Sachdev,+Sunisha

__**ASSIGNMENT 1**__

 * A Brief Biography**

Hello Everybody! I am Sunisha Sachdev. You can call me Nisha. I am 28 years old. I am a Thai-Indian who was born and raised in Thailand. I work in a Tutorial School. I teach Science (Biology and Chemistry) to high school students. I graduated with a Master Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics which i found out later that i didn't enjoy as much. After teaching as part time whilst pursuing my Nutrition degree, i found my passion for teaching and decided to pursue my education degree at SUNY. I am hoping to grow and learn with this new experience. I am able to observe teaching styles that i was never exposed to and have been able to apply what i learnt to my classes

I love to travel and explore new places. I love to eat and try new things. I love taking hot yoga classes to keep myself fit and healthy.


 * Conflict Resolution and Peaceable School Course**

I think Conflict Resolution Course is about skills needed to resolve conflicts without violence. Conflicts are bound to occur in every school and between all the stakeholders. Every adult in the school including parents must model a concept and behavior of peace. It should provide an alternative approach for all the parties of disputes to come together and provide them with all the skills to resolve the dispute. Everyone must participate in coming up with the solution. School should provide a safe environment for the students to educate them and preparing them to function effectively in the adult world. However, differences and diversity that exist must also be respected.

I would like to learn the following :- 1. Working with teachers and staff effectively. Teachers' roles towards Conflict Resolution. 2. Steps involved in resolving conflict. For example, how to communicate effectively? 3. How to separate people from problems? 4.What are the appropriate actions involved in resolving conflict? 5.How can school foster peaceable environment?

__**ASSIGNMENT 2**__

American History X is no doubt a racism and neo-Nazism movie that brings forward themes of equality and justice. Derek and Danny shared the same racist ideology and hatred at different times of their lives. The murder of their father by a black drug dealer led Derek to join the Neo-Nazi movement. However, the hatred for blacks had started long before due to his father’s influence. He became powerful and prominent within the group. He murdered the two black men in an attempt to steal his car and was sent to prison. In prison, he was mistreated by the white inmates and finally realized that the hatred he had for the blacks were just a waste of time. Derek got released after three years only to find out that his brother, Danny, joined the movement that made Derek realized the consequences of his wrong actions. Danny has lost this direction and was fully engaged in the Neo-Nazi movement. Danny believes Derek was his role model. This reminds me of a saying “Children see, Children do”. With the way most of us live our lives these days, we often forget there are young ones around watching. Danny followed his brother’s path and became an avid supporter of the former cause.

Both Derek and Danny are intelligent and strong. They have family, friends and do well in school. However, Cameron Alexander who feeds on their fear and hatred influences them. Derek allows Cameron to be his mentor not knowing he is just being used. He thinks his actions are just gearing him towards inner freedom. Cameron takes advantage of both Derek and Danny by giving their lives a system and makes them feel this is where they belong and are more superior to others. Derek turned racist because people of other races in some way have harmed him. Racial hatred and violence never leave the front row and horrible crimes fueled by extreme ideologies are reminder for us that hate cultivates hate and violence causes violence. Bob Sweeney is a black, strong, compassion and directed man. He was unimpressed with the ways Danny was taking. He can see Danny leading towards racial stereotypes. He fights for Danny and Derek, unwilling to give them up. He visited Derek in prison and became his mentor by helping him to understand and let go of his past. He helps Derek to understand that he is setting a bad example for his younger and influences him on everything he does. An influence on a child’s life does not come from one place. It is the sum of all the environmental factors like family, school and events. Nurture can play a big role in a shaping a person’s life regardless of their nature. Nevertheless, nurture can draw both positive and negative impact as you can see in the movie. Derek has both negative and positive influence on Danny. As a teacher, it is important to provide safe grounds and hopes for all students to avoid, if not, deal with conflicts. __**ASSIGNMENT 3**__ A.

What would a peaceable school or community look like?

