Khatib+Ferdows

Independent Study Students Pages


 * Biography**: My name is Ferdows Khatib. I am a wife, mother and an Economics/Business Management teacher at an IB school, in Amman Jordan. I am currently working on completing all course work for my Masters for International teachers, from SUNY. I have a passion for teaching and I am always looking for new and better ways to teach and learn. I was raised in the United States, where I did all of my schooling there K-12, as well as University. I have been living and teaching in Amman for the past fourteen years. I spent most of my teaching years in PYP, and just recently moved to IB Diploma College (Grades 11-12).

Hank combined your pages here...

__** Journal Entry #1 **__ What do you think a course in Conflict Resolution/Peaceable schools should be about?

I think a course in conflict resolution/peaceable schools should be about giving tools to all members of a school community, to help make schools more peaceful for all. Peaceful would of course mean where students, teachers, parents as well as administrators are at peace physically, mentally and emotionally. This of course would require good interpersonal skills that should be taught and modeled. The first topic I would like to see included in this course is bullying by students to students, as well as bullying of teachers to teachers. Students are not the only ones doing the bullying or getting bullied. Work place bullying is real, and ultimately affects students. A second topic I would like included is empowerment of girls to be more assertive in their views and thoughts, regardless of cultural norms. Third, I would like to see how brain based research is linked to conflict resolution and what are the predispositions of individuals that make them peaceful or not. Fourth, it would be interesting to see how cultural attributes are linked to peaceful behavior and how negative attitudes can be changes. Lastly, I would like to see how social media has either contributed to more violence in schools or not. All of the above topics deal with issues currently facing my school in Jordan. It would be of great benefit if they are addressed, making the course relevant, with the ability to properly implement strategies.

__** Journal Entry #2 **__

 The movie American History X displays several influences of both nature and nurture on the human psyche. Our discussion became very heated as we (viewers of the movie), brought in our own beliefs and life experiences when interpreting the movie. We agreed that the single most important factor that determines how nature and nurture influence violent behavior, is the human element of fear. When one feels a sense of fear and insecurity, human nature makes them seek comfort in groups and extreme ideals. In the film, the white children felt a sense of fear from the African Americans in the community and needed a defensive mechanism. As they grew older they began to look for ways to protect themselves, from an enemy they loathed in the backs of their minds. They built on this hate and began to justify any inhuman action towards those different to them.  Thus, the nature of their environment and the violent death of Derek’s father made it easy for Cameron to influence the young whites in the movie and especially Derek. Cameron played on their insecurity and nurtured a group into extremism. While Derek was in prison and away from his old influences, human nature began to lead his thoughts. On the other hand, his brother Danny was being nurtured to think and act in a violent manner, justifying it as a survival method. As for the role of Dr. Sweeney, he was like a father figure and tried to intervene to help dissolve some of the hate simmering within the boys. This allowed us to discuss how in a tumultuous environment, while it is difficult to have a positive impact, one person can make a difference. It is important when discussing peaceable schools to evaluate the role of administrators and their ideologies. Moreover, teachers play a huge role in influencing peace in school. We felt that the film didn’t portray the importance of the teacher’s very well and that hate was a natural assumption of schools. We felt that Mr. Murray the history teacher could have tried to help Danny more, rather than just referring him to the principal. Teachers are mentors, and students are heavily influenced by them.  We felt that had teachers in in Derek’s life been more active in teaching peace and eliminating hateful thoughts than maybe Derek, wouldn’t have been so influenced to hate due to his father’s death and his fear of African Americans. That as well, would have probably prevented his younger brother Danny following the same path. The quote used in the end of the film, however gives a sense that you can unteach hate and that human nature can overcome the negative nurturing influences people of different races face.

__**Journal and Post Journal Entry #3 **__  A peaceable school or community is more of how the individuals feel more than “looking” peaceful. However, we might say that there are clear expectations posted on the walls of a school or even in the community areas. Positive quotes and examples of how people can better tolerate each other. It is important to note that a peaceable school or community does not mean that the entire population has to agree about all aspects of life, however a peaceable school or community teaches and models tolerance and respect for others no matter what race, gender etc., they are. So how is this done? In remembering the film, while the principal spoke to Danny and became his history teacher, there should have been more of a whole school awareness campaign to prove zero tolerance for hate. Rules would be clearly posted and agreed upon. Students that do not follow the rules would be asked to leave the school. There would be a mentoring program where students of different ethnicities would be required to work together, similar to the prison situation Derek faced. He was forced to work with an African American inmate, resulting in a change of heart towards individuals he once despised. Communication would be open and opinions would be expressed freely. Students would be taught anger management and forced to resolve issues together and find peaceful solutions. Violence in any shape or form would be dealt with immediately and consequences would be present.  If professor Hank came to my classroom he would observe a very comfortable learning environment. Oscar Arias quote reflects the underlying philosophy I promote, “There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that establishing clear meaning and communicating it effectively is the most important tool for peace,” sets the tone in my classroom. Whether teaching fifth grade or eleventh the most important thing is to establish expectations and communicating them. This is done early in the year and is displayed as a reminder. Moreover, the teacher modelling tolerance and proper communication is very influential in the classroom. The school I teach at does not have a multicultural student body, the majority are Jordanian. Therefore, I try to expose my students to different cultures through world examples and sharing my experiences from travelling around the world. Moreover, Jordan is located in an area that is war stricken where neighboring countries are battling international forces as well as homegrown enemies. With all the bias news reports surrounding the population it is very difficult to promote peace. That is why it is crucial to allow the students to voice their views and to communicate properly. I have zero tolerance for hate and that is clearly displayed in my classroom. Students know about the consequences of being intolerant and thus a peaceful classroom environment is observed. As a teacher, I try to keep the channels of communication open and that is how I do my bit of promoting peace in my classroom and hopefully that will be reflected in the wider community.

 I think that using torture or other “enhanced” interrogation techniques is extremely inhuman. What disturbed me the most is the “soldier” administering the torture has justified it as “evoking an existing fear of drowning, not torture.” This only displays how he has been brainwashed to be far removed from human decency. While there is plenty of evil in the world and there must be a way to stop it, using evil to fight evil just proves what a desperate state the world is in.
 * __Waterboarding as an “enhanced” interrogation technique __**

__**Journal Entry #4 **__ Violence Quiz My answers: T, T, T, F, T <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Answer Key: T, F, F, F, T <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> As you can see from my results, I was correct on only 3/5. It was interesting to read the article; Homicide: Explaining America’s Exceptionalism by Eric Monkkonen. It helped me understanding a bit more why my answers were incorrect. My assumptions were refuted by the fact that, “Growth in democracy, demise of slavery and the growth of urban societies and uniformed local police throughout the western world,” all played a role in the rate of homicide. The information helped explain why; Q2, more people are actually arrested, Q3, more violent crimes are solved today than 30 years ago. My four colleagues had differing answers across the board. I think this is because, as we answered the questions, we had our own assumptions, experiences and level of exposure to the facts, in the backs of our minds. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Nonetheless, statistical analysis needs to be carefully observed when reviewing violence in a large country such as the United States. I would conclude that each state be looked at individually as the article states that there is a huge “within-nation” variation. This leads to questioning of individual societies and the changes happening within them. For example, areas such as North Dakota, which has the “lowest homicide rate as in any contemporary European nation,” should be studied and its systems should be modelled throughout the United States. On the other hand, Louisiana, with the highest homicide rate in the nation, needs to carefully looked at, and solutions need to implemented based on that state’s social fabric. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This lesson was definitely an eye-opener for me. I hadn't realized what a science the study of violence was. I learned that by looking at the past we can begin to understand where violence stems from and how we can find peaceful solutions. If we look at societies from an economic point of view, we realize that when individuals’ needs are met and proper education is available, then conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

__**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry #5 **__ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The Google definition of Amygdala: “Part of the brain involved in the processing and expression of emotions, especially anger and fear. Responsible for detecting fear and preparing for emergency events.” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to Daniel Goldman; “High jacking of the brain is an emotional explosion. The high jacking occurs at those moments when a center in the limbic brain proclaims an emergency, recruiting the rest of the brain to its urgent agenda. The thinking brain, does not have a chance to glimpse fully at what is happening, let alone decide if it is a good idea.” Goldman goes on to say that, “The Amygdala, is the specialist for emotional matters, and a storehouse of emotional memory.” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Upon reflecting I can think of many times I witnessed someone’s brain as well as mine, get high jacked by amygdala. While they weren't violent reactions they did have an effect on those involved. One “High jacking,” that I remember was one of my husband watching his favorite soccer team playing. The team was playing poorly and I could see my husband’s frustration. Time was running out, the coach was making bad decisions and it was the championship game. I happened to walk past the television set and asked if he wanted dinner. That is when he had an emotional explosion. I watched as he ranted and I walked away. He later apologized, and understood that his reaction was uncalled for. As Goldman describes, “The significance is that once the moment passes, those so possessed have the sense of not knowing what came over them.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> What is significant about this particular presentation is that I knew body language played a huge role in our everyday life, I just hadn't realized that you could consciously change how other people think and feel about you. Moreover, I better understand the importance of testosterone and how our chemical makeup underlines our level of power, or what is perceived as power. What really stuck with me was the statement, “Fake it, to make it.” That you can change and become that which you thought you couldn’t. I really enjoyed watching this TED talk.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">TED talk by Amy Cuddy __**

