ONE MONTH LATER Class Recap: CHRTC 380

I purposely saved this class last to blog about because I absolutely LOVED CHRTC 380. Can you already tell that I like to procrastinate?? On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 this class started my day, and it was the best way yet! Already thinking about it I do miss it. I have no idea where to start because there was nothing, and I mean nothing that I did not NOT appreciate about this class.

CHRTC 380 was my very last class to complete before obtaining my Certificate in Catholic Education. I took 4 CHRTC classes -- 100 (Bible), 250 (Theological Education), 380 (Religious Education for the Child) and XXX (which was my Happiness class!). You have to average at least a B- in each class, which was an easy breezy checklist for me. 

Right away, our professor had us sit in a semi-circle. We encapsulated right from the start a sense of community by including everyone and anyone with our thoughts, questions and feedback. There was 12 of us, where I was the one and only guy. Can't complain there. 

I'm blessed in many ways for this class and all my Christian Theology classes in general. I feel that I connected to my faith more than ever and able to affirm my relationship with God in the strongest ways yet. What I will take away the most was the numerous opportunities for application. I mean, from a University class we had TONS of exposure! Our prof encouraged us to use our knowledge from class and apply it to real life teaching, such as when she brought elementary children into our class and through our volunteerism in the community. As a former administrator, she was incredibly understanding and helpful along our journey in this class and of course our faith! 

To my classmates -- each and every one of you have been an inspiring group of people to see as pre-service teachers. This is what's so rockin' about the Ed faculty: the close-knit, tight, getting-to-know-one-another right away atmosphere. Most of us were in our fourth year, so to have a class to share and grow and shine the light of what is to come, reminded us of the teaching opportunities that awaits us all. 

Lastly, if you are in education I very much recommend taking the path of exploring Christian Theology classes. From all the classes in my undergrad, my CHRTC has been the most beneficial and extraordinary. I know this because I bring them up in daily conversations and share all my positive experiences with them. To end, always know that God is love and for my future students, they will be reminded of that consistently. 

Class Recap: EDPS 410

EDPS 410, also known as Law & Ethics. This was such an interesting class, to say the least! Yesterday afternoon we had our final for it (I know what you're thinking, on a Friday? Sucks doesn't it hey?). But truthfully, in one word it was insightful. In a nutshell our class was case study after case study. I found this a lot better than full-blast lecture because we're actually applying our knowledge about ethical and legal teacher issues. Here are some main key points I learned from 410:

- Do not establish personal relationship with your students outside the classroom

- You are a teacher 24/7 - meaning the fiduciary principle (acting as a role model and trusting person) is always applied, even on your personal time

- Do not have intercourse with your students at all

Okay, so the first one is kinda obvious. Kinda. Second point, I somewhat knew but also very glad we went in depth during class and discussed. Fiduciary principle I also discussed both in my midterm AND final, so I think I should get bonus points, right?! Third point, PRETTY MUCH obvious and who ever even THINKS about doing it, shouldn't even be a teacher. Period. Enough said. End of conversation.

Lastly going to class I had lots of teacher friends to see! We occupied the back 2 rows and it was VERY bitter-sweet parting ways after our exam because it was the last one for all of us. A big shout out to all you guys because I wish you nothing but success and triumph through your teaching practices! 

Class Recap: EDPY 416

EDPY 416 introduced us to teaching English as a Second Language which also was my very, LAST, night class in my undergraduate degree. It was on Tuesdays from 5-8pm where Tuesday's were my longest days throughout the week. Seriously, it was class from 9:30am-8:00pm (but of course I had lengthy breaks in between to spend with friends and eat)! 

If you're even considering to take this class, let me warn ya, it's pretty content heavy. There were many concepts and theories and theorists and applications we needed to know. I'm not trying to scare y'all, but be warned. Despite all the information, it all was interesting to know and learn about which will be useful to know when I'll teach! 

Our assignment was pretty interesting for this one. We had to select an ESL speaker, interview them about their history and experiences learning English, then write a paper applying the concepts we learned from class. It was a process, but I appreciated this assignment because it encouraged us to get a hands-on approach of English as a Second Language and putting course content into application. I didn't too bad on it myself! Actually, it was my better assignments all term. Can I get a hoorah?!  

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Night classes are always a hit or miss. I remember taking a night class several years ago and it really DRAGGED. Every minute felt torturous and I just wanted to get the heck outta there. Fortunately for this one it wasn't like that. I took this class with my best school friend and because of that, it flew by quick and at other times, quicker than expected! I'm always grateful for my connections in Education, just because you never know how it'll help me down the road! 

Stick by me with all this nerd-fest, but I think learning about Krashen's Second Language Acquisition was the most interesting. We also discussed about ethics (bleeding into EPS 410) and pathways to open up opportunities when teaching ESL. Lastly, our prof made this class more lively and upbeat. She's a bit sarcastic, like me, and I'm glad she didn't take it personally at all. Once you know me, you'll get my jokes. Trust me. 

