Chris Dardar responding to Paul Root Wolpe: Bioengineering

Being a person usually pretty strong in conviction, I have no idea where I stand on Bioengineering. Wolpe does a great job painting the picture of where we are headed.  Science has made many things possible and there is no clear end in site. Ethics is what needs to be addressed.  Wolpe briefly discusses pushing the limits and who decision is it to say where we should stop.  In the educational setting science and discovery are components that have always been embraced.  However, the ethics of creation are tricky, especially in a christian environment.  Engineering life is not a message I feel comfortable promoting, however, the use of genetic studies to help prevent diseases is something I feel must be supported.  As a classroom teacher I feel it is important to educate our students on the capability of science and the possibilities of what is to come. 

Chris Dardar responding to Mae Jemison on teaching arts and sciences together

Mae Jemison is truly a blessed person, who has managed to balance a very diverse career.  She has combined an extensive science background with a love  and talent of the arts.  She suggests that schools are not doing enough to help students appreciate both sides of the spectrum.  Her suggestions are that we begin incorporating more art into our science and science in to our arts.  Helping students to integrate the intuitive thought processes with the analytical brain will allow for balanced educational growth.  I believe that we as educators often focus on a discipline of study and do not fully appreciate where that study can be utilized and integrated.  I often tune out professional development that screams cross curriculum.  I have never meet anyone who can truly explain the methods of success for this.  I understand what is being sought but at the same time a teachers lesson should not be crossed by curriculum or educational discipline, but instead, the lesson should cross section life.  Teaching math or science can help a student appreciate art by acknowledging relationships of creation and process.  Everything we do in the classroom should encourage exploration.

Neysa Miller responding to Mae Jemison on teaching arts and sciences together

According to Mae Jemison, "science provides an understanding of a universal experience and arts provide a universal understanding of a personal experience".  This comment explains her idea of teaching the  sciences and the arts together. She suggests that both are beneficial to students because they will acquire basic knowledge and be able to form and appreciate abstract ideas.

I think that this is a great concept but not always pratical.  In smaller schools, it may not be feasible or possible to offer a variety of art electives.  I think that magnet and charter schools are a good alternative and may offer some students more possibilities in their interest areas.  I think that the trend of  such specialized schools will continue to grow.  On-line learning opportunities may also be a good alternative or way to provide students with some art experiences.

Annelle Keller responding to Viktor Frankl on the serach for meaning

Viktor Frankl explains that if we set our expectations high, promoting "man" with what he really CAN be, he will always rise to the challenge.  As educators, we must help spark our students to achieve and teach them how to become what he/she is capable of becoming. We are forming these young children into critical thinkers and must always be willing to push them to their highest potential.  As educators, we must have high expectations and help guide our students to become what they are capable of becoming.  Our students need to know that we believe in them.  They need us, as educators, to set clear, specific, high goals and make them clear. Students also need us to teach them how to meet those goals. 

Neysa Miller responding to: Viktor Frankl on the search for meaning

Neysa Miller responding to: Viktor Frankl on the search for meaning

          In Viktor Frankl’s speech, he discusses the idea or search for meaning in life.  He suggests that instead of just accepting the status quo, we should “promote man to what he can be”.  As teachers, we have the privilege and responsibility to do this every day.  We must recognize that our students have so much potential and discover how to help them achieve greatness.

          The teaching of ethics remains a challenge to all educators.  As individuals, we have strong beliefs.  As educators, we have a big responsibility to discern our beliefs from what should be shared and taught in a classroom setting.  As a teacher in a catholic school, it is my responsibility to share and teach the beliefs of the Catholic Church.  However, it is not my responsibility to share or teach my personal opinions or beliefs. 

Annelle Keller responding to Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action

This should have already been posted.  I'm not sure why it is not showing on the blog site....

How do great leaders inspire action?  According to Simon Sinek, they think, act, and communicate the same way.  I loved his "Golden Circle" insight which is a new way of looking at how people approach what they do.  The Golden Circle is drawn as a three circled "bulls eye". Written on the inner circle is the word ‘why’, the next circle reads ‘how’, and the outer circle reads ‘what’. Most people can describe ‘what’ they do but very few answer the ‘why’. Sinek says when you answer the ‘why’, you become unique and inspirational. He says inspired leaders start with the why. Those who start with "why" have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them. I watched Simon Sinek's TED on Martin Luther King Day. What a huge word - INSPIRE! Those who lead INSPIRE! I loved when Sinek pointed out that Dr. King's speech was "I Have A Dream" NOT "I Have a PLAN". People believed what Dr. King believed and then told others to follow him. Leaders who lead inspire and those who follow, follow because they want to not have to.