Ken Robinson’s video notes:

Thesis statement: From my first essay I wanted my readers to understand a little more about what an IEP means. I also wanted them to know about the struggles I go through daily with my IEP and try to be in someone else’s shoes for a little while. But, over all I wanted them know that when they set their mind to something they can accomplish it!

Ken Robinson’s video notes:

-Everybody has an interesting education.

-Education goes deep with people.

-We are educated for the future. We don’t know what that future is although.

-Creativity is important.

-You can tell that he really has a love for children.

-If you are not prepared to be wrong. You are never going to be anything.

-We get educated out of creativity.

-Everyone has the same education system.

-Math and English are taught more than drama and arts.

-Professors live in their heads.

-Don’t do things you like. Do things that will “go somewhere”

-Degrees meant that you didn’t have a job now it is changing.

-Intelligence is interactive.

-People who have to move to think.

-Celebrate the gift of the imagination.

 

I think it is amazing how Ken was not scared to tell people how we are pushing creavitiy out of people’s lives. And it is so true. If you are not doing a career that you will for sure make a ton of money in. then people don't think you are doing anything good. most of the time. I think that is silly because we don't all have to same interests and if everyone was the same, then life would be so boring.

But, for my essay I was thinking about comparing to good teachers that have to very different teaching styles. I have one high school teacher of mine in mind already. But, I’m still trying to think of the other teacher. I also might mention things that they could do better. But, I don’t know if that is what Sonia wants?

Formal paper 1 final

Aly Jensen

English 101

Formal paper #1: Education

1/29/2013

Instructor: Sonia Begert

 

      One significant learning experience I have had in my life is having an IEP, which means I have an Individual Education Plan. I have had an IEP since fifth grade and it means I have a contract with the school that gives me the help I may need with any class I may take. This help may include going out during a test, having directions read to me, etc. Although, the name really does not explain what an IEP is, I found out. An Individual Education Plan really means that I have a learning disability. I hate putting it that way because it makes it sound like I have a limitation on what I can become. For me, that is not the case.

     One reason I have my IEP, is it takes me longer to do work in class. I often have to re-read instructions multiple times to understand them. Even just with simple words, I misread them. One word can mess up the whole meaning of the sentence, which is very frustrating. I will ask a friend for help with the instructions. I will read the instructions to him or her aloud and sometimes he or she will laugh because I will replace a simple word with something else. Now and then, I will get a look as if I am stupid. Yes, it can hurt my feelings, but I also know that they have no idea what it is like to have to struggle everyday with simple things like instructions. I do not get angry with them because I know it is not their fault they don’t understand.

     Another challenge I face with my IEP is occasionally I have to demand a teachers help or attention. Most teachers are very willing to help and are VERY patient with me. Nevertheless, there are those few teachers that get super frustrated when they have to explain a problem to me multiple times. For example, I am currently in a math class and I do not understand the teacher, because he does not write things down every time on the board. He will explain things verbally and very quickly. Most students in that class will understand him, but I am a visual person, especially when it comes to math. Therefore, if he instructs aloud, I have to ask him to write it down. He will then say, “Well, you can write it down.” I think to myself, not really, because you are talking so stinking fast I can’t even process what you are saying! This can be very frustrating for me and hard for teachers to be patient with me. They might even have to change their teaching style to help me understand what they are trying to convey to me. This “teacher problem” can be a pain and make school harder. I have learned that I am still the student and the teacher is supposed to teach and help me learn. If I have to demand their help or deal with their frustration, I will because I truly want to learn, I love to learn.

     When I tell people I have an IEP, I normally get two very different responses. If I tell someone, I have just met or have not known for very long, they might look at me as if I am odd, as if, I have three eyes. I find this somewhat funny because it is not like I have a disease or anything. It is not contagious. On the other hand, some will automatically start talking slower or start dumbing things down for me. Sometimes I will tell them, “you know, I just have a hard time learning, I’m NOT dumb.” Most of the time I do not tell someone I have an IEP unless I have known them for a while and trust them.

