I have been following Oprah and Eckhart "A New Earth" webcasts and its subsequent discussions.
This thread of discussions is very poignant to our group:
http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/74080?tstart=15
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Self Evaluation Of '"TheCurriculum" facilitation -V-
These are just my [Vardhini] after thoughts:
Wow every day is a new learning experience. I was very proud of myself on my pace for not speaking too fast. I felt I held the class interest well. Of course there are always things to improve upon, and I am game for that, learning never stops, and I consider myself to be a humble person, and do not wish to come across as over powering.
Sally and I decided that she will start the session, and since I wanted to challenge myself to lead discussion questions because I needed to practice in the safe environment to see how I can improve in that area to have it be a student led discussion and give time for them to answer. I know I need to come to terms with being OK with silence!
Even though I did go softer in my voice! I guess this is not an excuse but then again Sally has such a gentle and soft spoken demure, that the contrast made my facilitation even more drowning.
I have decided to do more listening and also work on my tone of voice. I know I need to match my actions with my good intentions, so here is my check list for myself:
- take turns, -rehearse well with the partner,
-knowing the material well, but knowing the audience is as important.
-be neutral and address the group rather than the individual depending on the audience.
- Ah ha down size my battery! I need my partner's help too for this one.
And then again every session will be different, because the audience will guide the candor and behavior of the ball in play. I know I will do my best to handle such a situation in a professional manner. I felt since I am a spontaneous person it was easier to apply teaching techniques using what we learned in class on the spot.
And for me it was harder to strictly follow the curriculum because I was too worried about missing the rules and steps. This can be overcome by practice and studying and practicing the curriculum a couple of times earlier.
Wow every day is a new learning experience. I was very proud of myself on my pace for not speaking too fast. I felt I held the class interest well. Of course there are always things to improve upon, and I am game for that, learning never stops, and I consider myself to be a humble person, and do not wish to come across as over powering.
Sally and I decided that she will start the session, and since I wanted to challenge myself to lead discussion questions because I needed to practice in the safe environment to see how I can improve in that area to have it be a student led discussion and give time for them to answer. I know I need to come to terms with being OK with silence!
Even though I did go softer in my voice! I guess this is not an excuse but then again Sally has such a gentle and soft spoken demure, that the contrast made my facilitation even more drowning.
I have decided to do more listening and also work on my tone of voice. I know I need to match my actions with my good intentions, so here is my check list for myself:
- take turns, -rehearse well with the partner,
-knowing the material well, but knowing the audience is as important.
-be neutral and address the group rather than the individual depending on the audience.
- Ah ha down size my battery! I need my partner's help too for this one.
And then again every session will be different, because the audience will guide the candor and behavior of the ball in play. I know I will do my best to handle such a situation in a professional manner. I felt since I am a spontaneous person it was easier to apply teaching techniques using what we learned in class on the spot.
And for me it was harder to strictly follow the curriculum because I was too worried about missing the rules and steps. This can be overcome by practice and studying and practicing the curriculum a couple of times earlier.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Whitewash reflection
While I think “Whitewash” is a controversial video, I don’t think it is something that is out of the range of a middle school class. I think even children as young as 6th grade are beginning to understand the power of race. Certainly, one of the first matters of importance is going to be having facilitators that feel comfortable with the material and the questions that may arise as a result. With those things in place, I have no more reservations about this presentation than I do about any others the Diversity Council has to offer. After all, we are hear to bring about change through thought, and sometimes it takes a slightly more jarring image to provoke that thought.
I think beyond the simple message of individualized racism and even the sub-story of the power of institutional racism, there was an even more powerful message of blackness and whiteness that many in the African American community must be inundated with every day. It was the unspoken idea of the value of being white and the worthlessness of being black. Of course it was made obvious by the gang that being white was the better choice, but I think it also was a subtle message in the way the media portrayed the situation and how the young lady reacted. At one point, there was a paper headline that that stated “White for a day”. This very well could have been a bit of overkill in emphasizing the insensitivity of media, but it brings home the point nonetheless. As do several of the reports that refuse to insist that it is a hate crime, and rather feel comfortable in speculating in a long list of what they assume are reasons for crime in a poverty-stricken area such as this.
The other aspect of this, as mentioned, is the inner turmoil I see in the main character. I see her struggling with the feeling of “how could they do this to me?” for the most part. But I also do think that she has an even greater struggle with self doubt as a result. While the message of invaluability of African Americans and minorities in general might not be as overt as it was in the past, I think it is still palpable for those who experience it. And, I think for some there comes a breaking point, a place of depth where you say to yourself, maybe they’re right. Maybe I can’t be anything. Maybe I shouldn’t care anymore. The cards have been stacked against you for some time, and now they all come crashing down. Unless you are a superhuman, or possibly have the support of a great social network, it can become overwhelming to retain hope anymore. I think that is the place we saw the main character in as she refused to go to school. All the strength she had to hold back those thoughts that inundated her everyday was finally broken.
Fortunately though, she had support, and with that support, she found new strength. It is that strength to empower others that we all need to continue to cultivate in ourselves. Because there is inevitably going to be a person in our life who has lost hope too, and it will be our responsibility to work within our own framework to help them overcome what life has thrown in their path.
I think beyond the simple message of individualized racism and even the sub-story of the power of institutional racism, there was an even more powerful message of blackness and whiteness that many in the African American community must be inundated with every day. It was the unspoken idea of the value of being white and the worthlessness of being black. Of course it was made obvious by the gang that being white was the better choice, but I think it also was a subtle message in the way the media portrayed the situation and how the young lady reacted. At one point, there was a paper headline that that stated “White for a day”. This very well could have been a bit of overkill in emphasizing the insensitivity of media, but it brings home the point nonetheless. As do several of the reports that refuse to insist that it is a hate crime, and rather feel comfortable in speculating in a long list of what they assume are reasons for crime in a poverty-stricken area such as this.
The other aspect of this, as mentioned, is the inner turmoil I see in the main character. I see her struggling with the feeling of “how could they do this to me?” for the most part. But I also do think that she has an even greater struggle with self doubt as a result. While the message of invaluability of African Americans and minorities in general might not be as overt as it was in the past, I think it is still palpable for those who experience it. And, I think for some there comes a breaking point, a place of depth where you say to yourself, maybe they’re right. Maybe I can’t be anything. Maybe I shouldn’t care anymore. The cards have been stacked against you for some time, and now they all come crashing down. Unless you are a superhuman, or possibly have the support of a great social network, it can become overwhelming to retain hope anymore. I think that is the place we saw the main character in as she refused to go to school. All the strength she had to hold back those thoughts that inundated her everyday was finally broken.
Fortunately though, she had support, and with that support, she found new strength. It is that strength to empower others that we all need to continue to cultivate in ourselves. Because there is inevitably going to be a person in our life who has lost hope too, and it will be our responsibility to work within our own framework to help them overcome what life has thrown in their path.
Al's reflection on whitewash
There are a couple of ways to talk about this film: one is in the context of using it as a facilitation video to bring forward discussions from a group of people, and another is my own thoughts as I watched the film and what I got out of it personally. It's my personal thoughts that I am going to blog about.
The film has many layers. In the beginning, I thought it was a film about teachers "whitewashing" their duties and not putting enough empathy and feelings into their jobs. They are robotic in their delivery and don't really care whether their students get it or not. They do their job mechanically, tiresome, and wishing the day was over. The students "whitewashed" their opportunities to learn and don't take their classes seriously. Except for one child (I think it was Angel) who volunteered to answer the teacher's question, no one cared. She didn't give the right answer but the twinkle in her eye showed that she was eager to learn and to participate, for that she should have been complemented but instead she was dismissed out of her hand for giving the wrong answer -- that's "whitewashing" in in its own way. Anytime we don't notice someone's effort, we are dismissing their worth.
Then came the twist of the plot and the violent attack on Angel and her brother. I discovered it was not about passivity of teachers and students. The emotional part of the film, as well as the obvious, was the action of the bullies, how the press reported the news and how the city officials handled the incident. David in his blog talked about it quite well.
Below the surface message of injustice, violence, hate and commercial exploitation, there is a more subtle quality about the film. I noticed some of the bullies had reservations about the gang leader's action. Some of them wanted him to stop. But peer pressure or lack of personal courage had caused them to become willing witnesses. In my youth, I could easily have been one of them. Though those acts might not be have been as violent or hateful, they were nonetheless intended to hurt, and my own non-action or going-along still haunts me. My work now is to work on my own will power, courage and integrity to stand up. I have not been tested too servilely yet to stand up. My hope is that I will choose integrity when I do get tested and not be whitewashing in my actions.
I also noticed that the brother was also quite conflicted in how he had handled the situation. He has to live with guilt (did I do enough), feeling neglected (grandma didn't pay much heed to his wound) and his anger about being slighted in his mind by the city official. There are a lot of feelings being "whitewashed", painted over and suppressed.
At the end, the story is about hope. It's about kids rising up to do something positive for one of their own. It's about moving on. And it's that optimism and hope that I hope to bring to the DC workshop. Every one of us can make a difference and there will be a tipping point that the goodness in us become the persistent mass of the planet -- where the color of rainbow and not whitewash is the guiding consciousness of the human race.
The film has many layers. In the beginning, I thought it was a film about teachers "whitewashing" their duties and not putting enough empathy and feelings into their jobs. They are robotic in their delivery and don't really care whether their students get it or not. They do their job mechanically, tiresome, and wishing the day was over. The students "whitewashed" their opportunities to learn and don't take their classes seriously. Except for one child (I think it was Angel) who volunteered to answer the teacher's question, no one cared. She didn't give the right answer but the twinkle in her eye showed that she was eager to learn and to participate, for that she should have been complemented but instead she was dismissed out of her hand for giving the wrong answer -- that's "whitewashing" in in its own way. Anytime we don't notice someone's effort, we are dismissing their worth.
Then came the twist of the plot and the violent attack on Angel and her brother. I discovered it was not about passivity of teachers and students. The emotional part of the film, as well as the obvious, was the action of the bullies, how the press reported the news and how the city officials handled the incident. David in his blog talked about it quite well.
Below the surface message of injustice, violence, hate and commercial exploitation, there is a more subtle quality about the film. I noticed some of the bullies had reservations about the gang leader's action. Some of them wanted him to stop. But peer pressure or lack of personal courage had caused them to become willing witnesses. In my youth, I could easily have been one of them. Though those acts might not be have been as violent or hateful, they were nonetheless intended to hurt, and my own non-action or going-along still haunts me. My work now is to work on my own will power, courage and integrity to stand up. I have not been tested too servilely yet to stand up. My hope is that I will choose integrity when I do get tested and not be whitewashing in my actions.
I also noticed that the brother was also quite conflicted in how he had handled the situation. He has to live with guilt (did I do enough), feeling neglected (grandma didn't pay much heed to his wound) and his anger about being slighted in his mind by the city official. There are a lot of feelings being "whitewashed", painted over and suppressed.
At the end, the story is about hope. It's about kids rising up to do something positive for one of their own. It's about moving on. And it's that optimism and hope that I hope to bring to the DC workshop. Every one of us can make a difference and there will be a tipping point that the goodness in us become the persistent mass of the planet -- where the color of rainbow and not whitewash is the guiding consciousness of the human race.
