Final Field Blog

Our year is slowly but surly coming to an end. Over this semester I've learned and noticed a lot of things that I will be taking with me for the rest of my life. The first thing I would like to mention is the foreign kids that aren't from America that's in our class I would like to applaud them. I know it must be difficult to come to a country being a total stranger not only to the people but even more importantly the lifestyle. With that being said that shows a tremendous strength of confidence. That's where I will be starting off in my blog the importance of confidence. The first school that we went to was Mercer elementary. The kids at that school were very confident. At that time I started to think well why are these young children as confident as they were. The easiest conclusion that I came up with was because they were getting special recognition. By the teachers posting their work on the walls they were able to see their crafts hanging up. Your foundation is extremely important when it comes to life. Therefore by them being young and confident when they grow up that won't be something that needs to be taught to them. A personal example is I had to learn to be confident because of certain trials and tribulations. By it being instilled in them at a young age they will be able to strive much easier due to their confidence. The next school we visited was Beachwood middle school those kids had me dying with laughter. It seems that they were young adults in their personalities already. I remember being in a science lab where the teacher flipped cards to pick the groups. The kids were all different. That made them all have different personalities in the groups. Some were more goofy, some were serious, others were just trying to get the work done. It seemed as if they were grown already in their mindsets. The final school we went to was Orange high school. The kids were very advanced. I was in a physical education class where the students were having a good time. The schools police officer was even playing with them. They had advanced equipment, therefore they were able to do a lot of new and modern stretching warms ups. He also ran after school programs that helped me think of ways I would like to run my programs. Finally I went to my alma mater Maple Heights it was a great experience. I got to teach a college prep class. I also was inside a physical education class as well. I liked the college prep class more because I'm still in college and I was able to answer all of the questions that was presented to me. I'm thankful for this course and my classmates because I was able to learn so much from them.

Partner School Creation

Our in class assignment was unique creating our own school. My partner and I chose to create a high school. We wanted to really focus on three parts Academics, Arts, and Athletics. We wanted to give our kids the type of exposure they would need to be successful further than just in high school but actually in their field of choice and desire. To do that we have advanced programs, professionals, and the available resources that would put our kids in the best position possible. We didn’t want to just bring in kids who were talented, athletic, and extremely smart. We felt that would have limited our diversity levels. Not only would it have limited our diversity levels but our room to grow as well. We stress growth and development so our kids can show progress throughout our school. By our school being a charter school we are publicly funded and individuals can still donate. There are multiple ways to get accepted. We take three placement exams, need recommendations, hold competitions for sporting programs and arts events but we also take heed to your natural life understanding. We didn’t want for only the smart, fortunate, and athletic kids to get accepted. We wanted kids with backgrounds from all over. In our Arts programs we actually have professionals who are still professionally doing arts or even mentoring professional events. That is extremely important because you are learning from the best. You don’t have to pay extra money to get that type of recognition it is brought there to you. By our professionals holding such high positions you have a chance to get the upper hand on kids who don’t have the privileges that you have. In our Academics program we give our kids hands on programs. Where they teach, go out and career shadow professionals other than ours just in case there are other programs they are interested in. Most importantly we offer the cream of the crop advanced programs so that they area ahead of any competition. When it comes to Athletics we provide the best staffing, facilities, and resources you could ask for. We have former professional athletes that are there daily with the kids. That helps our kids get an advantage over kids who have mediocre coaches. We have the best equipment so our kids can have access to equipment other kids don’t. That’ll help our kids recover faster and be back into their sport if they have an injury or issue that comes up. Our facilities are top notch so when our kids are playing on a big stage they aren’t nervous because they see it all the time. We try to put our kids in the best position to succeed. There are obviously kids who are just smart but there are also kids who need special attention. There are kids who are just gifted but there are also kids who hold a lot of potential. With that being said we don’t have the best kids in everything but we give our kids a chance to compete. By them seeing professionals on a day to day basis it gives them dreams and aspirations that they can do it. They actually have someone who is hands on living it with them.

