Reflective Summary
The development of this portfolio took a journey from the inception of the course “needs of the whole child.” As classes progressed many of the lecturers touched on issues which were of great importance and is of great importance. As we went through the topics dealing with social and personal competencies one could not help but look inwardly to reflect on whether the skills being mentioned and dissected were skills that one indeed possessed. To this end the information was internalized and with a final assignment looming, one could not help but wonder what issues I would personally like included in my portfolio to show that learning indeed too place.
That was the start of the portfolio journey however and it engaged only reflection and introspection. As time progressed, much more needed to be done and with a teaching practice (practicum) upon me, even more bearded on the mind. The practicum experience however did lend some insights into the topics under study in the course and as part of the assignment and class presentation depended upon insights learned from the practicum, keen observation was kept at all times to identify any issue which could be discussed.
As time rolled even closer to the end of the course and intentions of expectations were made solid, the process of developing this portfolio started to take on new face as the practical work now needed to be done. Here came the time for planning and research and the careful plotting of ideas and self expectations. Topics needed to be identified, lessons needed to be planned and resources needed to be collected.
Research took on multiple dimensions as online research, books and even people were used so as to get a better understanding into matters of interest. As lessons had to be infused, I was sent back into my practicum files to see whether I could incorporate life skills within any of those lessons.
At first when I heard that this portfolio had to be in electronic form, I was concerned as to how one file uploaded to Google could be creative. It was then I had an epiphany and remembered lessons learned in my curriculum class where I was introduced to a free website which could be used. So the plan was now set, information gathered, lessons planned and insights gained would be portrayed for the world to see via the blessed internet.
After completing this exercise I can now honestly say that I did not think that life skills encompassed all the different dimensions which were mentioned through formal instruction and independent reading. It amazed me as to the complex nature of life skills and how it can be applied in every single facet of life. While much still needs to be explored I have now found a greater appreciation for the infusing of such skills into the curriculum.
As I eagerly wait for my opportunity to stand in front of my own class one day it is my wish and hope that I would always hold fast to my view of building the young by helping them access these skills known as “Life Skills.” i have always tried to the best of my ability to make lessons more of the affective nature so that students can see reality in them and now maybe the task of infusing life skills within my teaching would not be a far of dream. I do know however that there is still much to learn and as I steer forward into the future I continue growing and learning. I have seen the values of including life skills into teaching and recognise it as a necessity in today’s society. It is with this mindset that I now wish to encourage all who may read this to recognise what infusing life skills into the curriculum can do for individuals an society at large.
That was the start of the portfolio journey however and it engaged only reflection and introspection. As time progressed, much more needed to be done and with a teaching practice (practicum) upon me, even more bearded on the mind. The practicum experience however did lend some insights into the topics under study in the course and as part of the assignment and class presentation depended upon insights learned from the practicum, keen observation was kept at all times to identify any issue which could be discussed.
As time rolled even closer to the end of the course and intentions of expectations were made solid, the process of developing this portfolio started to take on new face as the practical work now needed to be done. Here came the time for planning and research and the careful plotting of ideas and self expectations. Topics needed to be identified, lessons needed to be planned and resources needed to be collected.
Research took on multiple dimensions as online research, books and even people were used so as to get a better understanding into matters of interest. As lessons had to be infused, I was sent back into my practicum files to see whether I could incorporate life skills within any of those lessons.
At first when I heard that this portfolio had to be in electronic form, I was concerned as to how one file uploaded to Google could be creative. It was then I had an epiphany and remembered lessons learned in my curriculum class where I was introduced to a free website which could be used. So the plan was now set, information gathered, lessons planned and insights gained would be portrayed for the world to see via the blessed internet.
After completing this exercise I can now honestly say that I did not think that life skills encompassed all the different dimensions which were mentioned through formal instruction and independent reading. It amazed me as to the complex nature of life skills and how it can be applied in every single facet of life. While much still needs to be explored I have now found a greater appreciation for the infusing of such skills into the curriculum.
As I eagerly wait for my opportunity to stand in front of my own class one day it is my wish and hope that I would always hold fast to my view of building the young by helping them access these skills known as “Life Skills.” i have always tried to the best of my ability to make lessons more of the affective nature so that students can see reality in them and now maybe the task of infusing life skills within my teaching would not be a far of dream. I do know however that there is still much to learn and as I steer forward into the future I continue growing and learning. I have seen the values of including life skills into teaching and recognise it as a necessity in today’s society. It is with this mindset that I now wish to encourage all who may read this to recognise what infusing life skills into the curriculum can do for individuals an society at large.