Mathematics
Although Fundamentals of Mathematics was unlike any other math class I have previously taken, I found it so interesting to learn about the origins of basic mathematical principles. Every day, we met in groups to work on course packets that outlined our learning material, and included practice questions. We worked in teams to understand the new concepts, and then had great notes and examples to refer back to when it came time to take exams.
In practicing this quantitative skill, we were encouraged to discuss and even debate new material, as we were able to practice these skills and learn from our mistakes. In a classroom, there has to be room for error - not everyone can do everything well on the first try. Even as college students, we often had to go back and relearn some of the material because we did not understand it the first time. I learned how to better communicate with others who might disagree with me. Whenever our thoughts about how to solve a problem conflicted, we had to discuss with each other why our thoughts were different, and then figure out how to come to a middle ground to understand the concept. Such a skill is important at any age and in any classroom.
In practicing this quantitative skill, we were encouraged to discuss and even debate new material, as we were able to practice these skills and learn from our mistakes. In a classroom, there has to be room for error - not everyone can do everything well on the first try. Even as college students, we often had to go back and relearn some of the material because we did not understand it the first time. I learned how to better communicate with others who might disagree with me. Whenever our thoughts about how to solve a problem conflicted, we had to discuss with each other why our thoughts were different, and then figure out how to come to a middle ground to understand the concept. Such a skill is important at any age and in any classroom.
Physical Education & Health
In my Fitness for Life PE class, we discussed and practiced how to maintain a continuous healthy lifestyle. This is important both in the classroom and in everyday experiences; as educators, we have the opportunity to both teach and model what healthy eating and exercise habits might look like. We can impart knowledge to our students about different food groups, identifying what is good and bad for the body to consume. Similarly, exercise should be an important part of every day, and students should be encouraged to make physical activity a part of their routine, even if that is during PE or recess.
For my class, one of our assignments was to closely track our eating habits for a few days, and log them into a website that tells us whether we are “under,” “OK,” or “over” daily caloric expectations, based on our height and weight. We then had quantitative evidence of our eating habits, and could better improve the decisions we make when it comes to healthy eating. This assignment worked alongside our semester-long task of working out at least four times per week and tracking that information on heart monitors to calculate our overall fitness at the end of the class. We had tangible evidence of healthy habits.
For my class, one of our assignments was to closely track our eating habits for a few days, and log them into a website that tells us whether we are “under,” “OK,” or “over” daily caloric expectations, based on our height and weight. We then had quantitative evidence of our eating habits, and could better improve the decisions we make when it comes to healthy eating. This assignment worked alongside our semester-long task of working out at least four times per week and tracking that information on heart monitors to calculate our overall fitness at the end of the class. We had tangible evidence of healthy habits.
English
My time as a student in Dr. VanderMey’s Modern Grammar and Advanced Composition class has taught me two important lessons: writing should be clear and concise, almost always offering something to improve upon. While his class challenged both my writing skills and my patience, I feel I now better express myself through written communication. I more readily notice grammar mistakes, and I excel in writing in a way that is both understandable and to the point. As a future teacher, this skill can demonstrate itself in many ways, probably the greatest of which being teaching these skills to students so they, too, can learn how to convey their ideas concisely and free of errors.
I chose an essay entitled “Siéntate,” constructed based on my experiences both studying and observing English language learners, and the potential lack of attention they receive due to language barriers in the classroom. English 104 allowed and encouraged me to write about what I questioned, what I liked or disliked, and what invigorated passion. This is an issue I feel is worth addressing. I was given the chance, in my college classroom, to present written information I deem important, and then had my piece scrutinized multiple times by classmates in order to produce my best work. I believe this essay is exemplary of that. I hope to inspire others with my words to take action on issues like this and others. As a lifelong learner, this skill of expressing my thoughts and opinions to the absolute best of my abilities is one that I will not quickly lose sight of.
I chose an essay entitled “Siéntate,” constructed based on my experiences both studying and observing English language learners, and the potential lack of attention they receive due to language barriers in the classroom. English 104 allowed and encouraged me to write about what I questioned, what I liked or disliked, and what invigorated passion. This is an issue I feel is worth addressing. I was given the chance, in my college classroom, to present written information I deem important, and then had my piece scrutinized multiple times by classmates in order to produce my best work. I believe this essay is exemplary of that. I hope to inspire others with my words to take action on issues like this and others. As a lifelong learner, this skill of expressing my thoughts and opinions to the absolute best of my abilities is one that I will not quickly lose sight of.
History
Studying Hitler and the Holocaust is neither easy nor comforting. While studying abroad in Europe, Professor Huffnagle shared with us her expansive knowledge of such a tragic time in history. One of the assignments from that semester came in two parts. The first of these was to write a paper based on a letter or other piece of written documentation of someone personally involved in the Holocaust. The second was to respond to an oral testimony of someone who suffered through this period. Both of these elements required extensive research to both validate and prove this person’s story. As a learner, I appreciated this assignment because it encouraged me to not only study the material, but to consider it from a particular point of view, as I was asked to sympathize with the person I read about or listened to.
The most important lesson I have learned from History classes at Westmont is sympathy; being able to read a history textbook is one thing, but the power to bring history back to life from individual perspectives is entirely different. I have been encouraged to consider the actions and feelings of people of the past, in order to understand historical events in their full context. Such is especially the case when studying the Holocaust. This assignment helped me to better understand oral communication because I listened to someone, and interpreted what they were saying. I also think this demonstrated information literacy, as I put these eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust into the context of this time period as a whole, ultimately proving their stories true in the grand scheme of World War II.