According to me, peaceable school would be every member of the school is valued and respected regardless of their backgrounds, age and positions. It must create a safe environment for everyone to build connections as well as create a sense of responsibility and cooperation in order to improve their conflict resolution skills. There should be a positive commitment from every person in the school; from teachers to administrators. Peace should be made part of learning and incorporating it into classrooms and curriculum should be made a necessity. Students must be given tasks and should be taught to take active roles in the society.

What elements of communication would be included?

- Active listening is an essential part of communication as it will support the speaker understands their thoughts and feelings about the conflict. This will help the not only others understand the speaker’s problem but also the speaker himself will be able to understand their own feelings about his own problems. - Round table discussion – understand interests and needs in order to solve problems. Options should be made available through discussions and eventually reach a consensus without any dispute. - Communicate in a respectful manner – Talking respectfully without using any abusive language or tone. Taking turns to talk and compromising can help solve problems in a respectful manner

What would be tolerated and what would not be tolerated?

Conflict can be beneficial as it teaches people to take perspective of others which can lead to change It is not necessarily bad as it encourages open-mindedness. The key in managing conflict effectively can help school achieve their goals. However, violence, pointing fingers, hurting and abuse should not be tolerated.

What would the rules be?

The rule should to face conflicts, no matter what. People involve in the conflict should not be attacked but the problem itself. Every opinion and thought must be taken into consideration.

What would the expectations be?

The expectation is that it should provide grounds for everyone to learn from each other by engaging everyone in order to build connection and relationship.

What would the responsibilities be?

Students must be responsible for their actions and be a good citizen of the society. They must be able to respond nonviolently to any conflict by using problem solving processes

B. Web search for Oscar Arias

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C. Read the Oscar Arias speech to the international educators at the Tri-Association

D. Describe how if Hank (your professor) came to your classroom or community he would observe the elements of a peaceable community. What evidence would he see? How will you promote peace in your community?

If Hank were to come to my school, he would see that there is no form of violence seen in school. Most of my students come from a Thai culture where respect and violence are usually not tolerated.

The teachers implement activities that require cooperative learning through collaborations and promote interconnection to create a sense of togetherness amongst the students. Punishments and reward system are not used in the school that result in competition between students. Every student is assigned a task where they are completely responsible for the designated task. I teach students from year 9-12 therefore punishment does not encourage any positive behavior. Students are more repelled and they usually get embarrassed if being punished in front of the class. This can result in decreased level of participation in the classroom. Discipline is based on logical reasoning through discussions where everyone has a say.

Communication can be seen in the school to an extent where all members’ opinions are taken in account. It is usually done in a respectful manner. He would also see the positive environment that the school tries to create for students. Teachers and administrators make sure students have a say and their views are valued.

I am moved by how Oscar Arias wrote on ‘Teach Peace as Value’. I am a Science teacher and I realized the importance of challenges of globalization. As a teacher, I think to myself, what are the contributions I would make and what is it that I want to instill into my students for they can have a better world to live in; where Utopia can be achieved. __**ASSIGNMENT 4**__ Do an individual reflection on what you thought, what you learned and be sure to comment on the following specific points. (250 + or -) 1. Why do you think the rate of homicide violence has gone down in the last 800 years? People are becoming more educated. There are improved law of enforcement and judicial processes. Law enforcement personnel are better educated and much trained. The criminals experience longer sentences that keep more criminals off the streets. We also have advance technology that can be used as tools with which to analyze the forensic evidence. Communities are better at addressing crime. 2. Did you over or underestimate violence in the United States? I overestimated the violence in United States because we now receive news through many channels and it’s faster than ever. Upon hearing it everyday has led me to conclusion that rate of violence has increased. 3. What did your 4 subject colleagues think about violence in general? Why? Two out of three believed that the rate of violence is decreasing. This could be the reform Thailand is going through. There are new laws enforcing the prevention and suppressing criminal activity to minimize threats to national security. 4. What did you think about this lesson. I got some facts about violence over the past. It shows that with the right kind of education, we can preach good values and instill it into the society for a safer environment and better future. __Waterboarding__

We live in a country that follows rules of law then I feel torture is illegal. Waterboarding is a form of torture hence it is considered illegal. Waterboarding is not applied in every time we need a suspect or criminal to tell the truth. It’s only applied to only certain group of criminals. It hasn’t been proved effective although some of the prisoners have confessed upon being water boarded. However, it can also be a poor interrogation method as the prisoners can say what they feel you want to hear. Even though they might have killed many people, doesn’t mean that people should torture them. There are other humane ways to get information out of someone.

