Gorcea,+Alis



Sawadika/ Hello from Bangkok, Thailand !!!

… from Alis Gorcea....

====Originally, I am from a little town in Transylvania, Romania. But… I always wanted to leave and explore the world; so my husband and I moved to the US nine years ago where I worked as an ESL teacher. Our daughters were born there, we have a house there, so a big part of my heart is back in North Carolina.==== ====Then the opportunity to move and teach in Thailand came up so here we are. We can say we are a little Thai since we have been here for four years. We enjoy living in Asia because we have the opportunity to travel. So, we do, every time we have the chance!====

My life motto is “Happy and healthy”- That is why whatever comes next I don’t worry !
====I have been teaching for 13 years and I had the opportunity to teach on three different continents so far.I teach 7th grade Social Studies and Language Arts to ELL students. Also, I push in into Math and Science. I am a supporter of the idea of learning English through content (CLIL). Also, I am fortunate to work in a school that implements the 1:1 laptop program. I consider myself a “little” technology geek; that is why I have completed COETAIL through Suny Buffalo.====

I have a bubbly personality- according to my colleagues, I like to talk and do cool stuff with my students. I try my best to always bring something new for them to do, to try, to explore.
=Assignment 1= ==== Conflict resolution is a delicate topic.But it is our moral duty, as teachers, to teach our students how to find solutions to different problems in a peaceful way. Our students need to keep a positive attitude and be solution based whenever a difficult or awkward situation arises. ==== One way our school works on building the necessary skills for conflict resolution is by implementing the program "Second Steps". For Grade 7th the program focuses on empathy and communication; bullying prevention; emotional management and substance abuse prevention by using examples and activities that are specific for this age category. The lessons are well organized,offering lots of examples, activities, and discussion opportunities in order for the students to connect, learn and practice these skills. ==== Also, we the teachers spend time with our students whenever they need support, solutions, advice to resolve different issues. The counselor, the administration, and the school psychiatrist are available if important issues arise. ====
 * Write a short statement (250 +- words) describing what you think a course in Conflict Resolution / Peaceable Schools should be about. Please list five specific topics you would like to see included in this course. **

Conflict resolution is also about peace, charity, being good at heart; caring about the planet.

Racism is also another important topic that should be addressed.

Unfortunate situations happen amongst teachers too when disagreements escalate and the school needs to offer the support and opportunity to help the teachers to find responsible, mature solutions. Bullying, favoritisms, admin pressure are some issues that exist in schools and teachers have to deal with. Unhappy parents, unsupported teachers are also issues that happen in a school environment. There are many ways that things can go wrong is a complex institution such as a school. The most important are communication and transparency, keeping a positive attitude in the way problems are being addressed and a clear and strong system of support. A course on Conflict Resolution should offer viable solutions for possible issues that might occur in a school environment.

=Assignment 2=


 * After watching the movie American History X have a discussion with those others who watched the movie on the role of nature and nurture in the film and the role of school, teachers and mentors in the film. Then, write a brief - 2- page (500 word+ or -) report describing the influences you observed and discussed. **

Wow, what a powerful movie ! Thank you for sharing… really inspirational. It reminded me to be humble and thankful for my simple, uncomplicated everyday life where I and my children are fortunate enough not to live and experience such a dramatic, intense, sad life.

I like how the movie follows the parallel but intertwined lives of the two brothers and how their actions have an impact on their family and themselves.

The environment they live in does not go unnoticed and it represents a major factor in their daily existence. Racism, poverty, and struggle are the direct outcomes of this environment which are merciless and don’t spare anyone.

We are introduced to a strong, smart, skilled and self-centered character, neo-Nazi Derek who has made a name and reputation for himself through his violent actions. He is the leader of the DOC gang and leads, unconsciously, a life of hatred, exhibiting escalated rage and unchanneled feelings.

Addressing the nature vs. nurture argument, we learn that throughout his life he was unconsciously led to become this person that he portrays at the beginning of the movie.

His life was so intense and consumed by anger that he lived it blindly and it was impossible for him to see different perspectives on conflict or on solutions or on choices. For him, there was no other way!

Unfortunately, his actions bring him to the point where he is removed from his environment and goes to prison. Another poisonous environment that doesn’t offer much until he gets to live his own tragedy and hits rock bottom in the hardest way possible.

