Reflective Essay

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Reflective Essay

Initially I signed up for this course because my colleagues recommended that I give it a try. My background is in math and science and most of the workshops and trainings I've attended are related to these areas of study. The East Asia Studies classes however have been a surprising change to my previous academic training. Overall I was impressed by how interested I was in each week's topic. The enthusiasm and knowledge of all the presenters kept my energy and interest levels high even though our classes took place towards the end of very long days.
I also found the group dialog very refreshing. It was a pleasant alternative to grading papers or watching t.v. at home during that time. Even though I sometimes felt I was at a disadvantage because of the lack of a social studies background, it didn't keep me from asking clarifying questions. The presenters were patient and articulated answers to all questions very well.
Originally I thought the only class I could use the Asian studies information in was my Model United Nations. But after the Asian studies classes I am now confident to implement what I've learned within math and science as well. The curriculum unit I developed for my math class is based upon Chinese mathematics history. After completing the first draft of this lesson, I became even more confident that Asian studies could be possible across the curriculum. As a teacher these series of classes allowed me to become more empowered and confident within the realm of curriculum development.

[Anonymous]

When I first heard about this class from a colleague, I was quite interested. The stipend sounded great as did the opportunity to earn 2 salary points (which I need). Oh, and the part about food was pretty amazing. But what really struck me was how my fellow teacher endorsed this program. She is one who “tells it like it is” and does not enjoy many PD’s. But this time it was different. She raved about it.

For the past 5 years, I have witnessed the rise in my school’s Asian student population. It has been quite rapid and because of this acceleration, I have also become aware of the disconnect among many of the Asian students and the predominately Latino student population. I really wanted to know more about Asia so I could incorporate real and meaningful lessons about the Far East into my curriculum.

I have been very excited about this course. It was a little more work than I anticipated, even though I knew what was expected from the beginning. But the classes were so interesting and I enjoyed every speaker. I loved Dr. Ye and his love for literature and poetry. I really knew nothing about Chinese poetry and literature, but I have thoroughly enjoyed Anthology of Chinese Literature. I fell in a trance with the simplistic beauty of many of the poems, one being Tu Fu’s “Looking Out Over the Plains” -

Clear autumn, sight has no bounds;
High in the distance piling shadows rise.
The farthest waters merge in the sky unskullied;
A neglected town hides in the deep mist.
Sparse leaves, which the wind still sheds,
Far hills, where the sun sinks down.
How late the solitary crane returns!
But the twilight crows already fill the forest.

Dr. Yamashita and his look into Japan and the samurai was amazing as was Dr. Miyake and her enlightenment of “The Pillow Book” and “The Tale of Genji”. Dr. Jung Kim’s insight into North and South Korea was equally enthralling. But of course, Clay’s passion for this was the most contagious aspect. This was really a top notch program and I never felt as if my time was wasted or things we did were trivial.

I have already incorporated some of the literature into my classes and the response has been amazing. My Asian students, many of whom tend to be more reserved, were actually excited to share with the class their experiences. A few of them have even corrected me when I mispronounce Mandarin! Recently, we discussed Chinese New Year and I never really knew how great and positive this celebration is. Wishing all prosperity and blessings is a great way to ring in the New Year!

I am grateful for having had the experience to take this course and would recommend all educators find the time to attend. It is something that will strengthen your curriculum and provide you with a great bag of tools to help bring Asia to the classroom. To my colleague who inspired me and those who made this possible….Thank you…Xie xie…Arigato...Kamsahamnida!
edited by mball on 2/5/2011

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