Sunday, April 22, 2012

Top Ten NDCE Ideas

My Top Ten NDCE Ideas:

Number 10: The Importance of Observation
    What happens when one slows down and simply observes their surroundings? They may be surprised what they find. We live in a complex world, environment. Often enough, we do not even realize what we miss out on. If one gives themselves the opportunity to view, take in, and really look at their surroundings, they will find more appreciation and perhaps open their eyes to things that they never really observed before. Patience is a virtue.

Number 9: Concentrate on Simplifying
      I want more. I want it big. And I want it right now. Humans tend to be eager and not patient, especially when it comes to things that are important to them. When we rush, often careless mistakes take place. When we overindulge, we find ourselves feeling uncomfortable. Simplify and concentrate on things little by little. If one puts their focus into one thing at a time, or a smaller aspect, they will find less mistakes and much better results. Why not make something small spectacular versus going big and finding sloppiness?

Number 8: Choose your Environment and Surroundings Wisely
        Your surroundings will affect your mood and productivity. An environment that is open invites collaboration, and one that is closed in leads to solitariness. Find what works best for not only you, but keep those you care about in mind. How do you want them to react?

Number 7: Be Comfortable, but Don't be Afraid to Seek out New Ideas
       We are individualistic and are special in our own ways. Use that to your advantage to succeed. However, don't be afraid to try something new. Those who are able to be open to new ideas and possibilities will find new opportunities.

Number 6: Be Inspired
      Allow yourself to be inspired by others and things. This action will spark new ideas and open your eyes to situations, things, or ideas that you may have overlooked before. Those who allow themselves to learn from others will find themselves moving along positively, instead of being stuck in a rut.

Number 5: Engagement is Essential
      How do you get someone to pay attention to you and your art? Through entertainment. Whatever form that may be, you will need to have a way to engage your audience. Once you have their full attention, a new perspective and outlook can be developed.

Number 4: Express Yourself
    To be an expert, you have to be willing to express yourself fully. To share what your passionate about with others and be proud of your art. Part of expressing yourself also meanings learning and not giving up. To be able to learn from your mistakes, take advice, and not give up if it becomes difficult.

Number 3: Absorb and Carry It With You
      Experts want their audiences to enjoy their art. Not to glance, take a quick notice, or say they understand. They want them to absorb it because when they do.... they understand the meaning of it. They find it compelling. In addition, not only do they want them to understand it, but they want it to be memorable. Something they will think back on, something they will possibly share with others.

Number 2: Find and Project the Power
       Whatever your niche may be; photography, film, architecture, fashion, music, teacher, chef, etc. take the power you have developed in that role and release it fully. To be an expert in your field, means you have the knowledge, the capability, and the talent. Therefore, empower it and share with others.

Number 1: Make Compelling Experiences
        Use your knowledge, your forms, and seek out to have others come to a new perspective and see things differently than they did before. By bringing together all of the above ideas, an compelling experience will take place.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Imaginative Bridges = Fashion


Before beginning the readings this week, I attempted to make the connection between fashion and teaching. Brainstorming, I suppose you could label it as. Random thoughts ran through my mind. “Teaching being an ‘in style’ career to select.” “ Using fashion to teach and motivate students to learn.” Perhaps, not the best ideas, but once I finished the reading, specifically the article on “branding”; a more meaningful connection was made. As in fashion, there are always fads. A time frame when some brand, some product, some something is considered ‘in’. This made me think about all the ‘fads’ that have arisen in education over the years. Teaching strategies, lessons, activities, etc. that became the new and ‘hype’ thing to do in the classroom. Many were advertised as changing education for the better, a way to ensure that all students learn, ones that will surely be around for years to come, and you better get on the bandwagon if you want success in your classroom. Many, if not most, were believed and implemented. Trainings took place, money was spent to alternate, and they became a new norm in schools. If you think about it, how many do we use still today? What new fads have taken their place? What was wrong with what schools were doing before these fads? Now, I am one for new, exciting, and interesting ideas for my classroom. Learning is not only for the children, but for teachers also. But, when will I be able to just concentrate on my teaching and not worry about changing something that does work? In my opinion, fads do exist in education. It seems that there is always something that needs to be changed. I will explore them if necessary and consider it a learning experience. The same could then be said for fashion too, right? A learning experience?