The impact of his own tragedy breaks Derek and begins to change him. For the first time, he actually stops and looks inside himself and understands there have always been choices on the path he has followed.

Dr. Sweeney’s words: “You won’t get any answers as long as you ask the wrong questions!” and “Has anything you have done made your life better?” along with his physical pain, and Danny’s complicated situation, manage to get through to him and a new Derek is born.

It doesn’t take long for him to realize that change starts with himself, comes from inside when you really search and look.

Once he is out, he is a new, changed man, who takes other people into consideration especially his younger brother Danny who was slowly slipping through the same cracks Derek used to. His main focus is to show him the importance of staying on the right path, meaning, staying in school.

He talks highly of his teachers and reinforces what Danny’s teachers have previously said.

Talking about Danny’s teachers, especially Dr. Sweeney is also a character who went through transformation. Sweeney confesses to Derek that he hated white people as a youth, but eventually realized that hatred is pointless.Now, he his job was to help, guide direct and encourage lost students such as Danny or his former student Derek.

Danny was already walking on a safe path surrounded by his angels of affection. He understood that :”We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” Unfortunately, it’s the impact of his environment that kills him. The ending of his paper enhances the idea that hope and choices never die, they just need to be sought and that anyone can be saved: “ Hate is baggage. Life’s too short to be pissed off all the time. It’s just not worth it’.”


 * Assignment 3 **
 * Remembering the film we just watched describe what the elements of a peaceable community or peaceable school might be. **

What would a peaceable school or community look like?
 * A school that promotes and reinforces positive behavior and success
 * Where rules convey inclusiveness, friendship, and respect
 * Open communication with parents, students, among teachers and the community
 * Transparency
 * A school that has a good system of support
 * Clear mission and vision

What elements of communication would be included?
 * Teachers have time to work and plan collaboratively
 * Relationships based on professionalism and trust
 * Administration demonstrates fairness and supports each teacher, listens to them; recognises and appreciates each teacher
 * Open door policy
 * Open house, PTC,classrooms without walls, student-led conferences, blogging
 * Everyone has a voice, everyone should be heard

What would be tolerated and what would not be tolerated?
 * Kindness
 * Good intentions
 * Effort
 * Positive behavior
 * Little things matter
 * Violence, negative thinking, bribery, influential people, nepotism should not be tolerated

What would the rules be?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Respect yourself and others
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can do it, try your best
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Together we can make the world a better place
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">You make a difference
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">We are here for you, you are here for us!

What would the expectations be?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Everyone is expected to follow the rules since we all belong to this big community and we all depend and rely on each other


 * 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? **
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">The classroom looks welcoming and warm, feeling of security
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">You will notice that my walls are colorful and I have many poster boards and student work that reinforces a positive attitude and safe environment
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">All students are given respect and are expected to follow the rules
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Everyone is equal, everyone has an opinion, we all work together at our best ability
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Teachers are enthusiastic

How will you promote peace in your community?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our students volunteer a lot and they belong to different clubs and organizations and participate in many Service Learning Projects
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">We support each other and as a community help those in need (students, teachers, staff; also people outside of our community)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Students are taught the importance of values and many times they experience real life situations by listening to different speakers or going out and helping make situations better
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">The name of our school is Ruamrudee which in Thai means: “Union of Hearts”
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Habits of Mind are part of the Curriculum
 * School mission and vision

What would the responsibilities be?
 * Be part of the Union of Hearts. Sense of community
 * Follow through
 * Shared responsibility

** Waterboarding. This is an "enhanced" interrogation technique. Write a brief comment about what you think about using torture or other "enhanced" interrogation techniques. (less than 250 words) **
Torture has been used as an interrogation technique since the beginning of time. Well, it seemed to have been working since it is used nowadays. I can honestly call myself a positive person who is always solution-based in a totally peaceful way. But, am very biased if I need to actually support the idea of torture or not. I feel that I am a “supporter” (if I can call myself that) of it when thinking of anyone harming my children (especially them), my family, my loved ones because the thoughts of harm on them are personal, involve terrifying emotions and impede any clear thinking. Also, with the media bombarding us with all kinds of inflated news it requires a lot of self-control on maintaining objectivity.