Monday, June 30, 2008
For my part I believe middle school youngsters would find “Whitewash” thought provoking
and engage in a lively discussion after viewing it. Some would relate to showing solidarity with Angel and writing her a letter to show support. Perhaps a few would remember incidents where they felt hurt and how loved ones and friends had welcomed them back to the warm embrace of healing.
In discussing the program with parents they could get into an argument where they ended up on opposite sides of the issue. Social conventions, such as “received wisdom” from society and respected authority figures, would start to be questioned including racism and nuances of prejudice. Questioning authority in some cases would enable early adolescents to identify with more than one of the characters in Whitewash's narrative. Both girls and perhaps a few boys might identify with the comforting reassuring presence of the grandmother (parental unconditional love). Boys could recall times when they were bullied and were confused about their emotions (did I do enough to help my sister?; did I fight back as much as I could to maintain my own dignity and respect?, etc.).
Despite my cynicism expressed right after the viewing I did gain some hope from watching the film. Art can make a difference in young people's lives. All forms of art, especially music, have pulled me through tough times. The screenplay/script was very well written. It sucker-punched me on three levels – body, mind and spirit. Unpacking this production with adults will make for fiery discourse and self-revealing statements. Assuming I was involved in facilitating a presentation with Whitewash as a jumping off point I could have a devil of a time in keeping my passionate opinions in check (it would be a good exercise in self-restraint!). David
and engage in a lively discussion after viewing it. Some would relate to showing solidarity with Angel and writing her a letter to show support. Perhaps a few would remember incidents where they felt hurt and how loved ones and friends had welcomed them back to the warm embrace of healing.
In discussing the program with parents they could get into an argument where they ended up on opposite sides of the issue. Social conventions, such as “received wisdom” from society and respected authority figures, would start to be questioned including racism and nuances of prejudice. Questioning authority in some cases would enable early adolescents to identify with more than one of the characters in Whitewash's narrative. Both girls and perhaps a few boys might identify with the comforting reassuring presence of the grandmother (parental unconditional love). Boys could recall times when they were bullied and were confused about their emotions (did I do enough to help my sister?; did I fight back as much as I could to maintain my own dignity and respect?, etc.).
Despite my cynicism expressed right after the viewing I did gain some hope from watching the film. Art can make a difference in young people's lives. All forms of art, especially music, have pulled me through tough times. The screenplay/script was very well written. It sucker-punched me on three levels – body, mind and spirit. Unpacking this production with adults will make for fiery discourse and self-revealing statements. Assuming I was involved in facilitating a presentation with Whitewash as a jumping off point I could have a devil of a time in keeping my passionate opinions in check (it would be a good exercise in self-restraint!). David
Blog from Thursday's Class...sort of...
So I don’t exactly remember what the blog topic was that we were assigned on Thursday (I know it wasn’t a reflection since we didn’t present), so I’m going to do a little forward thinking about what I think will be important for David and I as we present tonight.
Being as though this is the third presentation the two of us will have together, I think it will be important to put out a very strong performance. After all, the information is all there for us, and the times are laid out accordingly. Speaking of time, I think that is one of the areas that I want to see become fully integrated for us tonight. Admittedly, I don’t think that I’ve worried much about the amount we have , during these presentations, other than when we get flashed the “5 minute” or “1 minute” hand. Obviously, there’s not going to be someone waiting to let us know it’s time to wrap things up, so it will be paramount for us to be on task and stick to the game plan as laid out in the curriculum.
In the spirit of the afore mentioned time management, I think I would like to see David and I take on more of an equals in the front approach rather than a strangers in the night passing the torch sort of thing we’ve had during the first two. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve actually made it work pretty well, besides the whole time issue, but I think we’re not getting the maximum of the solid rapport and support that I see when I’m watching other groups present. I think it will be a new, bold approach for us, and one that will make our facilitation that much stronger.
For myself, it will be yet again just a matter of taking a step back to be coherent and brief in my delivering of the topics in order to get the most out of the participants.
Being as though this is the third presentation the two of us will have together, I think it will be important to put out a very strong performance. After all, the information is all there for us, and the times are laid out accordingly. Speaking of time, I think that is one of the areas that I want to see become fully integrated for us tonight. Admittedly, I don’t think that I’ve worried much about the amount we have , during these presentations, other than when we get flashed the “5 minute” or “1 minute” hand. Obviously, there’s not going to be someone waiting to let us know it’s time to wrap things up, so it will be paramount for us to be on task and stick to the game plan as laid out in the curriculum.
In the spirit of the afore mentioned time management, I think I would like to see David and I take on more of an equals in the front approach rather than a strangers in the night passing the torch sort of thing we’ve had during the first two. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve actually made it work pretty well, besides the whole time issue, but I think we’re not getting the maximum of the solid rapport and support that I see when I’m watching other groups present. I think it will be a new, bold approach for us, and one that will make our facilitation that much stronger.
For myself, it will be yet again just a matter of taking a step back to be coherent and brief in my delivering of the topics in order to get the most out of the participants.
Failed in my duties ...wow
Human beings are the most dangerous species. The latest news talks about the murder of this lovely girl Sparkle . Just is bothering me so much. I guess the very thought of the intensity of this act gives me the shivers. I totally blame the husband, he was totally spineless. Sorry for my anger.
I know there is race discrimination everywhere now I have to face my own fears of what am I going to do to help and educate people from India, gosh are we ever going to change? Where do I begin the education process.
I question myself as to have I really done enough with all the talks I gave in schools and colleges, both informal and formal. Is it bothering me more because it is national news? I know there is within each country a hidden bias based on the skin color, and I knew in India it existed. But will they act on it!
Please feel free to post comments and thoughts this will help me process info better.
