Covey,+Adrian

Hi, I’m Adrian! I’m from a small town on the east coast of Canada in a place called Nova Scotia. It’s a wonderful place to grow up near the ocean and the people are known to be very friendly and hospitable.

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Canada and worked for a few years before getting an urge to travel and see the world after being stuck behind a desk and seeing my years pass away. Lucky for me I got an offer to teach at a private school in Bangkok.

Since moving to Asia I've spent most of my time working at both Thai and International Schools in Bangkok. I did manage to get away for a year chasing a huge benefits package in China but let’s just say it was a hard sell compared to Thailand.

I received my teaching diploma in 2008 and now working towards my master’s degree to learn more about education and to hopefully open up new opportunities. It has been helpful to use all the new knowledge in my courses instantly in my classes.



Assignment #1

What do I think a course in Conflict Resolution / Peaceable Schools should be about?

When I first heard about this course I didn't really know what to expect. The more and more I thought about it I realized how much conflict I witness and in many cases are right in the middle of it. The students are constantly at each other's necks with friends, teachers against teachers, administrators with unrealistic demands etc...

What I would really like to take away from this course is to learn more ways to deal with social conflict in the classroom and how to move your lesson forward after an incident. For example in one of my ESL classes last year students came in everyday after lunch hot, sweaty, full of energy and fighting with their friends about whatever happened in the schoolyard at lunch. It's usually the typical he took my toy or he pushed me. But sometimes I got the feeling that they really hated each other which put me in a very difficult situation. How can learning occur in such a hostile environment?

In the past I've dealt with student conflict on a one-on-one basis and dealt with the situations. Spending the time in the classroom to deal with issues and then moving forward in the lesson. It was more difficult as an ESL teacher that only has the students for 2 hours per week and took a lot of time to communicate with the homeroom teachers and the parents to let them know what's going on. I always try to find the root of the problem and then go from there to hopefully avoid the incident repeating itself.

As educators I believe that it's not only the academic areas of the child's growth we need to look at but the behavioral, emotional and social areas as well. It's our duty to guide these children through their development and help them achieve their goals. I learned I long time ago that it impossible to move further academically if the student has other issues to deal with. This takes commitment by the teachers to work with parents and the student to find the root of the issues and move forward.

Assignment #2

I watched the movie with my partner, and it was our first time watching American History X and we felt that it was very difficult to watch. It still amazes me that people exist with the same attitudes that are in the movie.

When I think about nature and how all humans are basically born the same with little difference besides skin color. The human race has come a long way in its fight against racism but it will continue as long as there are such large socio-economic differences in society. In the film I believe Derek realises this when he meets his black friend in prison. He shows Derek that they are not so different after all. Once Derek betrayed his gang everything changed and he began to see how wrong he was in the past.

There were many strong nurturing influences in the film with the main one being Derek’s father who is portrayed as a racist police officer. As the most important influence in both Derek and Daniel’s lives it was very easy for him to twist their thinking. They took the point of view of his father and became racists. When their father died Derek became head of the family and both boys continued to be racist and they blamed their father’s death on black people.

Cameron was another huge influence in the movie. He preyed on the weak and struggling kids who were easily persuaded to join the gang. Most were delinquents who were vulnerable to people like Cameron because they had nowhere else to turn.

I think the school did the proper actions considering the situation. It’s the schools responsibility to create a safe environment for students to learn. They needed to step in with the teachers to try and help resolve the conflict between the blacks and whites.

As teachers the role is to teach the entire curriculum not only about black history or white history which could be bias or trying to influence the students thinking against a certain race. I feel that Sweeney took extra care and was passionate about the well-being of both boys and the entire community to try and resolve the conflict before it escalated any further.

There were many mentors in the film who had a great influence on the thinking of others. First of all I think it was Derek’s father and Cameron who led the boys in the wrong direction. When their father died Derek turned to Cameron as Daniel did when Derek went to Jail.

It was very important to see the role of Sweeney and how much he cared. I believe he went beyond his duty as a teacher/principal to solve the conflict in the school. He was a great mentor and someone to look up to. As teachers I believe we need to be more like Sweeney and be better guides for our students.