If asked to think objectively and presented with a situation that doesn’t involve me in any way I don’t think I would support torture as a technique for hurting others.


 * Write a brief (250 word+ or -) report describing what you observed or experienced from session #4. **

This is a very hard report to be asked to write; I can consider it some sort of torture :) Here is why:

We have been presented with different ideas on peace. Oscar Arias’ speech was impressive and inspirational. I really liked the way he gave examples of integration of peace into the curriculum; how he encouraged Social Studies teachers not to emphasize the idea of war, but teach about the peace treaties. I am often being asked by my students why people fight or fought. I always tell them that the main reason is land. And they think it is silly but that is actually the sad reason. My motto in life is: be happy and healthy, and I reinforce the importance of this motto my kids anytime I have the chance. Also, the speech mentions how chemistry and biology are what security is all about. Health issues are the number one cause of death so we should focus our attention on that because it is needed. Teaching the value of peace in schools is something each teacher should do. Peace is not easy. “Peace is the most honorable form of exhaustion and the most exhausting form of honor.”

The approach on peace was followed by readings on torture. I guess the majority of people do not think about this topic. Watching the suggested video ended up with watching the documentary [|__Torture -The Guantanamo Guidebook__] and another short video [|__Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) force fed under standard Guantánamo Bay procedure__] on Force Feeding (I have never heard of this before). These videos sparked off mixed feelings. I wonder what those people have actually done in order to be tortured in such ways. I am not sure what to feel about this topic. I wish this world was a happy place where all lived together in peace and harmony.


 * Assignment 5 **


 * Describe a time when you saw someone's brain get "Hijacked" by their Amygdala. Then, write a brief (250 word+ or -) report describing what you observed or experienced. **

A friend of mine is going through a hard time and her marriage is on the line. I have listened to her story, to all the details over and over again. I tried to be there for her and give her my opinion and advice. Unfortunately, I feel that she is so caught up in the drama that she only complains, tells everyone about her problems, blames her husband and has done nothing to change the situation, or herself or save her marriage. She is so driven by anger and instinct that she has found no solutions to solve any of the problems. A big mess keeps piling up turning into a bigger mess. She is definitely ruled only by emotions, and there is very little logic in her actions and behavior. I decided to stay away and not to get involved anymore because I feel there is nothing I can do as long as she is not doing anything concrete about it.


 * Watch the video from TED by Amy Cuddy. Then, write a brief (250 word+ or -) report describing what you observed or experienced. **

Amy Cuddy offers, based on scientific research, an easy solution to changing body language and posture by simply practicing for two minutes that a person is in control; configure your brain to cope the best in different situations. Those who struggle with speaking in front of an audience, tend to be nervous when around people or in important or stressful situations so they are encouraged to fake power until it becomes them.

I consider myself a confident person who encourages herself to always try and do her best. It is also my job, as a teacher, to empower my students. Teaching students with low English proficiency has taught me that these kids need a lot of empowering and practice. The hardest skill for them is speaking in front of an audience. So, they are guided slowly and we work on presenting confidently in front of an audience. Knowing my students, when required to do an oral presentation, some are allowed to do a voice over rather than speaking in front of the whole class. This exercise gives them privacy and builds on their confidence to success. If students pass the stage of a “voice over” presentation but still not ready to speak in front of the whole class they can present with a small group or in a small group or just to me. Slowly their confidence increases and eventually they are ready to come up in front of the class and shine.


 * Assignment 6A **

Define: What is a conflict? According to dictionary.cambridge.com conflict is “an [|active][|disagreement] between [|people] with [|opposing][|opinions] or [|principles] ”.

What is conflict resolution? According to Wikipedia, conflict resolution is “Conflict resolution, otherwise known as reconciliation, is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of [|conflict] and [|retribution]. Committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest of the group (e.g., intentions; reasons for holding certain beliefs), and by engaging in collective negotiation. “

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.
As I mentioned above, I am not sure when exactly this conflict between my friend and her husband started. I vaguely know what triggered the entire situation. According to her, some of her husband’s friends try to interfere in their marriage and try to tell her how to behave. He listens to them instead of trying to save the marriage. This is a situation of a totally “hijacked brain” since none of them are fighting for their marriage. Instead, they want to prove each other that they are right.