     Often, I get the opposite reaction. People I have known for a long time are super surprised. They will say, “I would have never guessed unless you told me,” or “really you don’t seem like you have a learning disability.” I obviously like those responses better. I just let them know that I really have to work hard for my grades like the majority of other students. However, some things that might come a little easier for some people are so much harder for me.

     Life with an IEP, has taught me so much. I have learned determination. During my sophomore year, it just clicked and that is when I knew I wanted to get good grades no matter what I had to overcome. In addition, I was honestly driven to prove people wrong. I want to prove that no matter what hard experiences I have in my life, or what challenges I might go through, I can overcome them, with hard work and willpower.

     I have accomplished much in my life thus far, and I hope to continue to succeed. Last year, my junior year, I maintained a 4.0 during the course of the whole year. I sometimes had to go to after school tutoring, and had to retake tests. I asked my teachers almost daily if I was on top of my homework. During my junior year, I was also holding down a job. Often times I had to debate whether or not I wanted to go home and see my family or go to tutoring before my shift started at work.

     Throughout high school, I have received quite a few awards for my determination in class. I got two last year for maintaining a 4.0. Currently I am rated in the top 10% of my senior class because of academics and grades. When a student has an IEP, every four years or so that student will meet with his or her school counselor and parents to discuss his or her academic progress. When I had my meeting with the vice principal, the teachers said they were very impressed with my grades and hard work. They were proud of me for doing my best, even though I need an IEP. My teachers have often told me that they are also impressed with how I use my time and how I work effectively.

     I do not tell people these things to brag, I honestly tell people these things to show that if a person really puts his or her mind to something it can be accomplished. Yes, I am proud of myself. I think it is a great thing to be proud of yourself if you know that you have set your mind on a goal and have accomplished it.

     Even though I have a learning disability, and face these challenges daily, it has taught me so much. I have learned to be determined, I can accomplish what I put my mind to, and once I accomplish those things I get to be proud of myself for it. I know that while I live out the rest of my life, it will be challenging and it will be a struggle every day, but no matter what happens I can never give up. I have to keep working toward my goals because they are not going to just fall in my lap.  To prove to myself and others that I can do it. That I really can accomplish anything I put my mind to. All these things are the reason why my Individual Education Plan has been so significant in my life. It has taught me so much and it is so worth it. It has been worth going through the struggles and the fights daily!

My Faviorte Out of the Three

I liked Malcolm X the most, because he was the most exciting to read. He gave amazing examples. He made you feel like you were there with him threw out his whole life. For example, "fortunately, right outside my door was a corridor light that cast a glow into my room. The glow was enough to read but, once my eyes adjusted to it. So, when "lights out", came I would sit on the floor where I could continue reading in that glow." This shows how much he loved to learn and I loved that he loved to learn and that he showed his love in his writing. I also have a passion for learning so I felt a common interest. I think his drive to learn was awesome. It is hard to stick things out sometimes but he showed how he did it. But over all I liked that during his success story he didn’t sound like he was bragging. He explained why he was sharing these things with his reader. He showed that he wanted to inspire his readers to learn as well. I also like that even when he was in jail he didn’t seem like a failure. He took what he had and the time that he had to the best of his ability. I really admire Malcolm X and I liked that he was honest are really gave me a glimpse into his life!!! 

Page 11

I think my first paper in mainly to inform my readers of the challenges I go through with my IEP. I would like the audience to be able to connect with my writing. To be able to better understand me as well as other people they might meet in their future. To try to put yourself in others shoes during your daily life. A little bit of my paper is to entertain. I want to put a little humor in my essay to show take I can making the essay fun. I hope that the people reading my essay don’t find it boring. I want to entertain my readers and hope that they would want to continue to read my essay.  The worst thing about reading an essay is when the essay is hard to read. If it jumps around a lot or if it is boring. I will go back and read my essay again to add more details to make it more interesting and also to help the reader feel that they have all the details they need to understand my writing! 