I know there is race discrimination everywhere now I have to face my own fears of what am I going to do to help and educate people from India, gosh are we ever going to change? Where do I begin the education process.
I question myself as to have I really done enough with all the talks I gave in schools and colleges, both informal and formal. Is it bothering me more because it is national news? I know there is within each country a hidden bias based on the skin color, and I knew in India it existed. But will they act on it!
Please feel free to post comments and thoughts this will help me process info better.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Reflections from Wednesday's Facilitation
Another day older, another day stronger. I definitely felt a difference between my performance last night and that of Monday night. And, I think that had a positive impact on our presentation as a whole. If one person’s feeling more at ease, then there is going to be a positive reaction from the partner. With that positive reaction, there will be a smoother transitions, easier movements and greater rapport with the students as a result.
It really was interesting to feel a difference for me. To be honest, I don’t usually have a problem with establishing rapport. It’s just something that tends to come somewhat naturally, and yet, it feels a little forced for me in the class. I’m not sure if that’s because it’s more of a simulation then an actual facilitation, or if it’s that I’m just genuinely nervous around all of you (through no fault of your own, of course). Whatever it may be, I am happy to be dealing with it nonetheless, because it will only help me as I go into the classroom in the fall to take on the many challenges that will be presented.
One positive I felt last night was that I was able to slow things down a little bit more and did make some progress toward getting the balance of questions to the class to the answers I have to give them. On the flip side, a negative I felt last night was regarding the same points. I’ve still got some speed reduction to go through, and I still need to keep those questions flowing before I get off on my own tangent. I’ve got to admit that it’s tough to fight that urge to talk about what I am interested in. But I guess that’s a good problem to have, isn’t it?
Matt
It really was interesting to feel a difference for me. To be honest, I don’t usually have a problem with establishing rapport. It’s just something that tends to come somewhat naturally, and yet, it feels a little forced for me in the class. I’m not sure if that’s because it’s more of a simulation then an actual facilitation, or if it’s that I’m just genuinely nervous around all of you (through no fault of your own, of course). Whatever it may be, I am happy to be dealing with it nonetheless, because it will only help me as I go into the classroom in the fall to take on the many challenges that will be presented.
One positive I felt last night was that I was able to slow things down a little bit more and did make some progress toward getting the balance of questions to the class to the answers I have to give them. On the flip side, a negative I felt last night was regarding the same points. I’ve still got some speed reduction to go through, and I still need to keep those questions flowing before I get off on my own tangent. I’ve got to admit that it’s tough to fight that urge to talk about what I am interested in. But I guess that’s a good problem to have, isn’t it?
Matt
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday June 24th about DC Program ...
How is the training going?
I think it is going great. James and Savitha you are doing a great job. Thanks for choosing me, I am lucky to get the opportunity.
It is rather difficult to put in the time I really want to, for my readings etc.
But I know I am trying my best. I am so glad to have another extended family for myself! It is so great to be a part of a diverse group Korea, Somalia, United States, China, India.
As for the facilitation I felt it is not fair for some people to have a larger audience and some to have a smaller audience. :-) ?
1. Hence a suggestion for future training would be to pick a couple days for facilitation and make it mandatory for the whole class to be present may be have that a longer session, may be cut down on 1 class.
2. Great specific feedback. You have a very nice way of correcting us! I think you are too nice.
I would like a meeting with you and Savitha at the middle of our training so you can give it to me straight and point out the things I need to change and give me a reason why you [DC] need it that way! like constructive criticism. We have so much work to do in this world!
I am also OK with an open class session too, but may be others may not be.
3. Can we watch the news clip DVD of the diversity council in the class ?
Energizing and fun training so far.
I think it is going great. James and Savitha you are doing a great job. Thanks for choosing me, I am lucky to get the opportunity.
It is rather difficult to put in the time I really want to, for my readings etc.
But I know I am trying my best. I am so glad to have another extended family for myself! It is so great to be a part of a diverse group Korea, Somalia, United States, China, India.
As for the facilitation I felt it is not fair for some people to have a larger audience and some to have a smaller audience. :-) ?
1. Hence a suggestion for future training would be to pick a couple days for facilitation and make it mandatory for the whole class to be present may be have that a longer session, may be cut down on 1 class.
2. Great specific feedback. You have a very nice way of correcting us! I think you are too nice.
I would like a meeting with you and Savitha at the middle of our training so you can give it to me straight and point out the things I need to change and give me a reason why you [DC] need it that way! like constructive criticism. We have so much work to do in this world!
I am also OK with an open class session too, but may be others may not be.
3. Can we watch the news clip DVD of the diversity council in the class ?
Energizing and fun training so far.
Blog5: Impressions from M, 23 June 08 Training
The 20/20 segment I watched about young men acting as vandals brought up many disturbing emotions for me. It evoked questions about who is my neighbor? What is there about strangers that causes me (us) to be afraid?
And finally I was left with a movement started in Seattle years ago known as NIMBY. This stands for Not In My Back Yard, originally to keep a planned series of freeways from being constructed. Incidentally, their cause was so successful it eventually resulted in some of the worst traffic jams and gridlock in the US of A. Hooray!
Now visualize this NIMBY attitude as a larger reflection of how our culture treats difference and racism. Not only do many whites not want “those people” to inhabit their space; they do not wish to be
challenged to look inside themselves to examine their own xenophobia (fear of the other). Under that rock of fear lives bias, stereotypes, and prejudice. I wish I could say I am without prejudice. As revealed in previous blogs I have shown my true self to be conflicted and biased.
