Thing #1

Reviewing the 7.5 Habits of a Lifelong Learner...

Honestly, I can't say I've embraced the 7.5 habits in my 29 years. High school was easy for me, straight A student, top of the class, went to college and breezed through my first year since most was a repeat of my high school coursework. Then came my sophomore year in college, and all of a sudden, my procrastination ways ceased their magic. I soon learned my study skills were not up to par and I was no longer cruising down easy street. I ran into myself as an obstacle! It took quite a while, but I finally saw the "light" and improved my learning skills.

This past year was my first year teaching and I've learned that textbooks, worksheets, and powerpoints bore kids in 2.0 seconds flat! I'm here to learn and utilize fun, tech savvy ways that will keep my students engaged and excited about coming to my class every day. I hope to prepare them for beyond high school and instill in them a great work ethic. That way they will not be sadly let down by procrastination like I was.

The toughest habit for me is the first one. Seeing the bigger picture, having the end in mind has not been my forte in the past. I was very much a "what do I need to know now" person, thus all the knowledge I gained was never applied. And without application, it gets lost and has to constantly be retaught. Yuck! But I'm improving, and this course is one of many steps in the right direction.

The easiest habit will be having my own learning toolbox. I have a lot of great resources, all easily accessible. The help is out there, I just have to put forth the effort and ignore my procrastinating ways. I love technology and catch on fairly quickly. I'm always game to expanding my toolbox - I'm already eying Google's Sketch Up as a replacement for Photoshop and Gimp.

Finally, teaching and mentoring others will be the most important habit to me during this course and my lifetime. Sharing and teaching my knowledge with other teachers and students is APPLICATION! Applications is lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is a HAPPY me! :)