Week 3 Leadership Blog Post:

Photo of Valencia Winston

My Action Research Project focused on Stopping Cyber bullying. Cyber bullying has become a major problem in school systems around the globe. Educators shoulder much of the blame for occurences of cyber bullying, although the majority of this type of bullying occurs on devices provided to students by their parents.  Moreover, many incidences of cyber bullying occur after the regular school day ends. The problem is that these incidences are then handled personally when students arrive to school. My researched focused on the situations or circumstances that trigger cyber bullying attacks, and what could be done to stop these problems. I chose twenty-six volunteers, ages 14-18, in which to conduct my research. Participants were asked to take pre and post surveys of the subject of cyber bullying, and participate in pre and post interviews. Student’s overwhelming stated that jealousy was the main catalyst for cyber bullying, and most felt that school systems could do nothing about the problem. Public Service Announcements, Facebook and Twitter banners, and membership on the web-based anti-bullying site anonyomoustips.com, were all used to help spread awareness and to stop cyber bullying. I have decided to share my research in the Educational Leadership Journal. There is an issue on Technology slated for February 2013.  I am excited about the possibility of being published.

Week 1 blog: To publish or to present:

http://valencia-winston.blogspot.com/2012/05/leadership-post-to-publish-or-to.html

Week 2 blog: Where do I want to share my project?

http://valencia-winston.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk-2-leadership-blog-where-to-publish.html

Leadership Doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11TXaPEPVEkJyriB_0SLL5Oo_8MPXi41vvCaRwyCQiDU/edit

Response to Cherylee Gruber Week 3 Reading

Here we are on the same page again Cherylee. I got some sense of encouragement from this week's reading. I love the idea of "Letting Go." The entire statement is "Letting Go and Letting God," and this is what I attributed to Zander's awakening. He realized that as he stop demanding full control, the musical pieces could breathe. We all need to remember this as we navigate the world. My motto for the month is "Rule #6." When I have found myself taking things too seriously, I remember Rule #6 and BTFI. I have realized since reading this, that I may have been taking myself much too seriously. Cherylee...I working at becoming FREE! Now if I can only remember to participate.

Chapter 5. Leading from Any Chair 

I really enjoyed the piece on how Zander had changed his perception on his own leadership.  His original motive was to convey his interpretation and possible be more successful at conducting.  Instead, he began to focus on having each band member perform to their own potential.  It is an excellent analogy of how a teacher can refocus on the students, instead of their own careers. 

The leader may be any one of us.

Chapter 6. Rule Number 6

Lighten Up – And others will lighten up around you.  Humor is the best way to get over ourselves.

Lessons I learned in this chapter were “Rule Number 6” and how to have the best sex ever.  Wow, the curriculum scope &sequence of Full Sail is very far reaching.  In reality, the key to The Best Sex Ever – Is learning to live life in the realm of possibility. – You can imagine there are three steps to reach all goals. – You can change the steps as often as you want to meet your goals.  Play the - “Have the best ____ ever.” – Game.  “Have IT” – Be fulfilled.

Chapter 7. The Way Things Are

ATTENTION makes things grow.  You shine attention on something you get more of it.  If you pay attention to problems, they grow.  I have heard very similar advice before.  It may have been from my Concious Discipline.  As a teacher, I have used it and it really works.  In the beginning I would focus on Katrina’s slow reading speed, poor math skills or obnoxious behavior. Remember, I was trying to help these problems, but in reality they grew.  Instead I began to focus on what I wanted more of.  I would focus on Katrina’s instances of good behavior, her skill at previous levels of math and reading.  Just focusing on the positive attributes helps not only Katrina, but the whole class by example.  When used, it seems almost as a miracle.  However, it is very easy to slip into the old stand-by, “that is the third time this week you have not completed your homework.”  It is more of a lifestyle shift than a simple rule change.

Chapter 8. Giving Way to Passion

Three key pieces of advice from chapter eight that I plan to incorporate in my life.  All three seem to unlock potentials in exponential ways. 

One buttock playing = One buttock teaching

BTFI – Beyond The “F” It – Just thinking about it, makes me feel “FREE”.

Participate!