__**ASSIGNMENT 5**__

Describe a time when you saw someone's brain get "Hijacked" by their Amygdala.

Flashback to a couple of years ago, I remember my neighbor, a husband and wife, got into an argument that later on led to a fight. I could hear them yell at each other for around 20 minutes and then everything went quiet. I thought to myself maybe they were just having a bad day and it was just one of those arguments that they usually have. In the next five minutes, I could hear a big bang from the house. I didn’t realize that it was the sound of a gunshot. The wife came running out of the house asking for help. One of the neighbors immediately called for an ambulance that immediately arrived after fifteen to twenty minutes. Policemen were seen shortly after and it became a big thing. The ambulance left the scene and the wife had to go the police station for thorough interrogation. The case went on for the month. Later, I found out that the husband shot himself because he was angry and upset. He didn’t want to hurt his wife so he chose to shoot himself with his licensed gun. Fortunately, the gun was licensed otherwise it would have been a bigger trouble. He regrets about his own action and thought it was silly of him to take the matter to that extent. He not only caused himself pain but also out his wife in a serious and difficult position. They eventually moved out of my neighborhood and I have never heard of them since.

Amy Cuddy - Your body language shapes who you are

Body language can change the way life unfolds. She discusses about how anyone can easily change others’ perception about him or her. I have heard about body language and gestures before and how important it is in shaping who we are. But what seems interesting is it can also change the way people feel about themselves. Two minutes of power posing with arms or elbow out and chin lifted can make a person feel powerful. Trust is also a channel for influence. If people you are trying to influence do not trust you then your idea is worth nothing. People judge trustworthy and warmth before competence and power.

__** ASSIGNMENT 6 **__

What is conflict?

Conflict is some sort of disagreement arising within and between groups of people. Conflict can be a situation or a type of behavior. There is an unmatched wants and needs between people hence resulting in conflict. Conflict can also occur within a person that can lead to distress.

What is Conflict resolution?

Conflict resolution is what are steps taken in order to solve conflict once occur. Some people think resolving conflict is to just cut out the other person who they are having conflict to avoid further conflict where as some believe to resolve conflict through round table discussion and meet half way.

Analyze one conflict that you have observed or participated in in terms of a "Hijacked Brain".

Two years ago when I started teaching at the school I am currently teaching now. It is a tutorial school and is usually busy during exams period. After the students got their from schools, I was approached by the head staff of the tutorial school. She told me I was the cause of one of the students failing an exam. I was furious upon hearing those words. I walked out of the room without saying a word and walked right to the other teacher’s room that was also the owner of the school. I began aggressively ranting about what the staff had just said and how unprofessional she was and how she did not understand anything about teaching. I went on for before I could calm myself down. It was at this point that I realized that I was being unprofessional myself. I should have talked to her and explained her why the student had failed before barging into the owner’s office to complain about her. Then I walked out of the room and went back to speak to her rationally of the student’s performance. I regretted because I reacted in the heat of the moment when conflict could have been avoided through simple explanation.

Describe what happened in the conflict, Who was involved in the conflict, and how the emotional engagement of the Amygdala were all working to hinder the conflict.

My amygdala got hijacked and allowed no room for logical analysis of the situation. I reacted right away and there was nothing that was able to stop me. I was very furious at that point of time as I thought I had given in more than a hundred percent to all students. Anger was accumulating and it was making me unable to think clearly. Amygdala hijacked seemed to have amplified the feelings and situation and aggravated it. Intense emotions triggered the fight or flight response. It was almost like I didn’t realize the subconscious threat of the amygdala hijack currently taking place.

Do the involvement of emotions and the Amygdala always hinder conflict resolution?

No, because there are times that I see people or even myself are not hijacked by Amygdala. However, I think the hijacking of amygdala can also be beneficial like in situation where fight/flight responses are mandatory like being mugged in the street or running away from predators.


