Reflection 1

     Capture:

     Two key concepts that I've observed in this class so far are: 1) We get what we give. 2) Learn for Life, Not a Grade. 

     Analysis:

     Upon reflecting on these two concepts I've found several key differences in how I was taught growing up and how I would/will teach now and in the future. In high school my biggest frustration was going to classes where the material had hardly any real-world application. I've felt that my high school education, and even my college education to an extent, hasn't really carried over into real-life application. Let me explain. For example, there is no class taught in high school on how to get a job,  basic communication/social skills, how to do basic finances/ budget, or other essential and even foundational life skills. These skills are left to be taught by Boy Scout troops, Church or Religious organizations, and in the home. That said, I feel that these things should be taught in these places, but what about the students who have awful home lives, don't go to church, etc. I guess what I'm getting at is the importance of having real-world application for the information being presented within the classroom being paramount above the information itself. There needs to be more Learning for Life, Not Just Learning for a Grade. With that in mind, even if you do create a class where real-world application is paramount, it ultimately comes down to what each student and teacher gives to the class that determines the final outcome for all involved.  

    Action:

     As I begin my teaching career I will do everything I can to have real-world skills incorporated into whatever lesson material I present. Ideally, and ultimately, I would love to be an educational entrepreneur and create/launch classes/schools that teach real-world skills along with specific core classes that teach and prepare students for their college and real-life/workplace experiences.