"A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

It's like rain on your wedding day

It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures"

lunes, 1 de junio de 2009

Finally, the debates (revised)

In the first debate we discussed about “Professional teaching in the school". I think this debate was incredibly well-prepared, because the group members really thought about the arguments and counterarguments that could be used in the debate. However, the team that was against professionals in schools should improve the use of logos because they did not show any statistics that could have given them a strong argument against the other team. Another important characteristic of the debate that should be improved is remembering all the facts that should be mentioned. I am quite sure both teams forgot to mention an important survey or fact they had researched. I think the team in favor won because they presented more facts than the other team. They also sounded more convincing. In addition, at the end I think one member of the against team made a huge mistake in answering the questions the in-favor team had presented.
In the second debate, which addressed the voluntary vote and automatic registration, I also think the group members lacked facts and statistics. They could have done an incredible job by doing some research about different decades and how the elections are presented nowadays. They also sounded nervous, so anxiety is something they must improve. I cannot define a winner because the debate did not finish. There was something I wanted to say, but I will probably express it tomorrow.

domingo, 10 de mayo de 2009

Finally, the debates

In the first debate we had the discussion of “Professional teaching in the school”. I think this debate was incredibly well prepared because they really thought of the arguments and counterarguments that could be shown in the debate. However, the team that was against professional in schools should improve the use of logos because they did not show any statistics that could have given them a strong argument against the other team. Another important characteristic of the debate that should be improved is remembering all the facts that should be mentioned. I am quite sure both teams forgot to mention an important survey or fact they had researched. I think the team in favor won because they presented more facts than the other team and they also sounded more convincing. In addition, at the end I think one member of the against team made a huge mistake in answering the questions the in favor team had presented.

In the second debate about the voluntary vote and automatic registration, I also think they lacked facts and statistics. They could have done an incredible work by doing some research about different decades and how that is presented nowadays. They also sounded nervous, so anxiety is something they must improve. I cannot define a winner because the debate did not finish. There was something I wanted to say, but probably I will express it tomorrow.

domingo, 5 de abril de 2009

Desings for classrooms


Jane Jacobs criticizes the way different cities have been wrongly modified in The Death and Life of Great American Cities. For instance, many cities have been amputated by new buildings and highways; therefore, she strongly disagrees with the development of many cities. In her article, she walks us through the different changes they have suffered due to the need of having more buildings where people can live. This is a way of responding to the belt of poverty. The most important idea in her article is how important balance is. Having a balanced neighborhood will definitely improve everybody’s life quality. By saying balanced she is referring to the juxtaposing different scenarios in the right portion. According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of Designs for Working, individuals present in a room can definitely benefit if their seats are placed correctly. He indicates a certain distance to improve communication. Unbelievably, the same occurs inside the classroom. We must provide a great and friendly environment. Room organization is essential to create the best learning environment.It is suggested to form groups equally, so that its integrants can enrich themselves with the others’ qualities and characteristic. Consequently, you may want to have one shy student, an outgoing child, a good at English student and someone who has some difficulties with the language. Thus, they will learn from their classmates. Another efficient way of organizing your classroom is to invite the students to sit in a circle. By doing this, you can even eliminate some disciplinary conflicts. Also, your students will feel more relaxed and invited to speak during the lesson.Next time you plan a lesson consider how your class will be organized to make your students’ learning process more efficient and easier for them.
Sources: Jacobs, Jane. "The Death and Life of Great American Cities." The New Yorker
Gladwell, Malcolm. "Desings for Working". The New Yorker

viernes, 20 de marzo de 2009

Discipline: What a headache!


Becoming a teacher is indeed a hard task. There are so many elements outside of your own discipline that can become really stressful once you are in front of a class. Fortunately, there are many experts that can help you in a very complex task: Classroom Management. Reading the article “11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline” by Thomas R. McDaniel makes us reflect about what techniques are more appropriate in our deficient chilean context.

Hardly ever has someone disagreed with the statements in the article. However, little background was presented. All the techniques presented are extremely important in every teaching situation. Having all those techniques such as Focusing, Direct Instruction, and Monitoring in the class makes it almost ideal. For example, it is a good idea to give them time at the end of the class or not to yell every time a problem arises. But, there are situations in the Chilean system of education that need to be resolved: the amount of students in the class, lack of psychological knowledge and better strategies for before thinking about applying these techniques in our classrooms. In the meantime, we will do our best.


In conclusion, you have to be what you want your students to be. This way, they will behave as you do in the classes because you are the main role model in the classroom and they will equal you in every possible way. If you want respect and a great environment in your classroom, do respect your students.

viernes, 12 de diciembre de 2008

jueves, 16 de octubre de 2008

martes, 14 de octubre de 2008

jueves, 2 de octubre de 2008

Manhattan

Yesterday I finally found out where I am going to go this summer. I am going to work in Manhattan, New York City. I am so excited of going there because there are so many things to do.
I am also really sad, and I feel homesick already. I am going to miss my family so much, especially my sisters. It is definitely a mix of feelings.

New York, New York!