In Class Observations (First Day in The Map)

Even before I touch basis on how it was being back in a classroom at my alma mater I'll first discuss how the feeling was. I walked in to even get into the school you need to be buzzed in. You can't enter the office without being paged in. I'm assuming that is for security purposes. That was new because it wasn't like that when I was there. We weren't in the new school. We were in the old raggedy school. I spoke to the new principal who was my teacher back in my freshman year of high school. We laughed and joked around how mature I've become and talked about some tragic incidents I've overcame. Then they walked me to the classroom I was going to be in. Now let's go back a little more. To even leave the office and enter the school part you have to be buzzed out again. So first you need to be buzzed in to enter the school, then you need to be buzzed in to enter the hallways. You walk further down to get to the school hallways you need a special key card. If you don't have one of those you will not be able to get anywhere. Only administrators have those. By this time a lot of things are running through my mind. The first thing is this is similar to jail. You can't walk freely without having to be buzzed in everywhere. Not only that you have to have someone walk places with you. That is also similar to jail because that is like you're being escorted by a guard. My mind is still wondering, so I'm basically observing every move. Next thing you know I noticed there are only two floors. The floors are shaped like a big square. DUH!!! that is similar to how jails are again. With that being said look at the initial environment the kids are put in. What are you trying to prepare them for is the question I had running through my mind? They have these things called hall sweeps basically meaning if you aren't in class by the bell you'll face a consequence. Can you imagine how depressing that is every single day. Not having the freedom to do anything on your own basically. But remember high school is supposed to be preparing you for the real world, college etc. I don't think that's the right image. I don't blame the faculty at all I blame the structure of society but that's another subject for another day. I entered a computer class it was okay. The kids were doing their work for the most part, but I had those previously stated things on my mind so that over-shadowed my first class experience.

Orange High School

The first thing I noticed about Orange High School was the freedom that the students had. The students weren't being walked to class or being told to class. It was a great environment. I'm doing this in contrast to Maple Heights High School. In Maple the kids are usually being walked to class being told over and over that they should be in class. They can't walk through the hallways without being pressured about having a pass. That shows the type of freedom the kids have in Orange. I was fortunate enough to go into a physical education class. The first thing I thought about were the resources they had. To warm up they had music playing off of the teachers iPad. Now to stretch they had bands that loosened them up. It was unique because it made me think how I would run my gym class one day. I like the whole musical warm  up because it wakes the kids up. It definitely had the kids moving, that is a nice way to have them up and ready to go. In the back room they had exercise bikes that was also a big deal because each student has their own. I like how he ran his class if the student didn't want to participate in the daily routine they had another physical option. They didn't just have to lose credit. They could still earn points. The police officer actually came in and played a little while with the students. That was different because if the police came into Maple they were looking for something or someone. I know it may seems like I'm always down playing Maple but that isn't the case. I know what those kids over at Maple are exposed to and what they aren't. Now with that being said it takes people to give back. I'm fortunate enough to see the best of both worlds. I need to help inform those kids over at Maple to show them new opportunities and expose them to other worlds. First I have to become successful to be able to do that for them.

Blog Post 8

My question I got from the chapter is... Does advanced degrees, qualifications, years teaching, or seniority makes you a good teacher? I believe that it doesn't in fact some of my best teachers were young. The reason I say they were some of my best teachers were because they were passionate. If you compare that to a teacher that has been doing the job for so many amounts of years their passion drive maybe thrown off. In fact they may be leaning more towards a new job because they have been teaching for so long. Not only leaning towards a new job but maybe leaning towards retirement. Therefore they won't put as much effort in they'll basically just be there. Now obviously that isn't a fact in every case but in my experiences my younger teachers were more passionate. Some of my more mature teachers were wiser than my younger teachers because of experience in the field but that wasn't always the case as well. Some teachers get advanced degrees for the money. With that being said it isn't always to improve their knowledge some are just in it for the money. Not saying that is the only reason they began teaching but they may have taken on too many bills or had more kids than they planned, so they go back to school get an more advanced degree. That doesn't mean they're a great teacher. That could be just the reason they aren't. They may be too focused on home life and other things that takes away their full potential rather than a fresh young teacher who doesn't have those things to worry about yet.