Question: Do the involvement of emotions and the Amygdala always hinder conflict resolution? For sure. I think it takes a lot of control and willingness to see “the other” side of the story and also listen, in order to find a solution. There are always two sides of a story. When emotions run high, time is needed for the mind to clear so it can think straight and one needs to remove themselves from the situation so eventually they can see the entire problem from “the outside”. In other cases, one has to suffer a big shock in order to see there are other ways, just like Derek’s case in the movie American History X.

Read the article then watch the video. Then search the internet and read at least one other article or website about swearing and or cursing. Finally, post a reflection, observations, and comments on your wiki page.
 * Assignment 6B **

I never thought of swearing as being beneficial. I guess I grew up in an environment where swearing was considered bad. My mom would never allow us to swear. When I think of swearing I see my dad, drunk, making a scene while we had to sit and listen. So, I kind of hated swearing since in my mind I associated it with my dad and a totally unhealthy environment. I know words thrown just like that, hurt. Now that I have kids, I rarely swear. But, as I read it in [| this] article, I do find myself swearing when I am among friends. Most of the time is humorous or it is part of peer and social bonding. In my opinion, swearing has a lot to do with the way you were raised and your social circles and the people you hang out with.


 * Assignment 7 **

Identify and deliver 3 - I Messages (1 correction or negative "iMessage & 2 positive or Rewarding messages) Post your "IMessages on your wiki page. Tell what the reaction was to your "I" messages!

Mary, when you called on me wearing a short dress in front of the other teachers, I felt I was being judged.

Gina, I realized that after you were caught without a homework last week you made sure to have it completely done each day since. This makes me proud of you! Peter, I can see that after talking to your mom your work habits have improved. Keep up the good job!

Giada, I noticed that you have a hard time speaking English to your peers during class. This is a distraction to everybody’s learning. I would like you to be a little more assertive and try to communicate in English more.

Giada, I have overheard you speaking English several times during group discussions this week. I am proud of you and appreciate that you have been trying to change.

The positive reinforcement/ I Messages have been similarly used with my students. The kids like to be praised and they like when the teacher notices those little steps.

= On your wiki page give Gigi an "IMessage" to help her change her behavior. And after she changes her behavior give her another "IMessage" to reinforce her behavior change.Your assignment is two final "I Messages" One corrective and one positive! =

Corrective I Message Gigi, since we have been having all these misunderstandings lately and now I have a new boyfriend I think you should return my key in order to avoid any awkward situations.

Positive I Message Gigi, when you came to my house for dinner last night and my boyfriend was there and you didn't make any comments about my new plates I can say I am really appreciating you trying to respect my privacy.


 * Assignment 8 **
 * Develop a contract with a real life student. Share that contract on your own wiki page. This is Journal Entry #8. **

Student: PPS, Grade 7 - Weekly Report ☺ Week of: ___

Return this sheet to school every day.
 * <  ||< Monday ||< Tuesday ||< Wednesday ||< Thursday ||< Friday ||
 * Did I read for at least 20 minutes?

Did I do my daily reading log? || Yes No

Yes No || Yes No

Yes No || Yes No

Yes No || Yes No

Yes No || Yes No

Yes No ||
 * Did I turn in homework that was due today?

LA SS  Science Math || Yes No || Yes No || Yes No || ==== Yes No ==== || Yes No ||
 * How well did I use my time today during class?

- Was I on time? - Did I bring the appropriate materials? - Did I take good notes? - Did I participate?

If it wasn’t 4 stars, explain. ||

||

||

||

||

||
 * How was my day today?

If it wasn’t 4 smilies, explain. || ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ || ☺ ☺  ☺ ☺ || ☺ ☺  ☺ ☺ || ☺ ☺  ☺ ☺ || ☺ ☺  ☺ ☺ ||
 * __Parent Signature__ ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||

Here is a link to the entire document.


 * Assignment 9 **
 * In a short 200 word (+-) tell if you agree or disagree with your Personality Profile from the test you took. Are you a People Person, a Practical Manager, a Learned Expert, or a Creative Problem Solver? Comment on your wiki page. This is Journal Entry #9. **

According to the personality test I am a Creative Problem Solver. Although my scores were very close, I mostly agree with the description of this particular profile.

Since I am staring Summer School on Monday and I will be teaching students I never interacted with before, I will give them the Student Personality Test. I will try to group them according to their results and observe them during the three weeks to see if the descriptions really match their personality.