__**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry #6A **__ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to the office of Human Resource development, “Conflict is a disagreement through which the parties involved perceive a threat to their needs, interests or concerns.” __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 9pt;">https://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/onlinetraining/resolution/aboutwhatisit.htm __ <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to the Program on Negation at Harvard University, “Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or a conflict by meeting at least some of each side’s needs and addressing their interests. <span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 9pt;">http://www.pon.harvard.edu/category/daily/conflict-resolution/ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> One conflict that I observed in terms of a “High jacked Brain,” was one that involved neighbors in opposite apartment buildings. During the snow season, satellite dishes tend to stop working properly due to the accumulation of snow. Tenants, usually go up to the roof of the building and clear the satellite dish of the snow. In the area I live in, buildings are rather close to one another so there is little privacy in general. The norm is that everyone shows common courteous towards their neighbor and they do not look into their neighbors’ opened windows etc. On one particular day, a young boy, seventeen years old went to the top his family’s roof to clear snow from the satellite dish. He happened to look over at the next building where a housewife was standing doing dishes. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The young man did nothing wrong but glance and get back to his work. Apparently the husband of the woman saw the boy glance and went immediately to the roof top to confront the boy. His amygdala was high jacked as he violently attacked the boy, accusing him of being a “Peeping Tom.” The boy’s family heard the screams and ran to the roof top. Upon seeing his son hurt the father’s amygdala was high jacked, whereby he attacked the man that hurt his son. Within five minutes there was an all-out brawl. The police were called and injured persons were taken to the hospital. The dispute is currently in the courts. Due to the emotional engagement of the amygdala, a simple conflict escalated into physical harm of a minor and several adults. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> **“Do the involvement of emotions and Amygdala always hinder conflict resolution?** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since the Amygdala is the center of emotions and based on the science, I would tend to think that most of the time conflict resolution would be hindered. However, through different strategies, one may be taught to control their behavior and reach peaceful resolutions. However, for example with personal conflicts or even world conflicts, a third party, not emotionally involved needs to part of the conflict resolution.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is conflict? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is conflict resolution? **

__**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry 6B **__ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The article by Lorenzo Ligato, the video, and the article I found on the internet all explain the link between cursing and the release of adrenaline, a natural pain killer. I thought it was particularly interesting, because I wouldn’t think of cursing as a way to relieve stress. On the contrary, I feel in the bigger scope of things, cursing causes or encourages conflict. The article by Catherine Paddock in medicalnewstoday.com, goes on to say, “Over-use of swear words can water down their emotional effect.” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">As this course is about conflict resolution, I would argue that using swear words will probably lead to “High-jacking” of the brain, leading to conflict. It was interesting reading the article “cursing by state,” which reflected social norms. Nonetheless, I think to reduce stress and resolve conflict one should have a walk or maybe a jog, which cause a surge in adrenaline.


 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry #7 __**


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Negative “I” message: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">(To my son) When you don’t get home by curfew, I get worried and stay up all night and feel tired in the morning.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reaction to statement: I’m sorry.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Positive “I” message 1: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mona, when you did your chores, the house was clean and I felt relieved of stress.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reaction to statement: I’m glad that I helped.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Positive “I” message 2: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sue, when you took me to dinner, it saved me time from cooking and I was refreshed for the next day of work.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reaction to statement: Sure, anytime.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Message to Gigi: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Corrective: When you go through my things, my boyfriend and I question your respect for us and it makes us uncomfortable with you.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Positive: When you respect my privacy, we build a stronger relationship and I feel safe and comfortable with you.


 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry #8 __**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most of my teaching experience has come from working in elementary school, however I have recently moved to the high school. Needless to say, high school students have the same basic needs, however the tools to motivate and ensure proper behavior are definitely different.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The management contract for behavior change will be addressing punctuality of an eleventh grade economics’ student. It will actually be an electronic agreement between the student, parent and teacher. A Whatsup group will be made and feedback will be monitored on a daily basis. All three parties will be involved in the rewards and the consequences as to make it relevant. Again, as students spend plenty of time on their phones, having a message come up will ensure the student sees it and that parents are aware in a timely manner. Rewards can be letters of recommendation, down time in class, or a reward set up by the parent. Consequences of course will have to fall in line with the school’s behavior management policy. While initially the rewards and consequences are a form of extrinsic motivation, it is hoped that students will develop intrinsic motivation, through building trust with the parent and the teacher. Parent involvement is important at all grade levels, but high school students are in critical stage and it helps to have parental support.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Contract: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The first post on the Whatsup group would say the following:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">I agree to be on time for my Economics’ lessons. It is understood that after one week of consecutive punctuality I will be able to / I will have.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">If I am not punctual to class, it is understood that my parents, will be immediately informed through a Whatsup message. I will have to reply and inform all of my whereabouts.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Students confirm you have seen this message. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Parents confirm you have seen this message.