In Class Observation 3 (maple)

Well today was quite different I was inside a physical education class. I instantly started to compare it to my Orange high schools experience because I was in a physical education class there as well. Just like Orange there were people who did not participate in the activities. The activities at maple today was playing basketball. The activities at Orange was playing soccer. The funny thing about it at both schools the kids that didn't participate were females. I do not know if it is a coincidence or is it something older females do. I think it is one of those things that females at a certain age think they are too cute to play and get sweaty. If that is the issue that is funny. I am actually sitting here with my female friend and I asked her was she that way? She laughed and said yes. Her response was no dudes wanna be under a girl that is all sweaty and nasty. I instantly busted out laughing and told her that is an terrible excuse. She said that is the truth though. She said they may have a guy in the class they like or like them and don't wanna blow it. Then she went on to say she wasn't the most athletic anyway. So she didn't like gym she's more of a girly girl. I quickly ended our conversation. In comparison to Orange high school they have more equipment like bikes and all of that but it seems like maple does more fun activities. Then again I can't say they weren't having fun at Orange because it seems as they were. I wasn't exposed to soccer growing up so it didn't really spark my interest. By me being exposed to basketball I was more into the games. Teaching wise both schools were prepared by the instructors well. When I was at Orange we spoke about different state rules you need to know being a physical education teacher. At Maple we actually did the same. They brought up different aspects about being certified to instruct certain lessons and equipment. The two classes were together at Maple rather than at Orange where one teacher was running the show. I think the two classes were together at Maple because it was just the start of their semester so they were letting them loosing up by having fun together. Tomorrow I'll be back in Maples physical education class. Hopefully I'll be doing some instructing!

In Class Observation 2nd trip

My second trip today at my former high school was different yet amazing at the same time. Today I was actually able to get up there to not only talk but teach as well. It was different first off because they were looking at me like who is this young kid about to teach my class. A nice amount of the students were freshmen my senior year in high school so I remembered a couple faces. I was in a college prep class shadowing. I basically taught about day to day life in college. Speaking on how organization plays a huge role. I was telling them you can't be disorganized and expect good results. I told them about how my study habits weren't the best when I first entered college but once I started understand you will easily get left behind if you don't I got my act together. I told them ways I learned to balance out my schedule. It was an unique experience because I'm only a couple years older than them so for them to actually be up there listening to me had me understanding that my role in life is huge. People may think it is harder for kids to listen to someone who's there age but in fact I believe it's easier because we can relate more. I'm actually living out the same day to day struggles they are as well. By me not being the most positive in high school and for me to be able to change they look at it as they can do the same thing. One group of students came into the classroom loud and a little dis-respectful but once I started sharing personal information about myself they were listening and in fact they were my biggest participants. They asked a lot of personal questions but I wasn't ashamed to answer to them because I believe you should embrace your struggle. What I mean by that is don't become discouraged in school because of difficulties you face. I think you should face those difficulties and continue to grow and move on. If you master your struggles there isn't much someone else can say to or about you. My second day at Maple Heights High School was great hopefully the rest of my week follows the way my day was today.

Quote Founded

The quote I chose to write about depends on how you view life. Either you look at life as I'm going to go through it and whatever happens happen or I'm going to analyze every little situation and I'll go based off of that data. In this situation neither person is wrong. I actually think you should be open-minded to both. To look at a situation and have a pre-analyzed mindset can be good because that means you are wise. You let others experiences happen and you gained knowledge from it without having to go through it yourself. An example of this is you notice someone that has negative drinking habits, you see how it takes a negative tole on their body and mind, therefore you are wise enough to know okay I'm not going to abuse alcohol because of the negatives effects. You have a pre-analyzed mind when it comes to that because you noticed the situation you did not have to go through it hands on to gain knowledge of it. On the other hand sometimes you have to go experience things to come to an understanding with them. For example it took for me to be out of college for a year to understand that my situation at my first school wasn't so bad. If I did not experience how it felt to be at home for a year then I would have never came to understand that being at home isn't where I wanted or needed to be. Now I'm going to stop giving you foreplay and let you know the quote I used. The quote is (drum roll please) "Most of us don't just look at something; we look for something." There is nothing wrong with looking for something because when you look for something you are on your toes already. You can try to avoid certain situations by already having previous knowledge of. That is the pre-analysis part knowing something already and not having to experience it to come to a conclusion. That can harm you as well because you can sometimes not take risks because of hearing or knowing someone else situation and just believing that you'll get the same results. Now to explain the other part of the quote that says most of us just don't look at something. That is beneficial because that shows we aren't being scared we are being adventurous taking a chance. To tear that apart is being naive to a situation. By just taking a chance and not knowing information certain situations may have been avoidable but we didn't do the right research and fell into a trap that could have been easily been avoidable. I think this is a quote that makes you be your own thinker. I think this type of quote can have many different responses it depends on who is reading it and how they are reading it.

