Monday, September 30, 2013

Discussion in a Democratic Society

Discussions are very important for growth and learning. In the article it says “discussion is a particularly wonderful way to explore supposedly settled questions and to develop a fuller appreciation for the multiplicity of human experience and knowledge.” To me this shows that without discussion we think we have a great understanding of the world around us, however, this is closed minded and we really have no way of looking at the world other than what we know. When we spend time with others and talk about things we think we know then we learn all sorts of things that could help us grow. However, it does not just take talk to other people because we also have to listen to what others have to say. We all have the right to express our views but we also need to listen in order to grow. By giving knowledge you also need to open yourself up to knowledge being given. It cannot just be you talking and then tuning out when the other talks.


When we grow up we all have someone taking care of us in some way. Now as adults we are the ones “taking care of us” but without that person taking care of us we would have died long ago. This applies to discussion because you need other people to share their knowledge and experiences to help you grow more. In a way they are “taking care” of our knowledge and intellectual growth.  It is also natural to share what we know with the people that are around us. If we didn't share than we would not be communicating with anyone. It is so much fun to talk to people and to learn from them, even if at the time of the discussion you don’t agree with what they are saying you should still listen and maybe you can change your mind or learn something new. Personal growth is about learning.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Introductory Letter Assignment

My name is Candice La Vanway, also known as Candice Lindner. I am a student in the class Teaching Literature to Adolescents. I am currently a teacher candidate. I am looking forward to spending more time in the classroom. I have not been placed into a classroom yet. Most of my observations in the classrooms in watching people I know who are teachers work their classroom. I have not spent a lot of time in the classroom yet and what I have is just observational. I have a small fear of talking in public and I am hoping that I will be able to overcome that fear quickly and easily. I am hoping also that I will be able to make my students as excited about English as I am. This course will help me find books that are good for older kids and will also help me find ways to get kids reading. I also want to find ways of making assignments and discussions from the books we read. Ever since I was in the 10th grade I have had a passion for books and reading. I have not always been a good reader but I have always wanted to read new book and love to find new stories. I find that the way to get to know someone is to find out what kind of books interest them and why. You can pick up a book and read it but not get excited about any part of it; however, you can pick up another book and find that you love the story and the plot. Each reader has spent time finding books that make them excited to read and I can honestly say that I don't have just one favorite book because I have many favorite books. I am always willing to read a suggestions from someone I know. I love finding new stories to read.