Finding Your Passion

http://aptaujucentrs.com/en/page/pakalpojumi/centrs-diskusijam-un-testiem/fokusa-grupu-diskusijas

Wow, I can’t believe how fast this semester has flown by. As we come to the end of this semester we also come to the end of our blog entries. Throughout this experience I feel like I have been able to learn so much, not just from my personal understandings as a result of reflection, but also from the discussions had between my blog group members. I am so happy that we were able to get together and discuss our blogs in detail, allowing for further understanding throughout the semester. Furthermore, because of this discussion time I feel as though I really have been able to grow in my understanding of different facets of education. As each of our group members comes to the table with different perspectives, experiences and goals it becomes evident through reflection that there is so much more to the process of education than I ever dreamed.

Last week as a class, we were asked to participate in genius hour (a period of time where students were allowed to research and explore anything within the educational filed that interested them). We were then tasked to present these findings to the class in smaller groups. Although I will admit I was skeptical about the use of my class time for collaboration I was so pleasantly surprised by the presentations that we got to see. Just as our blog groups allowed for further understanding in a variety of different subjects, perspectives and focuses so too did this genius hour. By getting to just enjoy some of the research that other class members did, we were able to really immerse ourselves in the learning, understanding and work that everyone brought forth. Furthermore, we got to see what really interested our classmates and where their passions lie.  

http://www.wholeheartedleaders.com/?p=528

After reviewing my own blog from this semester I think this idea of passion is what is evident throughout. I don’t think I fully realized how much I enjoy and love dramatic arts, and how much they really have make an impact on my educational philosophy. In the past, I only thought that drama was useful in a performative aspect; however, in my experiences this semester (both in my drama class and in this education class) I have been happy to realize the other uses for these conventions. Drama truly has become a passion that far exceeds my expectations, and I think this is a large part of 21^st Century learning.

Through every exercise and assignment we have completed this semester in EDUC4P19, the focus on 21^st Century learning skills has been evident. These skills include following your passions, literacy in a variety of 21^st Century technologies and techniques, and finally the shift from the new to the old story in education. I think that for me, one of the main take aways from this class will be how to make learning fun and how to find the balance between the strict confines of the curriculum and the needs of the student.

To end I will include the Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson that catapulted my Genius hour last week. This talk focuses on creativity, schools and most of all some of those 21^st Century learning skills we have been so focused on.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY