SAR #2

So these past two weeks, I've had time to observe the classes on the following criteria:

1. The number of students we have in the class. (I keep this in mind when I think of things just because typically, in a larger class it's more difficult to move forward because there are more students who need to meet the objectives. As opposed to a smaller class, it's easier to make sure everyone understands.)

2. What materials/concepts that we've covered vs. what materials/concepts I think we are capable of covering already. (Typically, most traditional classes follow a "curriculum". This means that the teacher feels there's a deadline on how long a chapter "should" take... and the class is pressed to follow the schedule. Here at Bio though, we're more focused on a good understanding of what we cover. However, I think that there's a big discrepancy between where we are, and where we are CAPABLE of being.)

3. The work ethic of each individual within each class. (Although I feel it is not my place to judge others based on the same standards I would hold myself to, I can't help but observe you all as students in my class. I am a pretty laid back teacher and don't mind stopping to converse with you about you life, about situations that may be happening at the time, or just talking about plain silly stuff. However, I feel that there is a distinct time to chat and be silly, and a time to buckle down and get to work. The education you are receiving at Bioscience CAN be something that changes your future. Sometimes I wonder, do any of you actually think about what you are doing for your own future with the decisions you are making now?)

So anyway, a few days ago, I was thinking about how all the great minds of our nation, all the people who were in your grandparents or great grandparents' generation. The people who were alive and creating new technology, making breakthroughs in science, engineering, medicine, etc. They're now getting old and passing on. We don't have a new generation of great minds to take their place. We don't have individuals who have the same hard working mindset to continue their legacies. My questions for you are:

1. Do you have an idea of what you plan on doing with your future?
2. Do you know what it REALLY takes to reach your future goals?
3. What are you doing currently (what steps are you taking) that will contribute to your future success?
4. Do you have a back up plan?
5. Have you looked into the requirements/job experience necessary for you to get your foot into the future you want to follow?
6. How do you think you will do based on your current work ethics if you were to transfer them to your future endeavors?

SAR #1

So for the first two weeks back at school, we've reviewed, learned some new materials, migrated from our classroom due to thermostat difficulties, and got to experience a Social Centric workshop with Calvin Terrell.

For this week's self assessment reflections, I mainly want for you to reflect on your thoughts, choices and actions. I would like to discuss the following with you.

1. What are your goals for this semester? (short term and long term)
2. Are there any personal habits of yours that you feel will help you reach your goal? What are they?
3. Are there any personal habits of yours that you feel will deter you from reaching your goal? What are they?
4. If you were here for our workshop with Calvin Terrell, what did you think of the presentation? Anything in particular resonate or inspire you? Anything you completely disagree with?
5. How do you think your answers for #1-4 affect (positively or negatively) our community from a small scale (you, family, Bioscience...) to a large scale (Phoenix, Arizona, US, the world, the UNIVERSE...)?

We will start with these SAR questions for this first reflection. Starting with SAR #2, we will have the skills list ranking added on.

Please submit your SAR #1 by 10:00am Sunday morning.

I hope you enjoy your 3 day weekend!


~Ms. Chen