Larson-Knight,+Daniel

Dan Larson-Knight Email: __danlarsonknight@gmail.com__ wiki name: danlarsonknight Assignment #1



Assignment #2

In the movie American History X, nature, nurture, the role of school, teachers, and mentors all play roles towards the eventual outcome and conclusion of the film. When we discussed this, we challenged each other as to which of the variables was more significant, and ultimately agreed that nature and nurture played the largest role. Frustratingly because it made us feel less powerful to overcome these variables when we attempt to fight the good fight while educating. Although the role of school, teachers, and mentors can have an influence, it can be extremely hard, if not impossible to overcome nature and nurture in an extreme situation such as the one portrayed in the film. Personally it makes me feel somewhat privileged to be teaching internationally where these extremes don’t exist. On the flip side, when we were discussing it, one of my colleagues became very vocal about how we can have a greater influence, even in extreme situations, with the right skill set. I thought that, that opinion is quite easy to express when you’re living abroad teaching at a school where our worst kid, would be the best kid at some schools in the states. It also made me feel a certain amount of guilt that I’m not using my skill set to help those that could really benefit from it, or really need it, opposed to those that can afford it. The passion inside that I have to educate, and help those that need it, speaks strongly to me, yet the desire to provide adequately for my newly formed family trumps that desire. Interestingly enough watching this film, and discussing it with colleagues, although geared towards contemplating the conflict resolution components, and the roles that all the variables within the film had, ultimately created an inner conflict in me. One I hadn’t considered in quite some time. I’ve always wanted to work in Northern Canada, helping our indigenous communities overcome the conflicts they experience when dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, but I’ve never had the chance, as the partner I chose for life, has a different dream, and now that we’ve brought new life to this world, Dad has to be Dad. Perhaps a way to satisfy my desire to have a greater impact on our world where it’s needed can come via our next post, as we’re looking to make a move after next school year. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I’ll continue growing my skill set so that I’m prepared regardless of the situation.

Assignment #3

A peaceable community or peaceable school might include the ability to be inclined or disposed to avoid strife or dissension and not argumentative or hostile. It would also be an inclusive environment where everyone felt welcome and safe. The form of communication that would be included would be one that included a behaviour modification system such as restorative practice. Inclusiveness would also be embraced. Inclusive language would be tolerated, exclusive language would not be tolerated. Physical interactions would also be monitored and only consensual touch would be allowed. I know it’s a tad cliche, but I’m a fan of the golden rule. Do unto others, as you’d have them do unto you. The expectations would be that members of the community or school would buy into an inclusive environment through education, and accountability. The responsibilities would be regulated similar to that of an indigenous community, in that the elders would be responsible for implementing the behaviour management system. Everyone would also be taught the norms of the society.
 * What would a peaceable school or community look like?
 * What elements of communication would be included?
 * What would be tolerated and what would not be tolerated?
 * What would the rules be?
 * Would would the expectations be?
 * What would the responsibilities be?


 * Journal Entry #3 **

If Hank were to walk into my classroom he would notice a peaceable community through the language being used by the students, and myself. At all times he would find an inclusive environment where all students felt safe, and included in the environment. Additionally, if there was to be an incident that would be considered a negative behaviour, he would witness my use of restorative practice to shape behaviour in a manner that would be considered a positive change. Hank would see that I successfully implement restorative practice by asking the founding questions, “What happened”, “what were you thinking at the time?”, “What have you thought of since?”, “Who has the affected?”, and “what is the solution to this?”. He would also see that regardless of the offence, students would feel like they have solved the problem, and would be welcomed back into the environment with a better understanding of what is expected of them. If he were to observe for an extended period of time he would notice that the undesirable behaviours would be improved significantly with this method to the extent that he would add it as an assignment within his conflict resolution course.

Assignment #4

One of the more interesting components of this assignment was the noticeable decline in violent crimes proportionally in the US. More interestingly was the rate at which my colleagues didn’t realize the decline (all American colleagues). Whereas when doing the test, I did accurately guess this decline. My colleagues were left not knowing why this is taking place, and an explanation that I offered them, was the increase in the amount of time that young people spend gaming. Even when they’re violent games. [|__As seen here__] research has been done that shows that although, “He acknowledges that the data is not strong enough to make the argument that video games decrease crime, or that society becomes markedly safer when large numbers of people are indoors playing [|Destiny]. But "what it definitely suggests is that there is very little evidence that they increase crime," So although research doesn’t necessarily show a decrease in this study other studies, [|__such as this one.__] Do make that claim. To me it makes sense, if young people are inside playing video games, they’re not outside hurting anyone. Another response to this trend could also be the increase in the accountability that technology brings us. When people know they’re being watched and recorded on a higher level than in the past, they’re more likely to act within the law. As with anything in history, I believe it’s a variety of variables that combine to lead to the outcome in this situation, but I will also say that I believe stricter restrictions on weapons, guns in particular, would lead to an even steadier decrease in violent crimes in the western world.