Posted Note Blog

The paragraph I made my posted note is on page 108. The paragraph basically states that life is characterized by growth and development. Then it states that "the necrophilous person is driven by the desire to transform the organic into the inorganic, to approach life mechanically, as if all living persons were things... Memory, rather than experience; having, rather than being, is what counts." Later it goes on to say that person can relate to an object, flower, or a person only if he possesses it. "If he loses possession he loses contact with the world." "He loves control, and in the act of controlling he kills life." Now I will go on to explain this and how it relates to the banking education system. This person is basically enabling themselves. The reason this person is enabling themselves because they are closed minded. They aren't trying to see new ideas. They are doing harm to themselves. The necrophilous person is not giving themselves a chance to grow and become wiser. This person is usually stuck in their ways. To say that this person is driven by the desire to transform the organic into the inorganic is saying they are taking away from the natural flowing and is using life's course with a mechanical mind set which is repetitive with no growth. Memory rather than experience is basically hinting at nothing new. Living in the past not getting out and trying new things. To say having rather than being is saying that the necrophilous person cares about possessions rather than being there in alive in the moment. That brings me to my next point which is the necrophilous person can relate to life only if he owns it. The last part is self-explanatory obviously that person loves control so much that he is killing life. He is not being able to growth. That paragraph stuck out to me so much because we all know people who lives this way. They care more about being in control and owning things rather than being natural in the world trying new things. Their life if so repetitive it is scary. Doing the same thing all the time you get no growth you can't open new doors by continuously going down the same hall. In fact you are alive because your heart is beating and all but you're dead at the same time because you are not making progress. Now the question is how does the banking education system relates to this all? The book states that "the teacher presents himself to his students as their necessary opposite; by considering their ignorance absolute, he justifies his own experience," By the teacher thinking he knows it all and cannot learn from the students he limits himself. He cannot grow in that manner. The students are like his possessions in a sense because they don't have a voice. They are like slaves. The teacher is not able to grow there isn't dialogue between the teacher and student because the teacher thinks that he knows everything. By the teacher having a higher position than the student the student will always be beneath in a sense, but so will the teacher because he is not open to new experiences/ new view points.

Beachwood Middle School

My experience at Beachwood middle school was amazing. It opened my eyes to so many different things. First I'm going to start off with how it opened my eyes to institutional racism. The resources those kids have are amazing. They get to have laptops in middle school provided by the school. The sixth graders can't take their laptops home but they still have them. The seventh and eighth graders were able to take them home. What I'm getting at is how does a kid from the inner city compete with those kids in life. Those kids are able to learn more because they can go home and continue to work. They can use workshops, blogs etc. I remember we only had one class set of books, so if you didn't get your work done you were kind of out of luck. Those type of schools get funded by property taxes that goes back into the school system. Those are obviously good neighborhoods, so once they do go to college and find good jobs they don't mind moving back into their former neighborhoods because it is a good place to raise a family. Now when it comes to inner city kids the ones who are fortunate to make it out they aren't going to move back there. They are going to move to a district like Beachwood so that they can raise a family there. Therefore they pay property taxes there and continue to help better Beachwood grow but leave their city hanging. You have to give back to your former community or things will not change. That isn't the kids fault though so it isn't a knock to them in anyway. Those just are real life issues that needs more recognition. My experience while I was there like I said before was great. I remember a student said the wrong answer and the teacher used positive criticism by saying "in other words" basically walking the student through the correct answer without making them feel bad about themselves. The teachers were very energetic. All around the classrooms were motivational posters. The teacher was very hands on with her class. That is great to interact with your class because now they don't see you as just an adult/enforcer but somewhat as a friend. They'll be more confident/comfortable with sharing real life situations with the teacher. Groups were picked by a deck of cards that's unique because it makes everyone interact with one another.