Differences between Malcom, Franklin and Rose

How do Malcolm X’s, Franklins and Roses essays different form each other? Well first thing that comes to mind. It that Roses experience was a negative one. But, I liked that even though it might have been kind of a negative experience it was still well written. Rose’s paper was also a little more blunt then the other two but, I also liked that. I love to hear people’s true thoughts and opinions. It really helps me connect with the writer! Franklins essay was different from the other two essays because he was in a different time. Therefore, he spoke a bit differently. I think that Malcolm X shows more love of actually learning then the other two. Malcolm is so much more visual and truly expresses his emotions so much better than the other to. Rose also used cursing in his essay and I noticed that the other two did not. I approached that Franklins and Malcolm’s essay did not involve cursing. Although, I do understand that is was necessary in Roses essay to use that kind of language because he was expressing how harshly he and his other students were treated by the teachers as well as his peers.

Education Draft

Aly Jensen

English 101

Instructor: Sonia Berger

Formal paper #1 Education

            One learning challenge I have had in my life is an IEP, which means I have a Personal Education Plan, I have known that I have had an IEP since fifth grade. It means I have a contract with the school that gives me the help I may need with any class that I may take. This help may include going out during test, have directions read to me etc. Although, the name really does not explain what an IEP is, I found out. An IEP really means that I have a learning disability. I hate putting it that way because it makes it sound like that person has a limitation on what they can become. Nevertheless, for me that is not the case.

One challenge I have with my IEP, is it takes me longer to do work in class. Often times, I have to reread instructions multiple times, to understand what they are telling me to do. Even just with simple words I can miss read them. One word can mess up the whole meaning of the sentence. This is very frustrating. Sometimes I will ask a friend for help with the instructions, I will read the instructions to them aloud, and sometimes they will laugh because I will replace a simple word with something else or they will look at me as if I am stupid. Yes, it can hurt my feeling but I also know that they have no idea what it is like to have to struggle everyday with simple things like instructions. I don’t get angry at them because I know it’s not their fault they don’t understand.

Another challenge I have to face with my IEP is occasionally have to demand teachers help or attention. Most teachers are very willing to help me and are VERY patient with me. Nevertheless, there are those few teachers that get super frustrated when they have to explain a problem to me multiple times. For example, I have a math class currently and I don’t understand the teacher often times because he doesn’t write things down every time on the board. He will explain them verbally and very quickly. Most students in that class will understand him, but I am a visual person especially when it comes to math. So, if he says it aloud. I have to ask him to write it down. Then he will say, “Well you can write it down.” I think to myself not really, because you are talking so stinking fast I can’t even process what you are saying! This can be very frustrating and hard for teachers to be patient with me. They might even have change their teaching style to help me understand what they are trying to convey to me. However, this “teacher problem” can be a pain and make school harder. I have learned that I’m still the student and the teacher is supposed to teach me and help me learn. So, if I have to demand there help or deal with their frustration. I will because I truly want to learn, I love to learn.

When I tell people I have an IEP, I normally get two very different responses. The first one, if I tell someone I have just meet or haven’t known for very long about it, they might look at me like I’m odd. As if, I have three eyes. Which I find somewhat funny how people react because it’s not like I have a diseases or anything. It is not contagious. On the other hand, they will automatically start talking slower or start dumbing things down for me. Sometimes I will tell them, “You know, I just have a hard time learning, I’m NOT dumb.” Most of the time I don’t tell someone I have it unless I have known them for a while or truth them, and that is why.

I often times get the opposite approach. People that have known me for a long time are super surprised. They will say, “I would have never guessed unless you told me,” Or “really you don’t seem like you would have a learning disability.” I obviously like those responses better. I just let them know that I really have to work hard for my grades like the majority of other students. However, some things that might come a little easier for some people are so much harder for me.

Although I have an IEP it has taught me so much. I have learned to be determined. I am honestly determined to prove people wrong. I want to prove that no matter what hard experiences you have been given in your life or what challenges you might go through. You can overcome them, with hard work and determination.

