Table of Contents & Reflections

It was fascinating to look back over the last few months’ worth of writing. Denis was right...there were enough pages of quality thinking to justify turning the last assignment from a paper into a presentation. Here's what I found.

April 7th - Table of Contents & Reflections - Final Post

April 7th - The Last Post
A couple of thoughts to fill in the blanks from my final presentation

March 31 - Random Assortment of Thoughts
Trying to make sense of Beaudrillard.
Picking up on thoughts regarding Media and its influence on teenagers

March 17th - Post Modernism & Gender Studies Course
I would have loved to spend more time talking about this in class. I was really surprised how my views changed over the course about these issues. I remember Graham making a strong point that (although well intentioned) teachers are not trained or qualified to teach many of the topics we are expected to (sex education, mental illness, gender studies etc). I am sure we would have had some interesting discussion if we had more time in class.

March 4th- Thoughts from the Recovery Bed-
Beethoven & Bach used as a discipline tool...what is this world coming to?
- Example of Post Nationalism based on the speculated nationality of Chinese NBA star Yao Ming.

February 24th - Can you learn to Appreciate Art?
- personal anecdotal stories about how one can learn to appreciate art
- highlighting differences between the words LIKE and APPRECIATE

February 17th – Google at your Fingertips
- is information at your fingertips making the next generation smarter or is it robbing them of the opportunity to problem solve?
This was another topic that kept popping up throughout the course. I am sure there is enough material and opinions out there to fill and entire Master’s course….is there one Denis?

February 10th – Curriculum Theory vs. Instructional Theory
- reflections from Graham’s presentation on Beauchamps and Posner. Is the banter between academics or terminology and semantics productive?

February 3rd- Shackles of Language
Curriculum as a metaphor was a powerful concept that kept recurring throughout the course. I think we all realized that a definition of curriculum is so vague and elusive it can best be represented by metaphor.
- discussion and examples from Biblical text how myth and metaphor can convey truth where language struggles

Jan 27th- Are we over Analyzing Curriculum
Ha! I loved Lana’s consistent responses….why do we need to over analyze everything! Lana…your thoughts are refreshing….sometimes I think we just need to go with what works and not worry so much about how or why!

Jan 25th- Curriculum Design – define that one
- personal reflections – while in Thailand…was I a curriculum designer or a curriculum writer?

January 21st – New Method of Assessment – genius or catastrophe?
- personal musings over the changes in focus regarding assessment
- prediction on how that might change schooling, university entrance etc

January 14th – Reflections from the first class
Wow…that seems like so long ago.

In summary, I really really enjoyed my Tuesday nights with you all and I appreciate all of your thoughtful and critical comments on my blog and during class discussion. My only regret is that Vicki couldn’t be with us for the journey (Rest in Peace Vicki…we miss you).

I wish you all the best in your future studies and I sincerely hope we cross paths again soon!

Ryan