Thanks to God and an adventurous spirit I have been blessed with living in what I refer to as liminal zones. [One dictionary defines liminal: 1) of or having to do with a limen or threshold, especially of
perception. Psychology or Physiology] Out on borderlines between cultures and social constructs I, and hopefully like-minded folk, can gain insights into ways of respecting, living, and appreciating different ways of existing in this diverse world.
This is fueled by being willing to open up to new ethnicities, races, and groupings of people so as to be transformed by their alternative worldview. Admittedly this requires a leap of faith to allow oneself to be transformed by another person's way of life. However, it is one step on a continuum of needed steps to beginning to break down barriers between ourselves and “the other”. And that is what gives me hope to start my day and do the hard work of diversity education.
Say no to Us vs. Them! Say yes to welcoming with open arms those who are not like me....
Blah, blah, blah, woof, woof,..... DAVID (not present even some times when he is present)
The 20/20 segment I watched about young men acting as vandals brought up many disturbing emotions for me. It evoked questions about who is my neighbor? What is there about strangers that causes me (us) to be afraid?
And finally I was left with a movement started in Seattle years ago known as NIMBY. This stands for Not In My Back Yard, originally to keep a planned series of freeways from being constructed. Incidentally, their cause was so successful it eventually resulted in some of the worst traffic jams and gridlock in the US of A. Hooray!
Now visualize this NIMBY attitude as a larger reflection of how our culture treats difference and racism. Not only do many whites not want “those people” to inhabit their space; they do not wish to be
challenged to look inside themselves to examine their own xenophobia (fear of the other). Under that rock of fear lives bias, stereotypes, and prejudice. I wish I could say I am without prejudice. As revealed in previous blogs I have shown my true self to be conflicted and biased.
Thanks to God and an adventurous spirit I have been blessed with living in what I refer to as liminal zones. [One dictionary defines liminal: 1) of or having to do with a limen or threshold, especially of
perception. Psychology or Physiology] Out on borderlines between cultures and social constructs I, and hopefully like-minded folk, can gain insights into ways of respecting, living, and appreciating different ways of existing in this diverse world.
This is fueled by being willing to open up to new ethnicities, races, and groupings of people so as to be transformed by their alternative worldview. Admittedly this requires a leap of faith to allow oneself to be transformed by another person's way of life. However, it is one step on a continuum of needed steps to beginning to break down barriers between ourselves and “the other”. And that is what gives me hope to start my day and do the hard work of diversity education.
Say no to Us vs. Them! Say yes to welcoming with open arms those who are not like me....
Blah, blah, blah, woof, woof,..... DAVID (not present even some times when he is present)
After Reading All Post
Well,
I want to say to each of you, you have really impressed me in many ways. You aptitiude to grasp so pretty cerebral topics and still maintain a good sense of humor. Many of you have really been stretched and I believe that you all have risen to the occasion. As for mistakes and things you could do better, that is what training is for. When you all are at the training you learn from each other and can do some things here that you probably could not do in the class room. This is how you develop your facilitation range, so to speak.
I know that for some, my criticism may have stung a bit, but I want you to know that it in know way is indicative of some type of inadequacy. I have been doing this for some time, but I still have things to learn, and will continue to learn on a daily basis. What matter to me is that you are learning. The process of learning is not always easy, but the attitude with which you learn will help you enjoy the process. You all have done an outstanding job. I am thoroughly impressed and you should be commended.
Thank you for your time and your efforts. You are truly a valuable asset to the world of Diversity!!
Jay
I want to say to each of you, you have really impressed me in many ways. You aptitiude to grasp so pretty cerebral topics and still maintain a good sense of humor. Many of you have really been stretched and I believe that you all have risen to the occasion. As for mistakes and things you could do better, that is what training is for. When you all are at the training you learn from each other and can do some things here that you probably could not do in the class room. This is how you develop your facilitation range, so to speak.
I know that for some, my criticism may have stung a bit, but I want you to know that it in know way is indicative of some type of inadequacy. I have been doing this for some time, but I still have things to learn, and will continue to learn on a daily basis. What matter to me is that you are learning. The process of learning is not always easy, but the attitude with which you learn will help you enjoy the process. You all have done an outstanding job. I am thoroughly impressed and you should be commended.
Thank you for your time and your efforts. You are truly a valuable asset to the world of Diversity!!
Jay
Al: Self Evaluation
I felt pretty good about what our team did. We had the benefit of going last and also one more day to let our intuition work its way. I can't speak for Ji-Yun and we didn't have a chance to connect until just before the class last night, this is pretty much my own view.
There were several things that I was happy about with myself:
I wanted to be authentic and I felt that regardless of age groups when given the encouragement and role-modeling can get into a reflective mode. So often, prejudices (which we all have one form or another) came from we as human beings not taking time to get a feel for people other than ourselves. We let our ego's, our identities our thinking mind define our thoughts and our behavior. Yet, given the right role model and the right teachable moment, all of us can get a feel for what some other people feel, what are their struggles, their sufferings and their longing. So, I decided that the game we would play to get the group in the mood is not to increase mind and body motions. I decided to use Avatar's Compassion Exercise as the introduction game. I have seen it happen again and again the power of that exercise in all age groups. It lets us have empathy for our fellow sentient beings -- including those who typically give us a hard time.
Once I decided that. I knew I had to talk to Ji-Yun about my idea, because the previous night, we had sort of agreed that she would be the one to do the Intro.
I found the best way to communicate that to a friend or a partner is to be honest with them and ask them directly and also with great respect for their help to try out my idea. If I express a need and request politely from my partner for their help to let me try, they will want to help.
Ji-Yun, especially, was delightful in that. She was kind and generous to my request and completely supported me.
Lessons: Be authentic. Ask for help. Be open to suggestions.
I thought the Compassion Exercise put the students in the open and empathetic mode quite well. Rapport was established and good will was established. From there, there was a sense that we all want to elevate our consciousness to a higher level.
