Here is my opening day - opening post - opening blog.
To comment on 7 1/2 habits of . . .
LIFELONG LEARNER:
#1. begin with the ending in mind.
-- Truly, I think this is a good starting point for the journey. But, too, I think is often overlooked in the pressure to keep up with colleagues, technology, salary, etc. A very good ending, is one that is valued by the learner, not imposed on the learner.
ok,
#7. Teach or mentor others.
-- To achieve my good ending, which is currently a bit undefined, I have been immersed in gathering information in order to teach students and colleagues about new technology, techniques, filming, manipulatives, concrete art, abstract thought. I'm not sure exactly how these new thoughts will manifest themselves in an "ending", but to be involved with and connected to people in a dialog about this is certainly motivating.
#6. Use technology to your advantage
-- Constantly!!! for years!!! There is something to stay current with, that will be old tomorrow. Knowing this, helps keep me from being frustrated. I look for big picture scenarios, and keep talking with people.
#5. Create your own learning toolbox
-- From being constantly engaged with learning, I have a collection of resources I use -- either written down, bookmarked, foxmarked, downloaded and remembered. Whenever I take a "break" from updates, I find myself a little behind, but keep moving forward.
#4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner
-- I've had the privilege of being encouraged by so many people. Confidence is such a gift. Feedback is important - if it is constructive, and not destructive.
#3. View problems as challenges
-- Ok, a weakness here. I have made a poster on THINK SOLUTIONS, but it fell down. Initially, I took that as an omen, gave myself permission to muddle through, but then #2 . . .
#2. Accept responsibility for your own learning.
-- get'back in the saddle' as it were, and keep going forward. And here is the connection to Dom (my horse). He, unlike my dear family, does not give me encouragement, but give me the opportunity to gain confidence on my own.
so, Perhaps my #1 goal - ending is to gain patience, understanding, clearness of thought, enjoy some successes, engage in reality, know responsibility is rewarding in some big and some small ways, move slower, think meaningfully, concentrate, try something new, relax, breathe, and enjoy.