Assignment #5

The time that I experienced the brain being hijacked by emotion, and not logic was most recently, and most extremely, was this past year when my wife gave birth to our baby girl. I’ve come to learn that the majority of women experience some form of baby blues, and my wife certainly didn’t escape the phenomenon and experienced a form of post partum, where she was certainly hijacked by emotion over logic more days than not. I’m happy to include that she’s doing much better. For the better part of the last year though, this was not the case, and what I would consider to be logic, was off the table for an extended period of time. During this time, I observed, and experienced a transformation in her, and myself. She became a mother, while I found patience, endurance, and strength I previously didn’t know that I had. At times I was lost as to how to help her in this situation, while in others, I was able to help. Even when I couldn’t help though, I learned about how to help going forward, thanks to the help of several professionals. I say several, because her emotion would quickly influence her ability to trust, luckily, I remained in that circle of trust regardless of how hijacked her emotions were. I also observed and experienced that creating life is the most beautiful, and demanding task one can undertake.

In regards to the TED talk, I observed and experienced a higher sense of awareness in terms of my own body language and that of others. I also felt the need to share it with key people in my life. Firstly a good friend and colleague that I thought would benefit from it, and it would fulfil the requirements of this assignment, I actually did it mid video. But after seeing the whole thing, I felt the need to share it with my wife who struggles with confidence at times and occasionally doesn’t feel like, ‘she should be here’. I then shared it with my entire HS staff via our weekly newsletter to staff, as I write a section on tech integration, and although it’s not necessarily tech related, I felt it worthy of the audience, and I suggested a tech way they could implement it into their classes. The other experience I had while watching this, was how I would quickly think how the findings within her study relate to myself and my professional experiences, and how I could utilize the knowledge to better perform. Powerful TED talk indeed.

Assignment #6

A-

Conflict - a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.

Conflict resolution - is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, or emotional. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement. I prefer to use the restorative justice model for conflict resolution that I have to address in a professional environment. For personal conflict resolution, I tend to be solutions based and logical.

An example of an argument that I encountered professionally would be when two groups of students at my school disagreed the topic we were debating on, which was gun violence and legislation in the states and ended up yelling at each other as emotions overtook their reason and logic, and they began using name calling. By using restorative justice, I found out the route of the disagreement, and the students came up with a solution to the issue, and ultimately grew as individuals because of it. I find this method to be especially powerful with youth, and have been using it for the entirety of my career.

In the disagreement above, the students were the ones involved, and the Amygdala certainly took over and hindered the debate, and their collective ability to professionally argue their side of the topic. I believe the reason for this was that they had exhausted their logical reasons for supporting their side to the debate, and consequently deteriorated into name calling, when they felt their opinion wasn’t being acknowledged as being the most significant one.

In response to the question: Do the involvement of emotions and the Amygdala always hinder conflict resolution? I don’t believe that it always does, as it’s possible for two parties or more, that are well trained and educated on conflict resolution, to do so in a professional manner. I would certainly to elaborate on this though, and express that more times than not, this is not the case, and it’s what leads to conflict of a more unpleasant nature when the parties allow this to take over causing amygdala engagements.

6 - B

In the articles, slides and videos in this section, the two biggest takeaways I found were that the use of curse words is as consistent regionally as other forms of language development, quite interesting indeed. The other takeaway was that swearing is debatably good for you. The later takeaway was quite surprising to me, as I’d always frowned upon the use of vulgarity professionally, and was also taught such as a child. The arguments supported both sides of the coin in this assignment, but when I looked at the further reading online, I found [|__this article__]  to be especially convincing on the benefits of swearing. It’s far from a research document, but some of the points make a lot of sense, and reflect what the other research claimed in terms of the positive relationship building in the workplace. It did leave me wondering the degree to which this is true when it comes to different professions. For example, would swearing on a construction site have the same effect as swearing as a kindergarten teacher? It would be interesting to see research in this regard.

Assignment #7
When you don’t include me in school wide sharing, the overall message isn’t as powerful as it could be, and it makes me feel excluded.

I used this with the ‘chair’ of our technology team, he has a tendency to fire from the hip instead of including everyone in the team. The results were taken constructively, and he has since improved his behaviour in this regard.

When you get to work without me asking at the beginning of class, you get more work done at a higher level of quality, and it makes me feel proud that you’re following instructions.

I used this with the students in the one class I’m teaching, and it was well received, and had other students join in that behaviour without being prompted the next class.

When you book vacations in Canada, we’re likely to have an incredible time, and it makes me excited for summer.

My friend and I are planning a trip for the summer, and this made us both excited for summer to come.

7b.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Invaded, I would suggest that you talk to your friend and say, “When you go through our belongings and come by without notice, it breaches my new boyfriend’s privacy and it bothers him and I.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">*once the behaviour changes say, “now that you’re calling before you come by, my boyfriend and I really appreciate it, and it makes me feel closer to you.”

Assignment #8
This assignment came at the perfect time, as we're gearing up for our Week Without Walls international trips, and myself and a colleague are taking a group of students to Greece, and we have concerns about two of the students we're taking in terms of their overall behaviour, and also in regards to smoking. Because of this, and this assignment, I worked with our AP to redo the behaviour agreement for international travel. The following is what we came up with.