We are open to all view points without judgment. We try to see things the other people might see them. It's from that higher plane, tolerance flourishes and fixed viewpoints (biases) are being brought forward to the light to be examined. That is the beginning of creation of an Enlightened Planetary Civilization.
There were several things that I was happy about with myself:
I wanted to be authentic and I felt that regardless of age groups when given the encouragement and role-modeling can get into a reflective mode. So often, prejudices (which we all have one form or another) came from we as human beings not taking time to get a feel for people other than ourselves. We let our ego's, our identities our thinking mind define our thoughts and our behavior. Yet, given the right role model and the right teachable moment, all of us can get a feel for what some other people feel, what are their struggles, their sufferings and their longing. So, I decided that the game we would play to get the group in the mood is not to increase mind and body motions. I decided to use Avatar's Compassion Exercise as the introduction game. I have seen it happen again and again the power of that exercise in all age groups. It lets us have empathy for our fellow sentient beings -- including those who typically give us a hard time.
Once I decided that. I knew I had to talk to Ji-Yun about my idea, because the previous night, we had sort of agreed that she would be the one to do the Intro.
I found the best way to communicate that to a friend or a partner is to be honest with them and ask them directly and also with great respect for their help to try out my idea. If I express a need and request politely from my partner for their help to let me try, they will want to help.
Ji-Yun, especially, was delightful in that. She was kind and generous to my request and completely supported me.
Lessons: Be authentic. Ask for help. Be open to suggestions.
I thought the Compassion Exercise put the students in the open and empathetic mode quite well. Rapport was established and good will was established. From there, there was a sense that we all want to elevate our consciousness to a higher level.
We are open to all view points without judgment. We try to see things the other people might see them. It's from that higher plane, tolerance flourishes and fixed viewpoints (biases) are being brought forward to the light to be examined. That is the beginning of creation of an Enlightened Planetary Civilization.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Evaluation of the First Round of Facilitation
Present in class (413 words)
Sorry I didn’t get this on the blog earlier, but I didn’t get a chance before work this morning. Nevertheless, here we go:
First of all, I agree that we did a great job of pumping out our first mini-facilitation of the training. Everyone held their own and no one collapsed under the scrutiny of brilliantly acted 6th grade class.
In looking at my own work last night, I can certainly see areas of success and areas that need further work. For one, I realize now that I wasn’t really cognizant of my nervousness before the presentation. Thus, I wasn’t ready to take a step back on my rapid speech. As seen, I can be a bit of a fast talker, but it tends to only comes about when I’m a) excited, b) nervous, or c) trying to bring up the energy in a room. Now, I can see how all three were present in this situation, so I’m really just chalking it up to a bit of this and that and planning on hearing from all of you if it continues to present itself as a problem throughout the facilitation process.
Another area of issue was in my preparation of the facilitation and problems the presentation ran into as a result. The plan of action was probably too dependent upon open ended questions that didn’t feed quite enough information to the class to get them talking. Thus, there ended up being too many tangents and not enough ropes to corral those tangents back in. Yet, on the flip side, it was pointed out that I perhaps reacted too far to the other end in that I came back with a little too much lecturing to get things back on track. Yes it might have been in the right movement toward redirection, but in all reality, I ended up waxing poetic just a little too long. I’ll definitely be the first to admit that this an admitted weakness that I have when it comes to my love of diversity issues and balancing that wordy love with a teen’s attention level (it was a fun learning curve for me last school year). Certainly a goal for improvement during the coming weeks.
Overall, not terrible. I think people reacted well to what we had to say and wanted to be involved, even if it was the third time we’d covered the information. Or maybe you’re all just very polite. Either way works for me.
Matt
Sorry I didn’t get this on the blog earlier, but I didn’t get a chance before work this morning. Nevertheless, here we go:
First of all, I agree that we did a great job of pumping out our first mini-facilitation of the training. Everyone held their own and no one collapsed under the scrutiny of brilliantly acted 6th grade class.
In looking at my own work last night, I can certainly see areas of success and areas that need further work. For one, I realize now that I wasn’t really cognizant of my nervousness before the presentation. Thus, I wasn’t ready to take a step back on my rapid speech. As seen, I can be a bit of a fast talker, but it tends to only comes about when I’m a) excited, b) nervous, or c) trying to bring up the energy in a room. Now, I can see how all three were present in this situation, so I’m really just chalking it up to a bit of this and that and planning on hearing from all of you if it continues to present itself as a problem throughout the facilitation process.
Another area of issue was in my preparation of the facilitation and problems the presentation ran into as a result. The plan of action was probably too dependent upon open ended questions that didn’t feed quite enough information to the class to get them talking. Thus, there ended up being too many tangents and not enough ropes to corral those tangents back in. Yet, on the flip side, it was pointed out that I perhaps reacted too far to the other end in that I came back with a little too much lecturing to get things back on track. Yes it might have been in the right movement toward redirection, but in all reality, I ended up waxing poetic just a little too long. I’ll definitely be the first to admit that this an admitted weakness that I have when it comes to my love of diversity issues and balancing that wordy love with a teen’s attention level (it was a fun learning curve for me last school year). Certainly a goal for improvement during the coming weeks.
Overall, not terrible. I think people reacted well to what we had to say and wanted to be involved, even if it was the third time we’d covered the information. Or maybe you’re all just very polite. Either way works for me.
Matt
Sally-Self evaluation of the 1st teaching session, present 265 words
First and foremost, I want to say how impressed I was with all the presentations! I thought each group had well planned interactions and the ideas that each group left with the audience were really great. I enjoy this group and look forward to working with each one of you, in the future. Each one of you is bright, inspiring and just plain awesome!