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Goodbye 4th Year!

I feel that once I start school, I can't wait for it to be over. And then when school ends, I can't wait for it to start again. It's the irony of learning and University I guess! Last Thursday (my birthday actually!) was when classes finished. I only took 3 this term! CHRTC 380 (Teaching Religious Education to youth), EDPY 416 (Intro to Teaching English as a Second Language) and EDPS 410 (Law & Ethics). Although I'm not graduating this year with all my other friends, it's exciting to know I'll be back this fall to take just Art class and then my final practicum. And of course, wish all my fellow Education graduates success to new challenges! 

I'm not graduating this year (/sad face) because I decided to finish my degree with my practicum instead. Although it pushes me behind a semester, I also believed I wasn't ready to do my practicum last year either. Don't get me wrong; I love teaching and it is my honest passion doing it, but I needed something to regain myself. Time. 

I needed time to learn, grow and absorb more. I needed (and maybe still need!) to energize and regroup my thoughts and ideas. I wanted to connect more and build upon ideas. Looking back, I'm pretty positive I made the best decision for myself. And who knows? Maybe I'm not fully ready right now. I'll sure take this upcoming summer for more me time will help me even more. I think of the second practicum as a "9-week job interview" because essentially, it is. My evaluation means everything for me, and I'll be bummed if it's sub-par or just average. I hope to excel and to succeed even more with those little learners. Watch me ;) 

January Volunteering

January was a superb month for volunteering! I try to volunteer in various settings with the youth so that I get as much exposure as I can when having a classroom of kiddo's on my own. 

The first week I was SO SO excited to be back in the north-end school that I was at before my practicum. I had to stop going there temporarily because my IFX happened, and then summer came working two jobs then last fall term hit. Nevertheless, I am extremely thrilled to be back there for this winter term! 

To sum it up in a sentence, kids read to me using the assessment Fountain & Pinnell. We read one-on-one so that I (the reading assistant) can scaffold them by correcting mispronounced words and asking them comprehension questions about the text. I read with children anywhere between grade 2 to grade 6, and I LOVE it. Unique opportunities like this provide me skills to adapt and be flexible with a wide age range of youth. Also, you can never read TOO much, can you? 

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I also volunteered with a good friend of mine at his parish. I helped deliver sacramental and confirmation preparation to both division I and II students. Again, I love the variation of youth I get to work with. I'm taking a class about teaching religious education to youth, and I feel that delivering church preparation aligns with what I'm learning in that class right now. 

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On a side note, this is why I LOVE and feel SPECIAL being an Education student! Unlike other programs (not going to name names of course..) most, if not all of my courses contribute to my knowledge that I can use in practical applications. I admire this because everything will always then come full circle. 

January Recap!

I can't believe it's already the end of January! I remember just buying new pencils and pens for the term to start. This term is different for me, and I am not entirely sure why!

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I'm in three classes only, which is super strange as every semester I take either 4 or 5. I originally was in 4, but I dropped one because I figured I didn't need it and I didn't want to add any more unnecessary stress. I only go to class twice a week - which is beautiful - because then I get to catch up with life on my other days off. I remember in first year going to class every day between Monday to Friday, and I just COULD NOT WAIT until the weekend. Having breaks in the middle of the week alleviates that stress! Plus, sleeping in past class time is always a bonus.

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In a nutshell, January flew. Course outlines were distributed first week and then we jumped into course content. I also volunteered at a school and at my friend's parish this month where I'll be talking about that in a separate blog post. I worked as always and met up with friends more times than average. Social life wise, I think it's as strong as ever as I've been able to meet and catch up various education and non-education friends! You can never have too many!

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What Was That? School Starts... Monday?

This holiday break honestly consisted of just work and sleep and watching an endless amount of YouTube videos. I did meet up with a couple of friends that I was grateful for their company. The eager beaver I am already bought all my textbooks even before the new year hit. My binder is put together with lined sheets and dividers and labels, it is beautiful. I emptied my University of Alberta clipboard and am full-on ready for classes to start. Of course here's a picture.

Already the 2nd day of the new year, my calendar in my bedroom does not function. I was planning to buy a calendar, but since I have two official school terms left, I thought I would ride the "student life" a little bit longer. I got a gift card from Chapters, and I know they have student-specific calendars, which I am sure they still have some... for 50% percent off. My kind of deal. 

This was my desk when I was studying back in December for finals and essays. It is completely messy, and nothing will change, even though it's a new year. I love having all my papers and books and research spread out because I know where (almost) everything is. This will foreshadow my teacher desk, but I do need to look into purchasing IKEA storage. IKEA trip anyone?!