Collaboration: Working Together is the Key for Success

We thrive off each other. It is our human nature whether we like it or not. From a young age, each of us develops close relationships, relies on the support of family members, and has daily interactions with peers. During the early stages of development, we have no idea that this social process is taking place. However, it is an inevitable and integral part of our lives that is undoubtedly shaping who we are and will become. Little do we know that "Mama and DaDa", some of the first words typically uttered by infants, represent just two of the important relationships we will have during our lives. They are just two of the many people who will come into our lives and challenge us, define us, and support us in so many ways.

If we "flash forward" about twenty or even thirty years, nothing has changed. Maybe you are a collegiate student on the brink of graduating and beginning a professional career. Maybe you are in the midst of adulthood and your career, family, and personal life are well on their way. Whatever stage you may be in, there is one common thread linking us all together: our relationships. Love them or hate them, we have to work together to promote the success of our personal and professional endeavors by thriving off those around us. We have to work successfully with others in order to be human, to be accepted, and to be "something" in this game we call life.

In terms of professional and career development, teachers are a great example of how important teamwork and positive peer relationships are in the workplace. In the educational sphere, this kind of approach is called collaboration, something that can make or break the success of a class, a school, or district. Teachers often come into the classroom with their own ideals, goals, and objectives. These have often been long ingrained into their minds and reflect the deep sentiments of their educational backgrounds and cultural ideals. Bringing in this is "previous knowledge" is inevitable. However, controlling the way we manifest it is the central factor to our success in both our personal and professional lives.

It is my hope that teachers can break these inherent biases or preconcieved notions of "how things work" . In order for true collaboration and teamwork to exist among teachers and all professionals for that matter, everyone needs a fresh start. I’m not saying to throw out everything you’ve learned and enter your professional field with a blank slate or new canvas, just waiting for the "art" to be applied. Rather, I’m encouraging a certain open-mindedness paired with previous knowledge and experience. This involves having respect for your colleagues, being considerate of new ideas, and approaching decisions in a team oriented manner that is by no means selfish or individualistic. We can use our own backgrounds in an effective manner while being part of a team at the same time. It's really all about balance, approachablity, and respect.

So, I think it’s time for everyone to hop off their high horse. (if they haven’t already). Sometimes, the most effective progress can be made if we take the time to humble ourselves and accept the criticisms, encouragement, and ideas of others. Man was not created to live alone, but instead to live in conjunction with everyone they come across. Ideally, this kind of community allows each relationship we have to teach us something new, thereby modling us into a better rounded person. Just think of the progress that could be made if everyone began to move toward this kind of approach not only in their professional endeavors, but in their personal lives as well. I really think a lot of barriers could be broken. So go on and push yourself to collaborate, team-build, engage in effective communication, and rely on the experience of others sometimes. We can’t do everything alone and that is a-okay.

The Race for Technology: Don't be Left in the Dust

Computer illiteracy is quickly becoming a thing of the past as more and more of the general population is becoming tech savvy. The technology race is on and sending a clear message: hop on the train or you’ll be left in the dust. Over the last few months, social networking sites have boomed and are continuing to drive the American economy in a sort of underlying (but alarming) way. Of course, the change reluctant “caveman” wouldn’t dare give credit to this rapidly growing phenomenon. For the rest of us, it’s pretty clear that we have some serious keeping up to do so we aren’t left out of the loop.

So, what exactly does staying “in the loop” entail these days? It’s our human nature to strive to meet social norms and standards. We constantly (and uncontrollably) crave respect from our peers and colleagues. In the 21st century, this quest for social “acceptance” has taken on a new meaning. It has to do with keeping up with the web and all it has to offer in terms of personal growth and the development of society as a whole. It has to do with networking and learning from our closest colleagues or even from bloggers we’ve never met. That is what staying in the “loop” involves these days. In order to be accepted (and informed), we must be "plugged-in", "turned-on" and "charged" at all times.

What about technology's implications for educators? As an emerging young professional studying education, I dare not downplay the importance for teachers to keep up with this "race". If you really think about it, educators are at the forefront of the “big picture”. Everything they do in the classroom extends into the lives of their students. The students take new found knowledge and apply it outside of the school walls, using it in their communities and everyday lives. In the long run, this knowledge will serve as the foundation for the next generation of society that will inevitably consist of America’s business leaders, politicians, and other esteemed professionals. We want these future leaders to have the best education possible, one that is centered around technology and the acknowledging of the amazing feats that can be accomplished if the proper tools are put in place and lessons are taught.

This being said, it is key that everyone (especially our teachers) provides proper means of support for students and their learning about technology and the web. The days of blackboards and chalk are over and something new and exciting is in the works. So, let’s make sure society keeps up, regardless of what age you may be, profession you have, or belief system you follow. While teachers are an important part of this equation, keeping up with technology goes for just about everyone whether you live in the west or east, the U.S or Europe, a big city or small city. Technology cuts across all geographical "barriers" whether you like it or not. So, whoever or wherever you are, it’s time to wake up and get with the program. After all, who wants to be left out of the loop?

image found at: www.image.google.com http://www.llu.edu/centennial/complex/images/cover.jpg

6/9/2009 F.A.T City Video Reflection

The F.A.T City video provides an eye-opening look into how students with learning disabilities feel in the general education setting. The narrator of the video effortlessly evokes the emotions and thoughts students with disabilities have when they are being quizzed by the typical authoritative teacher and watched by their always observant peers. The exercises in the video show that the everyday school experience can be a nightmare for these students. This is important for parents, educators, and future teachers to understand, making this video a highly valuable source.

I gained insight from the video on numerous levels. First, the video allowed me to have greater empathy for these students. By using educators, parents, counselors and other professionals as the "students", the video provides an excellent example of how a person would feel if he or she had a learning disability. This is an important perspective because it allows the average (or above average) professional to be in the shoes of an exceptional student. This kind of empathy is key for effective teaching as it allows the professional to cater to the needs of each student.

Secondly, the video reminded me that not all students have the kind of experience I have had with education. School has come naturally for me since before I can remember. In high school, I was always ahead of the game, working on the next assignment, and exceeding my teacher's expectations. As I have continued on to college, I have become more grateful for the committment I have had to my education and have vowed not to take it for granted. This kind of committment doesn't come naturally to everyone, especially students who have exceptionalities. The realization of this is key for teachers to truly understand these students and accomodate their needs.

My understanding for the diverse needs of each student always becomes more evident when I am exposed to discussions like those in F.A.T City. Sometimes it really takes an eye-opening source like this one for teachers to challenge they way they look at their past experiences so that they can better teach their own students and enable them as future leaders in the community.

image found at www.image.google.com http://www.housingrights.org/images/handswblack515.jpg