Now, on to the self evaluation--
I felt my presentation lacked some oomph and should have been better organized. I should have been more specific in my directions to the group. I also should have worked more closely with my partner in deciding was going to be done. I think I was so focused in getting all the parts completed, that I didn't discuss things fully enough with my partner. This left room for "winging it," which can really go south quickly! Understanding that a successful lesson is taught when things are well planned and extra organized is probably one of the reasons that we were so limited in the amount of prep time.
I should have put more time into planning and practicing what was to be presented, instead of assuming that I knew was what was going to happen. I think we did plan interesting activities that got the students engaged in the lesson and asked for a lot of student participation, which was one of our goals.
I hadn’t really thought through the introduction well, and will plan on preparing it differently so that the next time, I present a more polished image to the group who are the “students.”
Now, on to the self evaluation--
I felt my presentation lacked some oomph and should have been better organized. I should have been more specific in my directions to the group. I also should have worked more closely with my partner in deciding was going to be done. I think I was so focused in getting all the parts completed, that I didn't discuss things fully enough with my partner. This left room for "winging it," which can really go south quickly! Understanding that a successful lesson is taught when things are well planned and extra organized is probably one of the reasons that we were so limited in the amount of prep time.
I should have put more time into planning and practicing what was to be presented, instead of assuming that I knew was what was going to happen. I think we did plan interesting activities that got the students engaged in the lesson and asked for a lot of student participation, which was one of our goals.
I hadn’t really thought through the introduction well, and will plan on preparing it differently so that the next time, I present a more polished image to the group who are the “students.”
Seek First To Understand
Folks, I did set my team up a little bit last night for return favors by playing devil's advocate.
Tonight you might expect the following kind of rapport building techniques.
But since I didn't have a chance to check with Ji-Yun, you won't be sure until class time.
=========================================
Here are some ways to ask open ended questions:
Al: We see on the video that nine out of ten passers-by at the park simply walk by and not saying anything to the white kids who are spray-paining and vandalizing a park car. They appear not to notice. Let's say you were one of those nine passers by, what went on in your mind went you just walked by? Jimmy ....
Jimmy; well, I walked by these kids because, I don't know, because I think they are just fooling around with a friend's car.
Al: Just fooling around ... anyone else .... Rash, what do you think might being going on in your mind when you just walk by and not doing anything
Rash: Well, I don't want to speak up because well I was afraid to
===================================================
This could go on for a while and involving other students, just talking about basically why people would do nothing when they see white kids vandalizing someone's car in plain day light in the open.
I would let the conversation flow ... we might even write down some thoughts on the white board.
==== ==================================
Al : Now, with the black kids, the video says that a lot of people called 911, what do you think went through their heads when they made the call ..... Pete, what do you think.
Pete: I don't know. I just think these people are racists. As soon as they saw some black kids, they would think that they are up to no good.
Al: So you think they are racists, because they make the 911 call when they saw the black kids spray painting a car.
Pete; Yes.
Al, anyone else, let's get a little deeper. Let's see if I can change my question a bit.
Let's say that if you were one of those people who make the 911 call when you saw a bunch of black kids spray painting a car. What might go through your head. Mary?
Mary: Well, maybe I was thinking that obviously they are committing a crime. They can't be fooling around. I have never seen this type of people here before. And they don't belong here. They can't be fooling around with a friend's car. They have no friends here.
=======
In fact, as facilitator, I might just ask the kind of questions the reporter on the show asked. Just to let them talk.
===================
Ok,
So, if you were white kids, they were just fooling around, no harm to anyone.
Let's say you are right, the kids were simply fooling around and maybe even trying to create a
work of art as far as you know. How would you think you feel that if you were simply some black kids who just wanted to do some art project in a park and when they do that people call 911 on them?
Jim,
Jim: I would feel pretty bad I guess. I wouldn't feel I have freedom. I would walk around being worried all the time. I would get really angry.
Tonight you might expect the following kind of rapport building techniques.
But since I didn't have a chance to check with Ji-Yun, you won't be sure until class time.
=========================================
Here are some ways to ask open ended questions:
Al: We see on the video that nine out of ten passers-by at the park simply walk by and not saying anything to the white kids who are spray-paining and vandalizing a park car. They appear not to notice. Let's say you were one of those nine passers by, what went on in your mind went you just walked by? Jimmy ....
Jimmy; well, I walked by these kids because, I don't know, because I think they are just fooling around with a friend's car.
Al: Just fooling around ... anyone else .... Rash, what do you think might being going on in your mind when you just walk by and not doing anything
Rash: Well, I don't want to speak up because well I was afraid to
===================================================
This could go on for a while and involving other students, just talking about basically why people would do nothing when they see white kids vandalizing someone's car in plain day light in the open.
I would let the conversation flow ... we might even write down some thoughts on the white board.
==== ==================================
Al : Now, with the black kids, the video says that a lot of people called 911, what do you think went through their heads when they made the call ..... Pete, what do you think.
Pete: I don't know. I just think these people are racists. As soon as they saw some black kids, they would think that they are up to no good.
Al: So you think they are racists, because they make the 911 call when they saw the black kids spray painting a car.
Pete; Yes.
Al, anyone else, let's get a little deeper. Let's see if I can change my question a bit.
Let's say that if you were one of those people who make the 911 call when you saw a bunch of black kids spray painting a car. What might go through your head. Mary?
Mary: Well, maybe I was thinking that obviously they are committing a crime. They can't be fooling around. I have never seen this type of people here before. And they don't belong here. They can't be fooling around with a friend's car. They have no friends here.
=======
In fact, as facilitator, I might just ask the kind of questions the reporter on the show asked. Just to let them talk.