As a teacher, one of my concerns at the beginning of each school year is to get to know my students well, as soon as possible. Knowing their personalities and preferences, a little bit of their lives makes it easier for me to adapt the learning and the activities to make it as meaningful as possible for them. The first project they do in one of my classes is “Who am I?”. I model it by giving them good examples and by answering their questions. They are not allowed to use words for explanations on their slides, only pictures and a title. They present it in front of the class. This is a fun way for all of us to get to know each other.

Here are three examples. = - <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Example[| one] = =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Example[| two] = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Example [|three] =


 * Assignment 10 **

Compare and contrast that film with the film American History X. Use specific examples from each of the two movies to explain. ** The role of nurture by the families of the two main characters, Derrick and Homer. ** Derek and Homer are brought up in very similar ways. The dominant figure of the family is the father and both Derek and Homer respect and look up to their fathers. Even when their fathers make mistakes, or say the wrong things they won’t disapprove this behaviour. The fathers are the boys’ heroes. Both Derek and Homer inherit their fathers’ strong personalities and attitudes, but they end up representing all the good the fathers were not able to be.

** The role of the mother in the development of each of the two main characters Derrick and Homer. ** In both movie the fathers have a much stronger impact and influence on the characters’ lives. Both mothers wish their boys would succeed, but none of them is strong enough to stand up to the obstacles and nurture their boys properly. The are also victims of their own struggling existence and believe it is too late for them to overcome their misery but believe in their children’s ability to find a way to triumph. Derek’s mom has to put up with his violent behaviour, lives in fear but deep down in her heart never gives up on him. Her strong belief in her son Derek eventually pay off but with a price: her other son’s life,Danny. Homer’s mom, Elsie,has always, secretly hoped more for her son. Fed up with her husband’s lack of support, stands up for him by threatening her husband to leave him. I am sure that was a difficult situation for her, considering the fact that women were not considered equal to men in the 1950s.

** The role of the teacher Murray in Derrick’s life and the role of Miss Reilly in Homer’s life. ** Murray believes that Danny is a lost cause. He doesn’t even give Danny a chance or see potential in his writing. Maybe this is the effect of Derek previous behaviour when he tried to date his mom. The conversation they had over dinner turns into a big argument and Derek loses control and threatens Murray. He leaves the house visibly upset by Derek’s behaviour. This incident is one he never forgets and it might be the reason why he attempts to have Danny expelled. Murray is an obstacle in Danny’s life while Ms. Riley is exactly the opposite. She sees potential in Homer and his friends and stands up for them. “I believe in the unlucky ones” she tells Principal Turner. She supports Homer unconditionally. She helps by challenging him but she makes sure he knows: “ I am proud of you, whatever you choose.”

** The role of the two principals in the lives of Derrick and Homer. ** The two principals are total opposites. Sweeney is a believer in both Derek and Danny. He stands by their sides, firmly encourages them, helps them by pushing and motivating them. He is the one who opens the door and shows the path. His words carry a lot of power: “ You won’t get any answers as long as you ask the wrong questions”. He sees Danny and Derek lives’ as a mirror of his own. He was strong enough to choose the right path. And he finds it as a moral obligation to help the students stay on the right path.

Mr. Turner doesn’t seem to be a moral support for his students. In his mind, they are all doomed and have no chance to escape. He doesn’t take seriously what Homer and his friends are doing, neither does he appreciate Ms. Riley’s full support. He makes sure to share his opinion with Ms. Riley: “ Our job is to give these kids an education, not false hopes… Once in awhile a lucky one will get out on a football scholarship. The rest of them work in the mines.” His mind is set, and he doesn’t believe in his students. His moral obligation is to offer them an education as long as they can stay with no support if challenges come in the way.

** The role of the community in the lives of Derrick and Homer. ** Although the environment our characters live in are very different, they are both damaging. None are supportive nor offer a way out. People are so concerned with their everyday survival and struggle they lose any hope of escape, of a better life, of aiming high. Fortunately our characters are strong and in the end, they find the way out, something that the majority of people won’t even think about because they have already accepted their situation and faith. Homer’s words express his determination to escape: “I’ll go. And when I go, I’ll be gone forever. I won’t even look back.”