 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry # 9 __**


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">My personality profile test: **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">People Person: 22 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Learned Expert: 25 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Creative Problem Solver: 22 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Practical Manager: 31 **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to my personality profile test I am a practical manager. I agree with most of the characteristics. I definitely pay attention to details, create to improve on things, have finely tuned senses and I do keep others on task. I do like clear expectations and detailed directions. I enjoy the opportunity to elaborate and add details. However, I do disagree with the “Possible Problems.” I don’t consider myself rigid nor do I see the world in black and white. I am quite flexible and have a natural manner of assimilating. Moreover, I am not particularly neat. My desk is often messy and my clothes are not always hung up. I also possess a few characteristics from the other personality profiles. Nonetheless, Practical Manager is the closest to my personality. The adults I administered the test to, had results very close to their personalities. It seems this particular test is rather accurate and it would be a helpful tool for teachers. Understanding our student’s personalities can be a huge asset to both learning and teaching. It should be a requirement that such test are administered and kept on file.


 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Journal Entry #10 __**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The two films have two very different plots, however the connecting thread between the two is how hate whether it be towards an entire race, or hate stemming from change to a community's thinking and lifestyle.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">When discussing nurture of the families, it is obvious that the different members of both families had an impact on the Derek (American History X) and Homer (October Sky). The role of the Homer’s mother is subtle but constant. For example, when having dinner on Homer’s birthday she gives him the envelope with Van’s autographed picture. She knows it’s important to Homer and yet manages to not completely upset his father. She also encourages him to go back to school despite the fact that he was helping out while his father was injured. She also continued to paint on the wall as a way to escape the reality of her surroundings, showing her son a sense of determination. On the other hand, Derek’s mother seemed to take a passive role as Derek’s father spoke of racism and hate during dinner conversations. She was also not able to protect her second son from following in his brother’s footsteps.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The role of Homer’s teacher Ms. Riley, was extremely important. She believed in Homer and his friends and encouraged them to enter the science competition. She also gave him the resources to be able to achieve his goals. Not only did she encourage, she gave him a book about missile launching, as well as got emotionally involved. Moreover, she defended him and his friends when Mr. Turner was discouraging them. Teacher Murray felt that Derrick couldn’t be helped and gave up on him. In a sense he feared how extreme Derrick had become. While Derrick was in need of adult intervention, Mr. Murray gave up on him, when he might have had a positive influence and helped him turn his life around.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Homer’s principal Mr. Turner, rejected the idea of the students dreaming and trying to move away from the norm. On several occasions Mr. Turner exhibited his lack of support. When he saw a rocket with the boys he told them that he doesn’t allow weapons in his school. He also had a conversation with Ms. Riley, telling her that we offer an education not false hopes. He was also not supportive of the boys when he allowed the police to put handcuffs on the boys, when they were accused of starting the fire in the woods. However, Mr. Turner has a change of heart once he saw Homer explain in front of the class, how his rocket didn’t cause the fire. As for Derrick’s principal Mr. Sweeney, he listened to Derrick even when he didn’t believe in what he was saying. He supported him while he was in prison and allowed him to see that he could change. This confirming how teachers and administrators have an impact their students.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The communities in both films have some similarities and some differences. Both communities exhibited a certain level of hate, based upon fear. In American History X, the white community was afraid of African Americans and thus reacted in hating them and acting on that hate. In October Sky, the community feared change and hated the fact that the Homer and his friends were venturing out of the normal “mining” lifestyle. The community discouraged the boys at first and made a mockery of them. Homer’s father was the character that most showed his hate for change and moving away from “mining,” as this was the lifeline of the community. The difference between the two communities is that in October Sky the community eventually came around and supported the boys. They were proud of boys and came out to cheer them on and watch the launching of their rockets. On the other hand, in American History X, while Derrick was in prison the white movement grew and became even more extreme. They rallied around one another, sending young influential teenagers down a destructive path. The hate escalated and made it difficult for those who wanted to get out to be able to. In October Sky, the young men with the new support of family and the community were able to leave the mining community, and make a better life for themselves.