==== Our purpose for embarking on Week Without Walls trips is to provide students with an opportunity to travel to other countries as class groups. The intent of student travel is to expand the educational experience by providing personal and cultural enrichment with a tie to the school curriculum. ==== ==== Positive and appropriate behavior is expected and encouraged for the duration of the trip. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana,BoldItalic'; font-size: 11pt;">It is unacceptable for students to inconvenience others and/or jeopardize the safety of themselves or others. Students must satisfy the chaperones that they have the background to enjoy the trip, and that they will be supportive of the group for the duration of the trip. ====

The trip chaperones are responsible for your well-being and for the enjoyment of all students on the trip. You must follow instructions of the chaperones at all times.

 * 1) Know the boundaries and respect them.


 * 1)  Carry at all times the name, address and phone number of your accommodation. A map will always be helpful. ====


 * 1) Never be in a group of less than 3 people.


 * 1) If you are staying in a hotel, you may never be in the room of a student of the opposite gender
 * 2) Dress and behave sensibly and responsibly
 * 3)  Be sensitive to local codes and customs.


 * 1)  Make sure you are aware of what to do if you were separated from the group.


 * 1)  Always keep telephone numbers, emergency contacts and appropriate coins with you.


 * 1)  It would be a good idea to learn a few basic foreign words.


 * 1)  All school rules regarding consumption of alcohol and /or tobacco are in effect for the duration of the trip.


 * 1)  Do not take unnecessary risks.


 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Verdana,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">Do not take a Taxi.

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">Airport / Aircrafts:

 * 1)  Always stay with the group. Do not wander around on your own.


 * 1)  Always let your chaperone know where you are going to be if you are not going to be with the group. (e.g. bathroom visit)


 * 1)  Make sure you are aware of the meeting points and times.


 * 1)  Never leave your belongings unattended.


 * 1)  Alcohol and tobacco are not to be purchased from duty free shops even if it’s not for your personal use.

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">Walking in a City / Moving through a large public area:

Ensure that there is a chaperone at the front and back of the group.
= = > > <span style="font-family: 'Verdana,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">Travel by Bus: > <span style="font-family: 'Verdana,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">Consequences: > Disciplinary problems such as disrespect, gross misconduct, inappropriate behaviours, etc., may result in no further school related travel for the remainder of the school year and/or other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate by the administration. More severe violations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and could result in a travel ban for one calendar year up to and including the following year’s Week Without Walls trip.
 * 1) Move as one group, not several small groups.
 * 2) Regroup before and after crossing busy streets.
 * 3) Do not stop to shop, or break away from the group for any reason.
 * 1) Arrive on time and wait for the bus in a safe place.
 * 2) Do not rush towards the transport when it arrives.
 * 3) Always wear your seat belt.
 * 4) Bags must not block the aisles or cause obstructions.
 * 5) Never attempt to get in or off a moving transport.
 * 6) Never get off a vehicle while held in traffic.
 * 7) Never kneel or stand on seats. Again, wear your seatbelt.
 * 8) Stay clear of doors once in the transport.
 * 9) Never distract or disturb the driver.
 * 10) Never lean out or throw things out the window.
 * 11) If you feel unwell, inform your chaperone immediately.
 * 12) After getting off the bus, form a group well away from the street and pedestrian traffic and wait for instructions from your chaperone. Never cross the street from the front end of the bus, approaching cars will not be able to see you until it is too late.
 * 13) Taking Public Transportation:
 * 14) Form a group before boarding and well in advance of the transport arriving.
 * 15) While boarding, ensure that a chaperone is the first to board and that a different chaperone is the last.
 * 16) Keep a close eye on your belongings and on those of the group.
 * 17) If left behind, wait where you are for someone to return for you.
 * 18) If left on the transport get off at the next stop and wait for someone to come get you.
 * 19) When getting off, form a group away from the transport and away from other pedestrian traffic and wait for instructions.

Assignment #9

I agree with the results that were in both my and my wife's personality test. I was found to be a creative problem solver, which is certainly true to my personality, and job choice, whereas my wife was a practical manager, which is most definitely the definition of her method of operation. She manages our practical matters on a regular basis doing the paperwork and other tasks that require precision and patience. I always find it quite insightful when tests of this nature are so bang on, it really demonstrates our personality traits and supports the manner in which we communicate, problem solve, and work together as a team.

Assignment #10

For this assignment I chose to create an addition to the website that we're in the process of creating for technology integration throughout our school. It's a collaborative site that three of us are building here at school, and we didn't previously have a conflict resolution section, which, when it comes to digital citizenship, we certainly needed. I'm responsible for creating, and updating the entire digital citizenship page, and included all components required within this assignment. [] Please feel free to check this section of the website out, and the rest of the site, I'm really proud of the work we've done here, and think you'll really like how I adapted this assignment to truly impact the 1600+ people at my school. Great assignment indeed!