Open Blog On Gays, Lesbians ETC.

When it comes to the subject about gays, lesbians and tranvestites I have an optimistic mindset. It is not my position to tell what will happen to them in the future. Just because someone sins differently than you do does that give you the opportunity to judge. I take advice from many different scriptures not just the bible but the Quran and I understand also understand Buddhism. With that being said the bible says No sin is greater than another. That is their choice but everyone sins, therefore by me eating too much food I'm not in a better position than they are. They are still human. I will continue to look at them as human being because I wouldn't want anyone to change their mindset about me because of my preferences. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to life because you never know what made them make those changes. I would hope that they express it behind doors though. I don't want it showed all around me. For example I don't want to see them kissing or anything like that, but that goes with any type of preference I don't want to see a male and female slobbering each other down in front of me. I believe that is something that needs to be behind closed doors. Imagine if we were judged by God from our thoughts imagine how negative we will be looked at. God has the final say so in it all. We all have judgement day that will come upon us, so I am not the one who has the power to do the final saying. If it is true that nothing is new under the sun then it has been like this since the beginning of time. Thank you for reading my blog on a subject that needs to be brought to the light more often than not.

BLOG POST 4

Michael Hollins

Institutional Racism

            Let’s first state that institutional racism isn’t attended but it happens and that is the reality of it. I even noticed it at the elementary school we were at in Shaker. The kids have resource after resource. For example I have been in Maple elementary schools in comparison to Shaker elementary schools they are able to get on computers and do assignments at Maple we did not have that. The kids have to learn Chinese at Mercer elementary. To even have someone there teaching them another language is amazing. Another thing in Ohio they are rebuilding schools. Ours were just rebuilt last year. I know schools in suburbs that been built for years. How do you expect a kid that doesn’t have the resources to have a chance in society with the person who have everything at their finger-tip? I know the money from your property taxes goes back into the school system but if our properties are abandoned and we don’t have the funds to give back are we not supposed to have a chance. I remember when I was in high school we had class sets of books. That means if you need a book for an assignment outside of class you were out of luck. How do you compete with the Solon’s, Shaker’s, Twinsburg’s in state that are able to have more than one set of books? Now let’s just think about this those are great neighborhoods. The question is “why” are those suburbs good suburbs? To answer that is simple they graduate move back into their community because it is a nice place to raise a family. If we luck up and get out the city we move to where the so called “good” neighborhoods are put money into those school systems and they continue to grow and we continue to sink. 

BLOG 3

Michael Hollins

Question Proposal

            I had many things on my mind when I was trying to come up with a question to ask. The one that I kept coming back to is what makes a good teacher? I believe everyone has a different answer to this question. My answer to this question doesn’t have anything to do with if the teacher can teach well or not. My answer has to do with being a good motivator. The effect a good motivator can have on a kid’s life is amazing. With that being said not being a good motivator can also play a huge role in a kid’s life. I remember one of my teachers asked us our dreams. Of course I told her that I want to play in the National Football League one day she told me to basically find another profession and I couldn’t do it. I remember what she said till this day even. Imagine if she told me that I will be able to do it how that would have been able to fuel me. I am closer than ever to my dreams now. Going to the National Football League is in my arms potentially. If I handle my business the right way I can go. With that being said when I do become a teacher I know to continue to fuel my kids with positive energy. I will tell them to dream big and whatever they believe they can become it is possible. I believe kids don’t dream big enough and that is why they limit themselves to mediocrity . 