I have accomplished so much in my life thus far and I hope to continue to succeed. Last year my junior year, I maintained a 4.0 during the course of the whole year. I had to work extremely hard. I sometimes had to go to after school tutoring. I had to retake tests at times. I would ask my teachers almost daily if I was on top of my homework. During all of this I was holding down a job.

Throughout high school I have receive quite a few rewards for determination in class. I got two last year for maintaining a 4.0. Currently I am rated in the top 10% out of my senior class. When you have an IEP, every four years or so you meet with your school counselor and your parents to discuss your academic progress, when I had my meeting with the vice principle and everyone they said they were so impressed with my grades and hard work. They were so glad I was doing my best even though I have an IEP. My teachers have often told me that they are also so impressed of how I use my time and how I work so affectively.

I do not tell people these things to brag, I honestly tell people these things to show that if you really put your mind to something you can and will accomplish it. Yes, I am proud of myself. However, I think it is a great thing to be proud of yourself if you know that you have set your mind on a goal and have accomplished it.

Even though yes, I do have a learning disability and yes all those challenges I do face almost daily. I have learned so much because of it. I have learned to be determined, you can accomplish what you put your mind to, and once you accomplish those things to be proud of yourself for it. I know that while I live out the rest of my life, it will be challenging and it will be a struggle every day, but no matter what happens you really cannot give up. You have to keep working for your goals because they are not going to just fall in your lap. Know that you can also prove to yourself and others that you can do it. That you really can accomplish anything you put your mind to. All these things are the reason why my Personal Education Plan has been so significant in my life. It has taught me so much and it is so worth it. It has been so worth going through the struggles and the fights daily!

Rose questions

1.       Rose’s life was harsh. His school life that is, when he was going to that Vocational School.  Most of the teachers didn’t seem to can if the students gained information from the class or not. They really didn’t care if they were hurting the kids and anything.  The teachers didn’t seem to care about the kids. The teachers would even bully the kids, by calling them rude names and stuff. They would also give them swats on the butt. Most of the teachers didn’t seem educated themselves.

2.       The kids at this school were affected emotionally because they didn’t seem to have much self-worth. They felt bad for themselves. Which makes sense they had no support system and their surroundings were awful. Socially they had to form to what people thought they were and they felt inadequate. It was hard for Rose to catch up in math because he never really listened to the teacher. He often day dreamed and half-heartedly went through life.

3.       There really isn’t that much that I find disorienting in college. I mean compared to high school there is a world of difference. There is so much less drama and “fake” people here. Mostly people in college are themselves. They act themselves and are polite to each other.  I think to lessen disorientation students can try to be themselves to the best of their ability. And try not to form into what people want them to be unless it’s what they want also.

4.       I know that throughout my educational experience, I have seen and met lots of people how don’t show their true personality and don’t even know who they truly are as a person. So I understand what Rose is talking about. There are people who lay low and stand  out. The jocks, nerds ect. We all know them. So I agree in that aspect but, I still encourage people to be themselves.

My Four Cubes Reflection

What I found and got from the four cubes essay. I found what I really wanted to convey to my readers. What I want them to take away from my essay. I want them to take away the way my EIP has changed my life and also to know a little bit more about what it is and how it affects people who have one. Making the four cubes really helped me to get my ideas flowing. It also really helped to remember some of my part experiences with my IEP. I also found out the whole definition of it. Most of the time I’m not very comfortable telling people I don’t know very well that I have it because they usually will treat me differently. But, I’m willing to take that risk because it’s a good topic for me, broad enough for me to write a paper about. I also hope that after people read it. They will know that I don’t like to be treated differently and I want to show all that I have accomplished even with an IEP!

My education paper "the cubes"

Describe it

I would like to describe my topic for my education paper. My paper is mainly on whats called an IEP. To be totally honest I’m not quite sure that it actually stands for, but I know what it means. It means that I have a learning disability. I have a hard time understanding things that are taught in class at times. It might take me a little while longer to do homework or class work. It doesn’t mean that I am dumb or anything obviously. Which although often times this is how I am treated if I tell people about it before they really get to know me. If the person knows me before I tell them they are normally pretty shocked.