===================
Ok,
So, if you were white kids, they were just fooling around, no harm to anyone.
Let's say you are right, the kids were simply fooling around and maybe even trying to create a
work of art as far as you know. How would you think you feel that if you were simply some black kids who just wanted to do some art project in a park and when they do that people call 911 on them?
Jim,
Jim: I would feel pretty bad I guess. I wouldn't feel I have freedom. I would walk around being worried all the time. I would get really angry.
Al Lun: email address
Here is a suggestion -- could we have the email addresses of folks in the facilitation class?
My email address is albert.lun@gmail.com. Please post yours if you don't mind.
My email address is albert.lun@gmail.com. Please post yours if you don't mind.
June 23 facilitation self evaluation - Vardhini
Present in class:
If I had to do my presentation over:
Introduction:
Hi we are here to have some fun and learn. My name is Vardhini Mohan I am in the US for the past ... I have been with the DC team for a while, you may call me Vardhini ! like ..... and this is my partner .......
icebreaker---> depending on age group
So how many of you have traveled on a plane? ......
International / maps/ travel/ spring breaks with a mission ? what would you like to do?
- hoop activity to emphasize importance of individual strength and collective effort and team work.
adult learner
- shoe for adult learners.
a lesson plan: for adults may work for older kids too
silent auction - intro of neighbor on a piece of paper 3 things from where, nature of person, is that person fun to be with, grouchy, .... transforms to silent caution--> then the individual introduce themselves and we reflect. How what why did we make that assumption.
Rapport of class:
I would need to remind myself to be neutral..... when Sally commented the time of day was different! I caught myself not professional actually I would never point like that in reality, I was ashamed of my behavior, I probably just got overly conscious. I will be neutral.
Subject and flow:
- summarize video happenings by asking each student to tell me 1 scene 30 secs each.
-then my partner will provide the questions- what why how
-I will get back and focus on a the pyramid of hate in the form of questions.
-Partner will do a wake up activity with students based on age - name game; fruits; sports;
- Talk about definitions and some specific examples about each part of the pyramid of hate
-acts of Bias - acts of Prejudice - acts of discrimination - acts of violence -
relate it to the video shown.
Questions from the audience, give them an e-mail where they can ask questions and mail to us and we can answer later - this allows the shy ones who do not like to chat to participate? !
conclusion:
A thought - an activity to experience discrimination vicariously - they own the process-
3 groups need to come up with 2 exercises they can do to experiment how they feel when treated differently, change behavior in their macro environment.
Wondering what it is I will do it in my next presentation! with my partner.
If I had to do my presentation over:
Introduction:
Hi we are here to have some fun and learn. My name is Vardhini Mohan I am in the US for the past ... I have been with the DC team for a while, you may call me Vardhini ! like ..... and this is my partner .......
icebreaker---> depending on age group
So how many of you have traveled on a plane? ......
International / maps/ travel/ spring breaks with a mission ? what would you like to do?
- hoop activity to emphasize importance of individual strength and collective effort and team work.
adult learner
- shoe for adult learners.
a lesson plan: for adults may work for older kids too
silent auction - intro of neighbor on a piece of paper 3 things from where, nature of person, is that person fun to be with, grouchy, .... transforms to silent caution--> then the individual introduce themselves and we reflect. How what why did we make that assumption.
Rapport of class:
I would need to remind myself to be neutral..... when Sally commented the time of day was different! I caught myself not professional actually I would never point like that in reality, I was ashamed of my behavior, I probably just got overly conscious. I will be neutral.
Subject and flow:
- summarize video happenings by asking each student to tell me 1 scene 30 secs each.
-then my partner will provide the questions- what why how
-I will get back and focus on a the pyramid of hate in the form of questions.
-Partner will do a wake up activity with students based on age - name game; fruits; sports;
- Talk about definitions and some specific examples about each part of the pyramid of hate
-acts of Bias - acts of Prejudice - acts of discrimination - acts of violence -
relate it to the video shown.
Questions from the audience, give them an e-mail where they can ask questions and mail to us and we can answer later - this allows the shy ones who do not like to chat to participate? !
conclusion:
A thought - an activity to experience discrimination vicariously - they own the process-
3 groups need to come up with 2 exercises they can do to experiment how they feel when treated differently, change behavior in their macro environment.
Wondering what it is I will do it in my next presentation! with my partner.
June 19 th be the change you want to see
Present in class:
What I think of the quote be the change U want to see? This quote is by Mahatma Gandhi who believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. He was the catylest to acquire freedom for India from the British.
What I think of the quote be the change U want to see? This quote is by Mahatma Gandhi who believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. He was the catylest to acquire freedom for India from the British.
What change can we effect? What's the difference we want to make in the world? are some questions I ask myself. Why I am here ? how can I make a difference? do I even matter?
- when I reflect I notice that all significant historical change has occurred as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals; who I wish to call creators of change.
- I wish to believe that everything already exists in this universe, all we have to do is discover and find it and use it to better self and society. and we need to know that we do matter. It is very important to recognize that everything one does, every step, every sentence one writes, every word we speak and /or do not speak--counts. Nothing is trivial. Everything matters.
-To really be the change you want we do not need to be in power, we do not need to be elected, we really even need not be smart, I feel we need commitment for a cause!
-And another point is that we cannot change others unless they want to change themselves. All we can do is be the good example in everyday life to the best of our ability. I know that in a parenting situation children are never good listeners, they love to model, they watch and learn, and the same applies to any kind of audience.
When we as the people are cornered or in a bind, our brain goes in auto mode and is bombarded with a flash of photos, and we just pick a picture we watched and act the same. Visual images are etched and hence it is imperative to make a very conscious effort every single time we act or react. I want to think I am but am I ?
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