 * __ASSIGNMENT 7__**

Positive I Message – When I go to the beach, I don’t think of work and I feel very happy and relaxed. Reaction to “I” message – I come back to work more focused.

Positive I Message – When I am well prepared for a meeting, I know what to discuss about so I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Reaction to “I” message – I can really get something done.

Negative I message – When someone litters; I feel they are not doing the right thing so I feel I should tell them about it.

Reaction to “I” message – 1. Some people pick it up and throw it in the nearest garbage can they could find

2. Some people just looked at me and walked away.

Gigi’s “I message”

Corrective I message

You are a very nice person and I always love your company. However, when you take things from my home uninformed, I spend a lot of time looking for it and it upsets me.

Positive I Message

I am so happy you are being cooperative and we are still good friends in spite of the talk we had earlier.

__**ASSIGNMENT 8**__

BEHAVIOR CONTRACT

I __year 8 student__ agree to the following terms:

1. I will turn in my homework on time. Threshold: I do not turn in my homework at least once a week
 * These are my goals:**

2. I will throw all my candy wrappers and bags into the dustbin after I eat them. Threshold: I can only be found littering them on the floor or not throwing them twice a week.

My parents will be informed of my changed behavior and I will get 10 minutes of free time at the end of the class.
 * The**** se are my rewards if I meet my goals each week: **

My parents will be informed of my behavior and I will not be allowed to have candy during classes.
 * These are my consequences if I do not meet my goals each week:**


 * My contract will be reviewed on** 30th October 2014.


 * Signatures**
 * Student:** Year 8 student Date: 5th October 2014
 * Teacher:** Sunisha Sachdev Date: 5th October 2014
 * Parent:** Anonymous Date: 5th October 2014
 * Parent:** Anonymous Date: 5th October 2014

Describe the behavior issues that you are working to change. In your discussion think about the advantages and disadvantages of having parents sign off on behavior contracts with students.

The most common behavior problem that I encounter from secondary students that make it difficult for them to learn is their lack of responsibility and autonomy. This often tests my patience as well as it interferes with other children’s learning environment and leaves me feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and out of control.

Some of the students in grade 9-12 should be able to govern and be more responsible for themselves. Some students have parents telling them what to do. Thai parents have a big role in their deciding their child’s future. Parents and sometimes nanny are usually pampering their children at home. Therefore when they are in a classroom, they lack the ability to self regulate, make decisions and take part in a classroom activities.

In this case, parents should sign off on behavior contract. It is important that at least one parent is aware of the situation going on when their child in school so there can be changes made at home. There should be parental engagement in helping to change their child’s behavior as it can have the most significant positive effect on children’s achievement and adjustment. However, signing off contract behavior might not always yield the most positive result. Some parents can be overwhelmed by the situation and put more pressure on their child at home.

Think about the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

I think that extrinsic motivation can have negative impact on intrinsic motivation. If a group of students are not receiving specific reward then they might be motivated to learn. I can relate this article to some of my students, as some of them are very grade-oriented as it is very important in a Thai culture. They are extrinsically motivated as they are motivated to perform and succeed for the sake of accomplishing a specific result or outcome. However, it is important for teachers to realize the importance of intrinsic motivation and take time to implant that in students. I believe that if teachers are inspired or passionate enough, she/he can motivate the students intrinsically. Teachers must assure students that they can do it with frequent positive feedback to support the students’ beliefs that they can do well. In order to foster intrinsic motivation, we must create learning activities that are based on topics that are relevant to their lives. They must be given choices so they can feel that are in control like letting them pick their own lab partner or set their own due dates for assignments. The students can feel the sense of belonging that will encourage their participation, enthusiasm and friendliness in a classroom. By being intrinsically motivated, students can carry this trait with them through adulthood and most likely pass to their workplace. As a teacher, you can also take pride in your job as it has added more meaning to it.