Compare it

I will tell/ give examples of how my IEP compares to other people in the classes that I am in. For example, I’m currently in a math class and again and again I have to ask the teacher for help. Because this math teacher speaks very fast and he doesn’t usually write things down. Unlike half the class who understands it right when he says it. I have to pretty much tell him to write down the problem for me so I can visual see what he is trying to explain. Then after a while of processing it I will normally get it down.

Analyze it

I have thought about my IEP quite often actually. I have considered all the things that I struggle with because of it. So I’m going to inform you with a few of the things I have found out about it and how it has affected me. One of the ways that my IEP has “helped” me you can say or taught me. Is to be determined and persistent. I have had teachers become in patient with me because I’m not understanding it after multiple times of explanation but, I truly don’t mind. The teachers job is to teach me to the best of there ability. So, I know that if I have to work hard to get the knowledge and understanding that I need I will do that. With being determined I have also learned independence I have to be independent and out spoken with my needs in I just sit back and don’t say anything when I need help I won’t get anywhere. So, yes in a way sometimes I do “demand it.” What can I say I love to learn.

Apply it

With my IEP how I personally apply it to my life, is threw it. What part of it really is is a contract with the school and the school agrees to give me the help that I need. So sometimes I have to apply it is asking for “help” on tests when it was not asked of me. I also sometimes have to have things read to me so I can better understand them. I won’t give so much detail on this subject because I gave lots of details that apply into this subject also on the page before. Although overall on this paper I want to show people that they can overcome anything if they truly go after it. In life I know that I might have to work 10 times hard then some people with school. But I also know that we all have our challenges. So, that is what my IEP has really taught me.

Cell phones (Describe it)

Our group choice cell phone for our next topic. I chose describe it. Well as we all know cell phones are really small now, when they used to be these huge honking things that you couldn’t fit in your purse. Now woman loose them in their purse… haha

But, they have lots of buttons lots of numbers and a ton of usage. What is awesome about cell phones is you can communicate. That is what really defines it. Most cell phone come in the shape of a rectangle. Although I have a friend and her cell phone is a circle which I think it pretty unique and awesome. I also know that they come in lots of different colors and you can also put lots of cases on them to protect the cell phone from breaking. What is a pain is that often times the screen of the cell phone will break then you are really in trouble because there’s not much you can do to fix it.

Now with cell phone I think even more then calling the big thing has been texting. I think now days we using texting more than just making the phone call. I find this interesting that people don’t just want to make a call they would rather wait for the text to be returned.

 
We all agree that there are a lots of positives and negatives to cell phones. It's a very interesting fact that we all can't live with them and we can't live without them. All in all cell phones kinda consume our lives.

Marijuana argumentive

Our group choice marijuana as our topic. So, I’m going to do the argument of the subject. I know that there was a lot of debate about whether or not marijuana should be legalized just recently. So, of the argument I heard was no, it should not be legalized because it then becomes more common and easy for under aged youth and others to use it. I also have heard that people should have to around other people while they smoke it, in other words whether or not it will be allowed to be smoked in public. There is also speculation on how much marijuana one person should be able to consume at one time. A lot of people are super worried that other people are going to be high everywhere and also are wondering were it will stop. Where letting drugs into our country will stop?

The pros about whether or not marijuana should be legalized are you can control the intake a little bit better in other people. Also that the state can make money off of marijuana, money that the pot dealers were able to get before. But, now the state will be able to make more money and be able to use that money for schooling and education. So marijuana is definitely a big debate in this country. Especially now that it has be legalized.

There has never been a death caused by marijuana. It's not really as bad of some of the other drugs out there some of the people in our group have said. They say that we can focus on "actual" crimes not marijuana. You won't have so many people slipping it into drinks and stuff probably.