Education Short List

In middle school, high school, and college – each class, each day requires students to take notes. If you are in a class that you think is boring, frustrating, or dull then being engaged enough can be that much more tasking. OR, if you’ve never really learned how to jot down class notes, then you will have a hard time even figuring out where to begin.

These reasons coupled with the frustration expressed by my students led me to create the 3*2*1*1 notetaking method. If this is followed daily with each class taken, then students are more likely to be engaged with what is being learned, able to recall more of their lessons at a later date, have better notes for later review, and feel more mentally prepared for upcoming papers, quizzes, and tests.

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–3 – write down 3 problems, examples, mini topics, or interesting points from class
3 things that were taught. Each of these should be at least six words; and are directly related to the subject, the text, or lecture from the teacher.
(Ex. William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, last play written. Weird monster character in it. Teacher gave out parts to read in play.)

- – 2- write down 2 comments, questions, or answers to questions that you gave in class
This part is extra important when you know you receive points for participation in class
(Ex. I asked if David Bowie was the first person to ever bring theatrics to musical performances. Told teacher that there is no exact date for Shakespeare’s birth)

– 1- one point that he would like clarification on
Something that didn’t quite make perfect sense; and by knowing it, it would make the learning that much easier, clearer, or more interesting
Doesn’t necessarily mean you have to ask an instructor the answer, could be a friend, family member, or colleaguge.
(Ex. confused on why people don’t know who Shakespeare is.)

- – 1 – the one big thing that you would take out of the lesson for that day.
This should be three words or less. It would be the answer to, “So how was area studies today?”
(Ex. David Bowie is cool. We read The Tempest).

If you have specific notes or guidelines that your instructor wants you to follow, then obviously do so. If that is the case, you can skip the “3″ component and continue with the rest. Also, this strategy does not include taking chapter textbook notes. There is another format, that will be discussed later on, that goes best with that type of structure.

Far too often, when we as a society think of those who need to be encouraged to read we think of children. What about adults? A staggering majority of American adults do not read for leisure. Last week as I listened to NPR tell the story about a Philadelphia bookstore, Black and Nobel, I was encouraged to hear one of the female patrons state that it was because of this store, that she was reading more as an adult. That statement alone was enough of a reason for me to post this article.

Here’s the story from NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113781779

This is the actual bookstore’s website
http://www.blackandnobel.com/

How often do you read? For pleasure or work? Newspapers, stories about David Bowie, magazines, comic books, Harry Potter, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, etc.; these are all quality pieces of literature. Why not take the opportunity to read one?

Anyone who knows me knows that I adore David Bowie. Always have, always will. So it just didn’t seem logical to have a blog in which to voice my opinions and experiences without including the greatness that is David Bowie.

Therefore, I present, for your reading pleasure, The ‘Top 6 Ways in which David Bowie Helped My Education’

David Bowie and his artwork

1. David Bowie taught me about England, which made me interested in its location and history; which led me to learn more about history and geography.

2. David Bowie’s first American concert was in Cleveland, Ohio. This also happens to be my hometown. This made me love David Bowie even more, and gave me a greater sense of pride in my city (having the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t hurt either).
This pride made me want to learn more about Cleveland – its history, people, and, accomplishments. And in 8th grade I a big project that was all about what Cleveland has done. (I got an A).

3. His song ‘Kooks’ from the Hunky Dory album got me through my adolescence. I wrote him letters, sang the song over and over – and it made me feel more confident about myself, like someone understood me. This confidence made me work harder and strive to be better in school.

4. David Bowie started his musical career first with mime; he is an accomplished actor and a very theatrical music performer. He single-handedly revamp the way musicians performed. It was knowing that, that was part of the motivation for me to get involved with the performing arts; specifically theatre. In fact, I went to far as to dance out performances of his songs and send them to Star Search in the hopes of advancing my career.

5. Used his songs for poetry classes in middle school and high school. I created Haiku poems from his songs on the Heroes album. I wrote book reports based on books about David Bowie. I added songs of his to plays that I did in high school and college. I also studied the education of David Bowie when I went to graduate school for teaching.

6. I can’t forget to mention all of the instruments that David Bowie plays. Even though I am not talented in that way, it didn’t stop me from being interested in them and even attempting to play a few.

There is an inexhaustible list of reasons of why I adore David Bowie and the work that he has been making for the last 40 years. I could literally spend days talking about all of his accomplishments and how great I think they are (currently he is in the movie Band Slam {which I will see only because he is in it} which he plays nothing more cool than himself). Anyone who takes the time to learn my name knows how much David Bowie means to me and what an amazing inspiration he is.

