Responses to other professional articles...

-- Anonymous, December 15, 1998

Answers

I chose to read the article titled "Emotions a vital link to learning" by LuAnn Schmaus found in the Minnesota Educator, vol. 1, no. 8. This article talked about Emotional IQ and how it plays a role in teaching, learning, and schooling. The author outlined five domains of EQ (emotional IQ). They included; knowing one's emotions, managing emotions appropriately, motivating one self to achieve a goal, have empathy for others, and being able to handle relationships. This seems very similar to Karen Ravenfeather's talk on dysfunctional families and what teachers can do in the classroom.

The author goes on to say how messages from television and the media contribute to students' inability to know their emotions, handle them, and empathize with others. They are bombarded with instant gratification and with egocentric "me" attitudes. It's hard to get them hooked on learning when they tune out because there is no immediate gratification.

Some tips were given for teachers to help students improve their emotional IQ. These tips very closely parallel the tips that Karen Ravenfeather shared with us. It was nice to see that there were some things recommended that I already do, or that the counselor addresses. Reading this article helped to reinforce the importance of teaching kids about their emotions. It effects not only their home life, but social relationships and school performance as well.

-- Anonymous, December 15, 1998

Hi, Nicole! Sounds like a good article. I think its important that students learn to use words to describe their feelings,(beyond sad and happy as young children so often respond with). Mary Schultz, our school counselor, does an excellecnt job get students to use feeling words. Agree? I think the instant gratification "habit" is evident when students respond to situations by hitting or kicking rather than thinking first. I also think the five domains of an EQ mentioned in your summary need to be retaught and discussed throughout the school years.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 1999

Good article Nicole. I too would like to see students learn how to express themselves more appropriately. I believe that television has taught students to dramatize too much. Many students appear to lack the patience to deal with situations and dive in unarmed to handle what they may encounter.

-- Anonymous, January 20, 1999

Hi Nicole: You have some rock solid observations in your commentary. I suspect that some of the confusion that affects both us and our students may be the fact that we always need to respond even when that may be the wrong thing to do. What happened to owning an emotion before we express it? Any more thoughts? Best Wishes John Hansen

-- Anonymous, March 20, 1999

The concept of "self assessment" is a component of our thesis topic so I was very interested in Susan Mandel Glazer's article, "Helping Our Students See Their Own Learning," found in the October issue of Teaching K-8. She states that assessing our own learning is a difficult task. We don't remember what it was like before we learned to read or before we learned to ride a bike. Once it's learned it's hard to think that we always haven't known it. So when students are asked the typical question of what was learned at school, the usual response is "Nothing."

Glazer believes that it is important for students to be able to see their own learning. She gives examples of classrooms where this is happening. In these classrooms the teachers help the students keep a "visual record" of the learning process. It can be in the form of charts, journals, portfolios, etc. But the students record what they knew at the beginning of the unit and then at the end. They are amazed at how much they've learned. This process helps students develop pride and confidence in themselves as learners.

I agree with Glazer that this is an important skill for students to learn. Too many times I've seen students turn in poor quality work, or do the assignment just for the sake of pleasing the teacher. I believe that when you involve students in their own learning, they will take more pride in doing quality work as well as become more motivated in what's being taught. If students are excited about what they're learning, they will come out learning more and wanting to learn more.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 1999