Blog Post 2

Michael Hollins

Public Place

            I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the mall for my public place assignment. I bought some food and sat back to watch everyone and what they were doing. You could tell who was familiar with the mall and who was not. The people who weren’t very familiar with the mall were looking up at the name of stores and were looking at the maps for guidance. Even at the food court you could tell who weren’t familiar with the food because they would continue to look at the different restaurant names. If you ate there before you would just go right up to the restaurant you want. For classes sake I actually asked someone who didn’t look like they were from here were they. Just as I assumed they weren’t from Ohio. The guy asked me how I knew. I told him I am doing a class observation assignment and by the way he was looking up at the store and checking his surroundings it was a blatant give away. He laughed and said “I’m going to have to act more American.” I told him I was able to tell because when I’m in the mall I am able to just find stores without it being a problem. I told him “don’t worry because if I was from a different country I’ll be doing the same thing.” He laughed and that was the end of our conversation. I also noticed that parents let their kids roam free around the mall at young ages. That stuck out so much to me because I don’t let my niece get out of my sight or even let my hand go when we’re in the mall. This family let their daughter who was no older than six walk far ahead of them. I know my niece would not even attempt that with me. It may be because their kid is familiar with the mall and goes often. I do not know if that is the case because I did not talk to that family as I did with that guy. I know I couldn’t let that happen because too much crazy things happen in this world. I know you can’t hide from all evil but if I can easily avoid it by holding my niece hand that’s what I’ll do. 

Mercer Elementary

      Going to Mercer Elementary was a great experience. The first thing that caught my eyes were the students that were in the library with us. They were actually quiet, that was very different because when I was in elementary school I used to love talking. When I first got to school in the morning my friends and I used to act crazy. We would see each other and would turn into reckless machines. I actually remember one time my friend Shaq and I got in trouble for sliding candy back and forth to each other. We weren't supposed to be talking but he was acting like he couldn't understand what I was asking for, so I decided to say it out loud. The next striking thing to me was that the kids had to learn Chinese. That is amazing because I'm in college and learning a second language is extremely difficult for me and I'm much older than they are. I like how they stressed diversity. That seemed to be their main focus treating everyone the same. The principal stated that their are millionaire children and that there are kids on free and reduced lunch. The kids were very polite and respectful. We didn't see or hear about one issue. If there was an issue it was kept silent. The kids were noticing everything. I think that is important because that is teaching them to be aware at a young age. I remember I walked inside a classroom very quiet and the kids noticed me right away. I was really in "awww" by the way they behaved. I remember in my elementary school we used to have kids flipping desks, talking back, slamming their desks up and down to cause distractions. I'm a big quote guy, so the one that stuck out most to me said "Just because something is difficult doesn't mean you shouldn't try it means you should just try harder." Instilling that into young kids teaches them life values. I can use that same quote in my life and I'm an adult. A teacher said "Take a risk its okay to be courageous" by her telling that student that can change that students life. The student can be going through a difficult time in life but remembers what a teacher said to him and now he found a way to take a chance. I really appreciated my visit at Mercer it was humbling and a blessing in so many different ways. The opportunity was eye opening to what preaching diversity at a young age will do for the future.

Intro to Big Mikey Mike

Personal Information
1. I don't have a preference to what I like being called. Michael or Mike both is fine with me.
2. I am from Cleveland Ohio. Every picture that I have and try to upload says it is too small for the media file.
3. I would like to teach English at the High School level.
4. I am into sports I'm a sports fiend. What makes me special is very simple I try to turn all of my negative situations into positives ones. That is extremely broad but I've been through many obstacles in my life that I know many people around me would have either given up or stopped making process and through the blessing of God I was fortunate enough to keep pushing through.
5. My learning style is very simple. I am very hands on. I rather get out in the field and do it rather than sit back and hear a lecture. To take creative risks I don't believe it depends on my environment I more so put the pressure on me. It is on me to take a risk in class. I enjoy knowing about my classmates though it will speed up the opening up process.
6. My perception of me as a student is quite simple. I like stuff I can feel, something that hits the soul. When it hits the soul it is something natural. By it being natural and real I am already all in, you don't know what you'll get out of me from there. I am very critical on myself. I am my biggest critic. Someone may look at me and say I'm doing fine but to myself I'll be extremely hard. If I don't I know I would slack off so that is needed by me.
7. My experience as a student in high school was terrible. I was not the best student. I did not care about too much that was going on if it was not surrounded by football. Life hit me hard and I had to polish up. One thing that does stick with me is my freshman teacher told me just because you are from the hood doesn't mean you have to act like it. At that time I didn't understand because I was young & naive to life. He was getting at you could still have encounters with the city but make sure it is positive don't continue to act out in negative ways.
8. Somethings that concern me right now are extremely simple. These next couple years can set up the rest of my life. Now with that being said what am I going to do from there.
9. When things are hard what do you go back to? What are some of your biggest fears?