have in a globalize world. Kung Fu wasn’t popular from day one; there were people such as Yip Man who taught important students who later on became world wide recognized stars. This was due to their highly skill abilities and the product of globalization that allowed countries far way from China to became interested in Chinese traditions and Martial Arts.  Feeling superior and better than other culture only shows little care and information for the importance of cultural identity and how this contributes to a Hybrid culture in a globalize world. 

Ip Man Defending Cultural Identity

We are wizards and Why Heather can write about Harry Potter

We are Wizards and Why Heather can write about Harry Potter are a complementary help for each other to see the many different worlds that the harry potter fandom created. The documentary shows the many colors that the Harry Potter story brought to society, especially children that wanted to be part not just of the books, but of a new reality.  Both the Film and the Documentary show the positive reactions and influence of this massive interaction of people around the Harry Potter books. Also, the conflict of people who is against Harry Potter and the downsides of taking something that have been bought by a large company to mostly profit. The documentary We are Wizards by the end conclude in a positive interaction between these two powerful entities, the audience or the fandom and the big industry behind Harry Potter.

Even though the documentary itself didn’t completely caught my attention, probably for some poor choices in their main characters, I believe that the main point came across trough it. The highlight of children teaching other children is consistent as Jenkins explained in the reading.  Furthermore, the examples of Heather is one of the most compelling and smart choices for the positive portrayal of the Harry Potter fandom.  Something else that I agree, in some portion is the fact that she worked and manage a media that empowered her even though she wasn’t professionally qualified to do it, as is direct a newspaper.  I believe that, the documentary and the example of Jenkins about maybe giving children the authority can get a downside, to me is the fact that things are not going to always be in the right direction, and it can get a bit messy. Maybe the documentary is an example of that, it wasn’t probably shot is directed by children, but it seems as a really disorganize presentation of different consequences of the fans of Harry Potter.  Its messy at a times, it has two or three moments when I thought it would come to a resolution, or an end but it continued with the same idea reinforcing or maybe just  showing in observational way the reality of the fans. The good, the ODD, the bad,  all the elements of a whole theme.

Another interesting thing was the appropriation of the fandom to create different characters, and stories related to Harry Potter, and how this would served as means to help with the things that they as kids or adolescence are dealing in real life.  The born of a tale related to the place and context on which each one of the fans would express their own story related to the Harry Potter story.

In conclusion, I believe that as Jenkins point out, the appropriation in media of children is a big contribution to themselves and to adults to grow and learn from children. I think it would be ideal if adults may be more involved in this process, not in control, but as active participants. Also, I wouldn’t expect that this growing process it can go always in the right direction or as educational as adults may expect, it can be messy and there might be some misinformation and misunderstanding, but the result of what brings the children involvement in media literacy is more important to me than any other uncontrolled mistake that can happen along the way. 

Wonder Women and Storytellers

From the documentary Wonder Women the untold story of super heroines I learned so much about the awesomeness of the effect that wonder women created and how trough the ages it change to serve for different purposes, especially related to the roll of women in the States.  In connection to this interesting documentary the reading portrait something that not only happened centuries ago with old tales, but also with the evolution of wonder women. Both the film and the reading entangle an interesting and redeemable way to tell and keep stories alive.

No long ago my mother went to a storytellers conference because of her job as a librarian.  She works as one of the head of the initiative “bibliometro” (small libraries in subway stations), and also “bibliometro” invite storytellers to gather people and create stories in the subway train stations. The reading helped me to remind the times were I used to go to the readers club in my childhood and would listen the storytellers in the library. It is interesting how relevant for an specific culture a story can change an be re told in different ways, only because of the different social class or upbringing. Comparing this with Wonder Woman and the changes that this her story had, it is incredible how the feminists groups have tried to preserve the original story of the tale. In the reading said that one of the purposes of the appropriation of tales in the twentieth century was the transformation of tales “to amuse and distract audiences and make money.” This means that once the tale served its purpose to the audience as such in the case of the second World War in the comic, later it was purely a continuation to continue profit without any consistency in the story, not like passing a story mouth to mouth, but rewriting the story completely.

Another important thing that pointed the documentary and the reading is the differences between folklore and literature, both were developing a different story from the same tale, one the literature was written and rewritten, more than re-reading, they created a formal text, comic, TV show, and lately other merchandizing that help with the globalization of the female super hero that little by little had disappear from the collective thought of the fandom of super heroes.  On the other hand, and what makes this documentary particular is how the feminist group defend and idealize Wonder Woman as a symbol of feminism, an example the power and self reliant personality that Wonder Woman would show, within the original comic and her superpowers. Later, this female super hero would take part of the discrimination, undermining sexist society that would merely use wonder woman story to represent the “place” that women had to take in history. The evolution of the character and what this created as a phenomenon in television as the first super heroes and one of the first lead females on TV. The story and the changes were told within the community and the fandom of Wonder Women is faithful and well informed about the characteristics of the super hero.

In short,  either the literature and the Folklore behind Wonder Women feed from each other, the stories and the community around this tale is a demonstration of how people can be empowered of stories and the power of story telling may preserve and be used to express values depending on the times and the context society is facing.

Ps:  interesting documentary available on netflix or youtube  about the changes of the roll of women in Television is the documentary,  and other interesting topic about genders.