Wk 2-Reading Entry Post Chps 5-8

This week's reading dealt with how the reader views himself/herself under certain conditions . The story of Ben Zander's friend and fellow musician, Eugene Lehner illustrated the beauty of humbleness. I believe that the author was delivering the famous "Always do your best" message that parents constantly tell their children.  Lehner's example of contentment led him to be satisfied, although he was never given the opportunity to lead, never stood out,  and was never called upon.  Zander describes Lehner as a "Silent Conductor."

Valencia Winston absorbing "Rule number 6."

"Rule number 6," is subtle reminder to not "sweat" the small stuff. Enough said.

The Zander's spoke of giving up the "calculating self," which is self righteous and centered in ego, for the "centered self," which is based on the truth and openness. This perspectives asks the reader to be present and accepting of the "now." This is to be done regardless of the appearance of current situations, or to the feelings about what is happening. Viewing circumstances from the perspective of the "central self," allows one to simply wait patiently on the outcome, while the "calculating self" looks for the nearest exit. This is the difference between "downward spiral" thinking and communicating, and a centered mindset that is looking for the next direction, in which to travel.

"Giving Way to Passion," was the final chapter of this week's reading. This chapter focused on two main steps: Noticing what is holding the reader back, and participating completely in life's passions. It reminds the reader that like nature or a beautiful piece of music cannot be viewed in singular terms, we too must remember that individual lives are but small piece of the whole. When this practice is forgotten, life becomes a blur, with no real defining points. The Zander's encouraged readers to ride the waves of life's circumstances and conditions, in order to go beyond where boundaries have been set.

Response to Cherylee Gruber "Where Oh Where"

Cherylee, this sounds perfect for you. I too looked at the NCTE Journal. I think it is a good platform for Middle School teachers. Your work on digital storytelling is a great pathway for students who are interested in journalism, and media. Since I teach a high school level Television Production course, I know how important this training is for both teacher's and students. Moreover, the guidelines given for publication fit into the requirements of this course. Great choice, keep up the good work.

http://reflectionsofthegruber.blogspot.com/2012/06/mac-week-2-leadership-post-where-oh.html

MAC Week 2 – Leadership Post – Where, Oh Where?

MAC Week 2 – Leadership Post – Where, Oh Where?

Finding where to publish was quite the difficult task.  I came across several journals that I found intriguing and were a good fit for my research.  However, the key was finding something with an open deadline.  For example, at first, I considered “Voices From the Middle”, since it relates to Language Arts in Middle School.  However, I found most journals have current themes for submissions.  Currently, they are excepting manuscripts on “Expanding the Canon:  Virtue or Vice?”  Topics that I might qualify for are months down the line.  Therefore, the search continued…

I finally came upon the NCTE Journal, “Language Arts”.  It is a professional journal for elementary and middle school teachers highlighting current research relating to Language Arts.  I thought it would be a perfect showcase for my work since my goal was to increase engagement in the writing process through digital storytelling.   Luckily the theme for the November issue is “Innovations”. 

“We invite manuscripts that describe exciting innovative practices that are enriching the lives of young people. Who is leading the way? What should we, as fellow educators, researchers, and family members, know about what’s going on? What conditions have led to innovative spaces and practices? In what ways are the innovations inviting children to participate in the language arts? How can we follow the lead of the most innovative practitioners?”

I feel this will be the best choice for my Action Research Project.  Receipt of the submission will be via email.  However, I will not know if I am accepted for about three months.  The wait begins…

Where To Publish Part 2

I have done more research on the two journals that I original chose for publication, and I have sought advice from my cohorts and Dr. Bedard. It is for these reasons that I am changing my first choice from the English Journal to Educational Leadership. Educational Leadership is a better fit for me because policy changes come from the administrative branch of the educational system. Cyber bullying is a behavior, and must be dealt with through rules that have been decided and voted upon. Also, the journal's theme for March 2013 is Technology-Rich Learning. Cyber bullying problems stem from the technology that students use daily.  Finally, both Tracy Anderson and Cherylee Gruber gave me feedback that encouraged me to re-think my original choice. I value their opinions and their help. Special thanks to both of them, and Dr. Bedard.

WK 2 Reading-Response to Pete Episcopo

Hi Pete, it sound like you got a lot from the reading, as did I. The first chapter, which contained the nine dots had me struggling to find the answer.  As I continued reading, and realized that it required "out of the box" thinking to solve, I immediately saw my training as a student and my teaching method. Haven't we all been taught to think inside of the box, within our formal experiences in education? I envision a new chapter in education, where a student's education is designed to fit his/her strengths. Now that is a concept that is completely out of the box, but it is the approach that some countries have taken for years.

