This weeks reading was very interesting and I am sure it will be helpful to me in the future. I have never given much thought to my style of writing before. I think it depends on what I am writing and who I am writing for. I think writing in a setting like this blog is extremely difficult as your audience is unknown in size and preferences. I try to look on the positive side of events and think that comes out in my writing in almost every setting.
I wish you all a wonderful Holiday!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Left Brain
I am more of a left brain person. I like things to be sequential and structured. I like to keep to do lists and complete them step by step one at a time. I have to make a pro and con list for big decisions in life. I find these things to be helpful for me to keep up with all of the responsibilities of being a full time parent and student as well as substituting at our local school. However, I do not have a strength in the grammar and spelling area like some left brain people do which is to bad.
The traits I see from the right brain include connecting with emotions, feelings, visions and dreams. I try to make my decisions of the facts but sometime the emotions of the situation win out. I also like to have a visual image during instruction as I find it helps me to remember more details.
I found a great survey at The Art Institute of Vancouver Website at: http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm.
It will give you a complete break down of your right-left brain tendencies which was kind of fun to read about. Have a great week everyone!
The traits I see from the right brain include connecting with emotions, feelings, visions and dreams. I try to make my decisions of the facts but sometime the emotions of the situation win out. I also like to have a visual image during instruction as I find it helps me to remember more details.
I found a great survey at The Art Institute of Vancouver Website at: http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm.
It will give you a complete break down of your right-left brain tendencies which was kind of fun to read about. Have a great week everyone!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Road Blocks to Writing
I have never really sat and thought about why it is hard for me to complete writing assignments prior to this project. I know I usually get a pit in my stomach when I read about an upcoming easy and it grows larger with every additional page requirement. I found this project helpful in determining why I have this reaction. I found time, energy and lack of knowledge on subject matter were all factors in the growth of the pit. Although I think the biggest factor was low self-esteem. I have a fear that what I write will not be good enough. I hate letting anyone read my rough drafts as I know they will see my imperfections and may think I am stupid.
Of course, my rational brain knows you have to set aside time to make sure you have the energy to find the knowledge, in order to write a successful paper. I know I have written at least a hundred papers over the last few years and yet I can't seem to shake the negative feeling I have about my writing abilities. I find this to be especially challenging going to school on-line with our weekly post requirements. I think the post requirements have been a really helpful tool for me. The posts forces me to publish a writing for all to see several times a week in multiple classes. The combination of my school work load and other obligations and responsibilities does not allow the time for me to criticize every work I type.
This was an interesting and helpful assignment.
Of course, my rational brain knows you have to set aside time to make sure you have the energy to find the knowledge, in order to write a successful paper. I know I have written at least a hundred papers over the last few years and yet I can't seem to shake the negative feeling I have about my writing abilities. I find this to be especially challenging going to school on-line with our weekly post requirements. I think the post requirements have been a really helpful tool for me. The posts forces me to publish a writing for all to see several times a week in multiple classes. The combination of my school work load and other obligations and responsibilities does not allow the time for me to criticize every work I type.
This was an interesting and helpful assignment.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Free Writing
I must say free writing has some challenges to it. It is strange to just let your fingers write what they wanted with no rules. I found that was the focus on my free write. I really enjoyed not worrying about spelling or work cited. Ah, work cited puts a deep fear in me. I am always so concerned about not completing that part of writing correctly. I imagine with all of the papers due for this program, I will master that skill in no time. I also found it really difficult to clear my mind and not control what I was writing. This exercise reminded me of the first few times I did yoga and how hard it was to clear my mind. Writer's yoga seems like a good name for this exercise.
I would also like to say congratulations to my fellow students. We are almost to the half way point in the semester. I would say, it is all down hill from here, but that seems wrong. Happy Mid-Semester! Looking forward to getting to know more about all of you.
I would also like to say congratulations to my fellow students. We are almost to the half way point in the semester. I would say, it is all down hill from here, but that seems wrong. Happy Mid-Semester! Looking forward to getting to know more about all of you.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Silence
This weeks reading reminds us of the importance of silence. I find great knowledge in silence. I find if I am able to really listen to what people are saying it brings me a greater understanding. This allow me to see the vision of their experiences. I enjoy listen to people speak of their life so I can gain different perspectives on issues. I think listening is a skill we need to continue to practice.