__**ASSIGNMENT 9**__

From the Personality Profile test result, my score were People Person 25, Learned Expert 24, Practical Manager 28 and Creative Problem Solver 23. I agree with there result as I like to have detailed instructions of what needs to done and deadline is very important. I feel deadlines can make people develop self-discipline. It also enforces you plan ahead of time. This could be because I am a Teacher and everything is a schedule. It is necessary to keep students at task and meet deadlines since there are due dates for projects and assignments. I need to prepare materials for my classes. I can get restless when things are not organized or cluttered.

__**ASSIGNMENT 10**__


 * 1. The role of nurture by the families of the two main characters, Derek and Homer.**

Derrick was strongly influenced by his father. The seed of hate was already planted at home. This can be clearly be seen in a scene at the dinner table where Derrick’s father would be against him for taking his reading assignment too seriously and his it was inappropriate for using books by black authors. This encouraged Derrick towards racism. Derrick’s father was a fireman and was murdered by black people while he was on duty. This has strengthened Derrick’s views and beliefs towards racism.

Homer’s family supported him to go to college even though he was a coalminer’s son. Homer’s father thinks that his son is just wasting his time following his dreams, as he would never make it to his dreams. However, he nurtured his dream that was later on supported by his father. This was shown in his father’s action to support Homer with the rocket project.


 * 2. The role of the mother in the development of each of the two main characters Derrick and Homer.**

I think the roles of the mothers in these two movies were different. Derrick’s mother was concerned but also very passive. There was a scene when Derrick was interviewed on the news regarding his father’s death, his mother stood back, looking tired and worn out and led him back to the house. Later on, she couldn’t control Derrick when he fought with her boyfriend and threw her boy friend out of the house. Derrick believes that she was too weak. It was she felt bad the way Derrick turned out and couldn’t do anything about it. So she would end up smoking and drinking.

Homer’s mother tried to bridge the gap between the father and son. This can be seen in many families when conflict and contradictions occur, the mother will usually try to ease things out. She was always supportive of Homer. Unlike Derrick’s mother, she was bolder in expressing her opinions. There was scene when she acted against her husband for not helping her son build a new rocket.


 * 3. The role of the teacher Murray in Derrick’s life and the role of Miss Reilly in Homer’s life.**

Murray was not confident that Derrick and Danny could change their worldview that has been planted in them. He did try to get point across by warning Derrick about his doings but it all seemed futile. Murray also went to the principal with the paper Danny wrote. Murray was not positive that he could change Danny as nothing changed Derrick’s too.

Ms. Reilley was a great support for Homer. She was a mentor to them. She stood by them and believed in the Rocket Boys. She helps them shape their future and showed them that they can be whatever they wanted to be if they just applied themselves. This was depicted in the scene when Ms. Reilley told Homer,

"Homer, you don't have to prove anything to anybody. You remember that. Now, go launch yourself a rocket."


 * 4. The role of the two principals in the lives of Derrick and Homer.**

In the movie, there was a scene when Murray and Bob Sweeney were discussing about how Danny refers to Hitler as the great civil rights leader. Sweeney was a strong man with compassion. Sweeney still believed that the damage can be undone and things can be unlearned. He didn’t give up on Danny. This can be seen when he says, “This is racist propaganda, this Mein Kampf psychobabble. He learned this nonsense somewhere Murray and he can unlearn it too. I will not give up on this child yet.” It seems like Danny was lost and Bob was unwilling to give up on him. He also went to see Derrick in prison and made Derrick realized when he asked Derrick, “Anything you have ever done to make your life better?”

As for Homer, the principal did not believe in Homer. He thinks that all the boys should enter mine and girls to marry a miner. He told Ms. Reilley to not give false hopes to the boys and did not think that the boys could do it.


 * 5.The role of the community in the lives of Derrick and Homer.**

Derrick lived in a world of extreme hate, racism and violence. We can see that Derrick deals with racism that eventually it takes up his worldly view. After his death, he was looking for a father figure and felt the sense of belonging when he found Cameron. Cameron made himself the leader and constantly made them insecure.

In October Sky, it shows how important family and teachers can be I inspiring a child. It also shows that an entire community can play a part in raising and inspiring a child and can make a difference to their lives. Community supported Homer when they went to launching site. This was an eye opener for the community that everyone was capable of something else and not just ends up being a coal miner.