This leads to chapter 2. When we evaluate measurements, a shift in teaching method, like the one described above, would eliminate measurements as we currently know them.  Think about the freedom that this would bring to learners and educators.

As you mentioned, I too am all about the "A's." The thing is, I don't see that passion in many of the students that I teach. I have ponder why this is so. The conclusion drawn is that I want to study what I am currently studying. This education was my decision and based on my interest and goals. If school kids had those choices, I wonder if their relationship with grades would improve.

Finally, being essential should the ultimate goal of education.  All public service based jobs, should focus around creating the best outcomes possible. I pray that I bring this within the walls of my classroom, inside my home, within the community, and everywhere else my presence reaches.


http://petemonth11.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-reading-post-art-of-possibility.html#comment-form

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Week 2 Reading Post (Art of Possibility, 1-4)

Chapter 1:  The answer to the question, how can we think outside the box we live in was illustrated by the “join all nine dots” example.  We truly “struggle” in our assumptions when we fail to invent.  We tend to limit our solutions to problems by drawing the square first, fencing in any hope of what’s possible.  The idea of inventing a new solution is so engaging, too.  In a recent initiative I’m involved in at our school district, I’ve been privileged to work with a team who’s culture is to “invent” solutions.  We do this by mapping our the problem, then innovating a new map, solutions included.  That’s one way we invent in order to gain more choices.

Chapter 2:  While measurements have their place (I would readily want to fly with a pilot who has passed his flight simulator tests), our thoughts and actions are affected by the assessments that surround us.  The need to survive is certainly at the core of this thinking, as the Zanders indicate.  Yet, the idea that is presented in chapter 2, that developing an attitude that life does not depend on achieving a certain mark, but values connecting with our goals (eg. people), we tend to think bigger and broader.  Here, thoughts and actions break through the constricting reflection of the measurement world and open up the “universe of possibility.”

Chapter 3:  I’m always for getting an “A.”  That said, I understand the concept behind the Zander’s experiment.  The letters received by the students after receiving the “A” and then being free to become more complete individuals made them better students.  The removal of the “measurement world” gave them unlimited possibilities to repair and modify their thinking in many areas (as indicated in the above letters).  As he concluded the chapter about his father, I related to this a lot in having a similar situation.  (The note falling out of the book that his father wrote him was particularly touching.)

Chapter 4:  To begin, asking yourself the question, “Will I be a contribution is essential.”  I’ve been challenged by this as I find myself on more and more committees in education.  I have to say that I connected something from the video and the book in this chapter and that was the reference in the video to the “bird who flies over the field and doesn’t care about the fences underneath.”  That’s how I seek to be a contribution.  I would rather fly over the challenges and boundaries in order to contribute something fresh and valuable to the discussion.  I run into many people who only look at the walls instead of fly up and get the 30,000 foot view.  So the combination of a willful decision to contribute along with a big picture approach help me to participate in the solution to a difficulty.

WK 2 Leadership Blog-Where do I want to share my project?

Artwork by Valencia Winston 2012

I have decided to pursue two different journals for publication of my research on cyber bullying.  First, I have chosen English Journal, which is edited by Ken Lindblom. The journal accepts manuscripts of 2,500 to 3,750 words, but requires a written statement that the submission has not been published or submitted elsewhere.  The manuscript will be read by two or more outside reviewers, who will attempt to have an answer within three months.  I am most interested in having my work published in the Research for the Classroom column (Editor: Julie Gorlewski), because of the focus on providing a lens for teachers to better understand successes and failures in the classroom. The submission can be 1000-2000 words in length. I feel that this column word be the best fit for my work on cyber bullying.  The second journal that I will pursue is CITE-Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education CITE has a division called SITE-Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, in which I am interested in being published. There is a section in the journal titled “Current Practice” that may be a good fit for my work. The length of the article can vary, which is encouraging. The guidelines also require that the work has not be previously submitted or considered for publishing elsewhere.

Publishing is a new frontier for me. As I am researching, I am not sure that I am asking all of the right questions, or even going in the right direction. I am just learning about these publications, which has produced a level of stress. I do not see work similar to mine on the websites, but this may be meaningless.  I certainly look forward to creating a larger confidence level, as I pursue this goal.