Assignment #3

A. Remembering the film we just watched describe what the elements of a peaceable community or peaceable school might be.

1) What would a peaceable school or community look like?

I think a peaceable school would be a school that has an action plan to deal with conflict.

2) What elements of communication would be included?

A peaceable school would have mentors, teachers and/or members of administration at the school that would mediate conflict between the students or groups involved.

3) What would be tolerated and what would not be tolerated?

Students should be able to voice their opinions but be violent or abusive to other students.

4) What would the rules be?

The rules would be:

- Try to resolve the problem yourself. - Contact a mentor to explain the problem. - Have a mentor mediate the conflict. - Foster responsibility, respect and cooperation

5) What would the expectations be?

The expectation that everyone is in a safe environment and has the opportunity to learn.

6) What would the responsibilities be?

Students must be responsible for their actions and not cause harm to others and other’s property.

B. Do a web search for Oscar Arias (use a minimum of two sites other than wikipedia)

[] []

C. Read the Oscar Arias speech to the international educators at the Tri-Association, found at this link.

D. Post Journal Entry #3 on your web page. (250 - 500 words)

If Hank were to come to my classroom he would observe a peaceful community. At the beginning of the school year we agree on rules for the class and post them on the wall. These rules are intended for behavior management and to keep the class under control. Another interesting activity that I have done in the past is make a charter of student rights with the students to post on the wall. I think this works well as it gives the behavior expectations for the classroom and ensures students are protected and safe. When students break the behavior code instead of giving them attention which most of the time they’re in need of you simply point to the behavior chart and say ‘rule #1’. The students memorize the rules and they know rule #1 means raise your hand to talk. Keeping these rules and student rights in clear sight is important and you would see this as evidence of a peaceable community in my classroom.

Another way I promote peace in my classroom is by trying to have the students resolve their issues among themselves. After 3 attempts if they cannot resolve their dispute then they can come to me and I will do my best to mediate an agreement or assign punishment/consequence to the actions. Usually this is enough. As I teach younger elementary students the quarrels are usually about material objects or about who is going to play with who at lunch time. It becomes very clear who the leaders are in each class and what the attitude is like. The best way I manage this is to find the so called ‘ring leader’ in the class and assign them extra duties getting them on my side. This way the student will be under control and you can manage their aggressiveness.

Assignment #4

1. Why do you think the rate of homicide violence has gone down in the last 800 years?

I believe that societies in general around the world have become more educated. Although the reality is that you will be punished if you commit murder. People over time have become more civilised and have created institutions to deal with criminals and judicial processes to judge whether people are guilty or not. As we do not live under a dictatorship you cannot be simply murdered for your actions without being legally prosecuted.

2. Did you over or underestimate violence in the United States?

I overestimated the violence in America. I think we listen to much to propaganda and the media always portrays countries for their negative actions when actually it’s not the case.

3. What did your 4 subject colleagues think about violence in general?

When I answered the quiz long with my fellow colleagues we were all wrong. We all believed that violence was increasing. I think mainly due to the facts surrounding gun ownership. There exists a stereotype that Americans are gun happy and will shoot anything or anyone that comes onto their property.

4. Why?

Americans are known to a arms baring country so you would think more guns there would be more violence.

5. What did you think about this lesson?

I think this lesson was good to put some perspective on violence over history. It also shows that society is actually less violent now than other periods in history.

=When I think of times that I have witnessed other people get ‘hijacked’ by their amygdala the first experiences that come to mind are when I seen people in an emergency situation. Some is hurt or sick and they need help or if there’s an emergency situation like a fire or earthquake. Another time that I’ve witnessed this is when someone is threatened or their life is in danger. I think I’ve witnessed more than my share of bar brawls and street fights where peoples amygdala takes over and there’s no controlling their actions. = = = =One specific instance that I can remember is when one night I was threatened by some street thugs. My brother was there and is very protective over me. He proceeded to fight them off. I guess I don’t have that aggressive instinct. My amygdala was telling me to run! =

Assignment #6

What is a conflict?

I would define conflict as a disagreement between 2 or more parties. Conflict can escalate into a fight or even war between countries.

What is conflict resolution? (Texts, Web and personal observations are permitted.)

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.

1. Analyze one conflict that you have observed or participated in in terms of a "Hijacked Brain". This would be a conflict that started and escalated because of an emotional engagement.

I feel that my brother’s emotions were involved as we are family. He was trying to protect me. I believe that whenever anyone close to you is in trouble or threatened you feel very strongly. These feelings take over and you do what you normally wouldn’t.

3. 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.

The conflict started as a shouting match in the street. My brother must have felt that I was in trouble and stepped in. As a good brother he didn’t want me to get hurt. Even though the other guys were bigger and we were outnumbered he still stood up for me. I guess that’s what you’d call brotherly love.

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

I believe that your Amygdala could also help conflict resolution, especially if both sides are emotionally involved. This could promote a sense of urgency so the parties could come to a resolution faster.

Assignment #7

Negative: When you shout out in class it disturbs the other students and they feel very annoyed. Reaction: Nothing the student simply ignored it.

Positive: I have noticed that you have been raising your hand in class and now the classroom is much calmer. We all feel more focused on our work. Reaction: The student seemed please like he accomplished something.

Positive: I see that you have been waiting for your turn to talk in class and now the class runs much better. We are all much happier and productive. Reaction: The student seemed please like he accomplished something.

Gigi: When you come into my house when I’m not home, my boyfriend feels you’re breaching his privacy and your behavior really bothers him.

Gigi thank you for respecting our privacy, we are much happier now. We appreciate you for being thoughtful.

Assignment #8

Behavior Contract

The following behavior contract is intended to lessen the behavior problems in class. This behavior contract must be signed by your homeroom teacher and taken home and signed by your parents.

Name:

Class: Date: Negative Behavior Tick the number of times you use this type of behavior ||
 * What I did today! – Behavior Tracking
 * I shouted out. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I spoke off topic. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I made distracting noises. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I threw things. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I hit my classmates. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I used inappropriate language. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Positive Behavior ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What I did today! – Behavior Tracking
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I raised my hand. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I asked on topic questions. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I thought before answering questions. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I helped my classmate. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">English Teacher’s Signature: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Student’s Signature: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Homeroom Teacher’s Signature: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Parent’s Signature:

Assignment #9

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I took the personality test with my friend and both of us were surprised how accurate it profiled us. According to the test I am a ‘Creative Problem Solver’ and the description fits me perfectly.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I see how important it is to acknowledge yours and your student’s personality type to create better relationships and learn how to react to certain student actions. This is difficult to do as some students behavior could seem unruly to you but in fact it’s their method of solving the problem or completing the task.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">We need to take a student’s personality and learning style into consideration when we give our students assignments. Like Jane in the article we must try to understand our students in order to be able to reach them and use their uniqueness in a positive way. We need to respect all of our students learning styles and find solutions to deal with their behavior and learning issues.

Assignment #10

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">1. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">The role of nurture by the families of the two main characters, Derek and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Derek’s father was a racist police officer with very strong views. His attitude was taken on by his children when he passed away. Homer’s father tried very hard to persuade him to work in the mines but he didn’t follow his wishes. He eventually was proud of Homer for following his dreams.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 1.5;">2. The role of the mother in the development of each of the two main characters Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Both mothers seemed very like they cared very much over their boys. Derek’s mother tried everything she could to protect them. Homer’s mother was also very loving and wanted to see Homer succeed and follow his dreams.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 1.5;">3. The role of the teacher Murray in Derrick’s life and the role of Miss Reilly in Homer’s life.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Teacher Murray and Miss Reilly were also very similar characters as they both worked in schools with serious problems. Teacher Murray was fighting against racism and gang wars. Miss Reilly was fighting for her students to have an opportunity in the world.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 1.5;">4. The role of the two principals in the lives of Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Derek’s principal was trying to help the community by ending racial and gang violence, while Homer’s principal thought he was helping his community by not giving students false hopes of success. It was very nice to see Homer’s principal smile towards the end and to see that he wasn't such a bad man.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">5. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 1.5;">The role of the community in the lives of Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Derek lived in a very difficult community where there was extreme violence and hatred. There existed hatred in Homer’s community as well towards the mine. The community was very depressing as the youth had little hope of any other career besides working in the mine.