The most important lesson I have learned from History classes at Westmont is sympathy; being able to read a history textbook is one thing, but the power to bring history back to life from individual perspectives is entirely different. I have been encouraged to consider the actions and feelings of people of the past, in order to understand historical events in their full context. Such is especially the case when studying the Holocaust. This assignment helped me to better understand oral communication because I listened to someone, and interpreted what they were saying. I also think this demonstrated information literacy, as I put these eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust into the context of this time period as a whole, ultimately proving their stories true in the grand scheme of World War II.
Performing Arts
Norm Jones’s Theater class expanded both my knowledge and my appreciation for performing arts immensely. Part of this may be due to the fact that our studies and attendance of plays occurred while studying abroad in Europe (what a dream!). He encouraged us to keep an open mind, even if we did not consider ourselves “theater people.” Not only did this prove to be true, but I actually came to enjoy theater far more than I ever had before, simply because I did not close myself off to new experiences. This is important both in the classroom and throughout life. I learned how to take what I read or watched on the stage and interpret its meaning, strengthening my information literacy.
I chose to attach my final paper for Theater class, as Dr. Jones asked us to reflect back on our own growth based on the experiences of our semester. My writing highlights how important it is to keep an open mind in all situations, because learning cannot happen if someone closes himself/herself off to new ideas. I entered this Theater class with low expectations, with little hope for enjoyment in my studies. What I took to heart was Dr. Jones's famous tagline: "If you are so set on what has to be, you leave little room for what He might do." God works through an open heart and an open mind, and I did my best to put that concept into action. I ended up loving what I learned in this class, growing both in educational knowledge and in my sense of self. The same is true for anyone! New experiences can seem scary, boring, or unimportant, but extending boundaries can lead to wonderful new realizations.
I chose to attach my final paper for Theater class, as Dr. Jones asked us to reflect back on our own growth based on the experiences of our semester. My writing highlights how important it is to keep an open mind in all situations, because learning cannot happen if someone closes himself/herself off to new ideas. I entered this Theater class with low expectations, with little hope for enjoyment in my studies. What I took to heart was Dr. Jones's famous tagline: "If you are so set on what has to be, you leave little room for what He might do." God works through an open heart and an open mind, and I did my best to put that concept into action. I ended up loving what I learned in this class, growing both in educational knowledge and in my sense of self. The same is true for anyone! New experiences can seem scary, boring, or unimportant, but extending boundaries can lead to wonderful new realizations.
Science
One of my Life Science assignments involved reading a required book, and doing my own research on different topics, followed by answering questions. These questions then facilitated discussions that our class would have in small groups at our professor’s house. We called them Community Conversations. This helped me to learn how to not only be informationally literate by interpreting my own thoughts about certain topics, but also how to better communicate myself orally to a group. Half of the assignment was based on discussion, and although I have never quite enjoyed participating in class, I feel like I grew in being able to express my thoughts to others in a comfortable place like a professor's home. At the expense of sounding cheesy, this class helped me to "come out of my shell" as I entered the rest of my college years.
As a future teacher, I have to be able to express certain thoughts or ideas clearly, especially to a group of students. One of the most important things in a classroom is establishing a feeling of safety so that everyone feels like they can participate. It is a great priority of mine to make sure my students feel the same way. Everyone should feel that their input is important, and I hope to foster a classroom environment that values respect for others' opinions. It was so important for me as a student (from the time I was very young) to feel that my opinions and ideas are important--every child deserves to feel that way!
As a future teacher, I have to be able to express certain thoughts or ideas clearly, especially to a group of students. One of the most important things in a classroom is establishing a feeling of safety so that everyone feels like they can participate. It is a great priority of mine to make sure my students feel the same way. Everyone should feel that their input is important, and I hope to foster a classroom environment that values respect for others' opinions. It was so important for me as a student (from the time I was very young) to feel that my opinions and ideas are important--every child deserves to feel that way!
Human Development
Ranking in my “Top Three Favorite Westmont Classes,” Child Development prepared me with a vast understanding of the human growth process, especially pertaining to children in the classroom. As a future teacher, I feel as though this information encouraged me to be sympathetic to each individual student, not only in terms of school performance, but in life experiences, as well. There are so many factors that shape a person into who they become, and as an educator, it is my job to recognize what influences a child’s behavior.
One of our assignments was to research a topic relating to developmental psychology that we found interesting. I chose to study the effects of mainstreaming children with disabilities into traditional classrooms. What I discovered through this essay was not only how to better express myself through written word, but also potential pros and cons if I find myself to be an educator in a “mixed” classroom someday. There certainly are differing opinions about issues like this, but now that I have far more information on the topic, I feel I am better prepared to take a stance on the subject. This research has piqued my interest to pursue greater knowledge about the spectrum of child abilities within the classroom environment, and to potentially teach Special Education someday.
One of our assignments was to research a topic relating to developmental psychology that we found interesting. I chose to study the effects of mainstreaming children with disabilities into traditional classrooms. What I discovered through this essay was not only how to better express myself through written word, but also potential pros and cons if I find myself to be an educator in a “mixed” classroom someday. There certainly are differing opinions about issues like this, but now that I have far more information on the topic, I feel I am better prepared to take a stance on the subject. This research has piqued my interest to pursue greater knowledge about the spectrum of child abilities within the classroom environment, and to potentially teach Special Education someday.