It all really comes down to time and money. For everything. How much money am I willing to spend on David Bowie tickets (A LOT), Is it a better use of my time to clean up the house or to spend more money on a cleaning service? Do I have enough time to go hiking through Forest Park? Time and Money, over and over again.

As it relates to education – the same concept can be applied. How much time and money do you have to spend on school? Even more concerning are the issues that are related with attending a college or university. The value and reputation of a school have significance; but not everyone can give up the time, or afford the cost of an Ivy League school. Although it might not be your desire to attend a community college or University of Phoenix – for some it isn’t a choice. Be it the cost, distance away, or age of the student (think adults going back to school) — the options aren’t always plentiful.

Yet, that is all changing; with the advancements in online education. One of the first national online accredited colleges was University of Phoenix. Now, however, there are virtual versions of hundreds of schools. The impact of that is electrifying. Recently on the Wall Street Journal Report, Kim Clark from U.S.News and World Report discussed the evolution of what it means to gain an online education.

Kim Clark

Kim Clark from U.S. News and World Report

Recently, I was tutoring a student who failed to bring any of his materials to our session. Luckily, we were at the library and I knew that we wouldn’t be spending the next hour staring at the ceiling. Instead, we used the Internet, the resource books, and free homework supplies from the library and created a powerful lesson that the student was then able to incorporate into his work at school.

That experience made me think that most people probably don’t realize just how much our local libraries are able to do for us. Practically everyone knows that their local library is the place to go and get books for free. And even though this is true, there are multiple resources available at the library that you might be missing out on.

1. Quiet Spaces

a. The library is a place where a person can take a book or magazine, find a quiet place to read, and just relax with their written material.
b. It’s also a great way to study or to conduct business there (I’ve seen people tutoring, using a Public Notary, and getting their taxes done at the library).
c. Most libraries have quiet areas to read; as well as couches, lounge chairs, and tables to work, read, or study on.

2. Free Resources

a. People already know about getting books there, but you can also rent DVDs, audiobooks, and CDs from the library. These can include David Bowie’s CDs, historical movies, and children’s programs.
b. Plus each library has pamphlets, brochures, newspapers, and magazines from organizations in the community – letting patrons know what is happening in their city.
c. The Internet is available as well for those who have a valid library card.

3. Knowledgeable Staff

a. Every library has licensed and well-trained librarians, technicians, and staff. From individuals who can assist you in doing research online, reserving books from other libraries, to finding out when the next class for Flower-Pressing is.

4. Seminars and Classes

a. From Toddler Time, Mommy and Me classes, Story Hour, to AARP enrollment programs, seminars on how to do your taxes, all the way to having local health care programs available – the library is a community resource.
b. Also ask a librarian about their ‘Cultural Pass’ – through the library, a person may be able to get a pass to their city’s museums and gardens without having to pay an admission price.
c. Most libraries have calendar of Events newsletters or brochures that highlight what news or programs will be coming there. Another of the great resources available.

5. Research Tools

a. Online Resources – downloading audiobooks, having an index to periodicals, utilizing microfiche, dictionaries, encyclopedias, business directories, and more. There are even some libraries that have lesson plans that teachers, schools, and homeschooling educators can use.
b. Inside of the library, all of the same online resources are available and more. Whether it is to find out about local city planning and development, research one of Shakespeare’s play, or to create a timeline of David Bowie’s catalog of musical achievements – there are a plethora of resources available from the library.

6. Community Outreach and Support

a. As mentioned in the seminars and classes component, local businesses and entrepreneurs can utilize the facilities and meeting rooms that are available at the library. This creates more opportunities for those establishments to connect with the local community.
b. Don’t forget about the free brochures, calendar of events, newsletters, periodicals, magazines! These materials from local groups, community partners, educational programs, performing arts organizations, etc. are available to the public. They can be found when looking at the community bulletin boards in the library.
c. With all that libraries provide to its residents, there are ways to give back – and the easiest of those is to volunteer. All libraries are looking for volunteers, and that doesn’t necessarily mean just adults. Children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly are all welcome to give some of their free-time to assist the library in maintaining their high level of service. There are also libraries that have partnerships with city agencies that assist adults with mental or physical limitations, in allowing them to gain on the job skill training.

Overall, it’s obvious that your library has many untapped resources that are just waiting for you to go and claim. Surely, whatever you are looking for – something fun or educational – the local services at your library will be there to assist you.