I enjoyed what Paulo Freire's statement of "Emphasize our own voice so much that we impose silence on our students". I see how applicable this is to the field of social work. It is extremely important as a social worker we learn to be silent and not impose our voice on our clients. This would allow for them to express their circumstances, work through their feelings and come to a resolution which will best fit them. Then we will be able to see what direction the client wants to take their life and we can offer guidance.
Reference:
Dunlap, L. (2007). Undoing the Silence: Six Tools for Social Change Writing. Oakland: New Village Press.
I enjoyed what Paulo Freire's statement of "Emphasize our own voice so much that we impose silence on our students". I see how applicable this is to the field of social work. It is extremely important as a social worker we learn to be silent and not impose our voice on our clients. This would allow for them to express their circumstances, work through their feelings and come to a resolution which will best fit them. Then we will be able to see what direction the client wants to take their life and we can offer guidance.
Reference:
Dunlap, L. (2007). Undoing the Silence: Six Tools for Social Change Writing. Oakland: New Village Press.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
We are just entering week four of the semester and I am starting to feel more comfortable with the expectations of the program. I have worked on a few group projects over the past few weeks and am also becoming more comfortable with the process.
Last week we were introduced to social justice and how we as social workers can effect change. I see a great need for more social workers on micro and macro levels. I see how important it is we work on social justice on a macro level to improve resources available and improve social justice for those in need. I also see how important it is to work at the micro level with an individual to improve there personal circumstances.
When I decided to return to college my main forces was gaining the education necessary in order to provide for my children financially. A year before I found myself a widow with two children to raise. I was lost. It was the guidance of a few trusted people and the resource which were available to me which helped guide me to current spot. I would not be here without help. When I think of social justice I think of the people who fought for my rights long before I knew I would need them. I think of the micro level as the individuals who guided me in my darkest days. I think of the macro level as the people who worked to provide benefits to my family to make this education possible.
Last week we were introduced to social justice and how we as social workers can effect change. I see a great need for more social workers on micro and macro levels. I see how important it is we work on social justice on a macro level to improve resources available and improve social justice for those in need. I also see how important it is to work at the micro level with an individual to improve there personal circumstances.
When I decided to return to college my main forces was gaining the education necessary in order to provide for my children financially. A year before I found myself a widow with two children to raise. I was lost. It was the guidance of a few trusted people and the resource which were available to me which helped guide me to current spot. I would not be here without help. When I think of social justice I think of the people who fought for my rights long before I knew I would need them. I think of the micro level as the individuals who guided me in my darkest days. I think of the macro level as the people who worked to provide benefits to my family to make this education possible.
Adventures in Social Work
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Week Two
In order to accomplish my educational goals I have surrounded myself with supportive people. I also know how important it is to be organized and allow enough time to complete my assignments. I have an office at home and have talk with my family about not coming in when the "In Class" sign is on the door. They are extremely supportive which I am tremendously grateful for.
When things come up in life that cause interference with my goal, I will take a personal inventory about what is more important. I will stay in contact with my professors and fellow students. I will access all available resources to help me continue my education.
I take an active role in my education and know this is up to me. I will continue to work hard to understand, complete and participate in all assignments given. I know all of the assignments and classes work together to give us the best most complete education. I will respect the opinion of my fellow student and my professors. I will listen to them with an open mind and try to understand their prospective. This is one of the best ways to learn through other peoples experiences. I know they are also a valuable asset now and in the future.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I can blog!
I chose Social Work as my area of study as I have always enjoyed working to help other people. I get great personal satisfaction knowing I was able to help someone make their own live better. I think we all need a network of people to help us through the crazy ups and downs of life. I have been truly lucky to have a strong supportive network of people in my life. However, I am aware not all people have this support and would like to help provide support for them. I am still exploring all of the opportunities I will have once I complete my degree. I do not have just one area of Social Work which sticks out to me right now. From what I understand this is common at this stage of education and with more exploration, volunteering and connecting with people in the field, I will find my way.
Our first assignment is to create and post this blog for SW 480. I believe I am now creating the blog but please understand this is an old dog leaning new tricks! I can see how this will be a useful tool for us as we move through this program. SW 480 is our Distributed Learning Community and I think this will be a great way for us all to support each other while we learn new material and new technology.
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