Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Developing the students holistically is one important goal that teachers should strive to achieve and implement. This is one of the most important realization that I had for the day. Since the student support programs were discussed, our unified understanding that students should be able to develop themselves holistically was strengthened even more. In this session, I became aware of the existing clubs and activities that students join in and also the other programs that the institution conducted for the development and growth of their students. In light of this, I became curious and excited as to what the other activities (especially the outreach activities) and programs that will take place in the incoming school year. It will not only make the teachers spend more time and bond with their students but it is also a challenge for each and one of us to make each activity successful and fun.

Aside from the programs, we were also oriented about the personnel policies of the school. This time, we were enlightened of what we are expected to do and not do as faculty and staff members. Well, I find the policies fair and justifiable especially when we consider the wellness and protection of the entire institution. The benefits were also discussed and I personally consider this part of the discussion to be really informative and necessary. Since this is my first job, I am really concerned and curious about what each government issued documents/IDs can really do for me. After the discussion, most of the questions I have in my mind were already answered. Generally, it was again an informative and fun session with my co-teachers. I am looking forward to the next sessions and activities.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

July 09, 2013:

This was an informative session. Just like in other institutions, we discussed the school rules and regulations of the school; however, during this session, I  learnt it as an educator and not as a student. We were informed of the grading and awarding system of the school which is a bit different from the other institution. Each department also presented an overview of what they are doing in their own departments. Truly, this session is one information-packed day.

It was a wonderful time to spend the afternoon session with my co-subject teachers. One of the most important reflection that Ms. May gave us was to think of the incoming school year as a challenge to improve the English department better and address the weaknesses and growth spots of the previous school year. Of course it will be a challenge to us to think of good ideas to teach the students to love literature and language. What is good about this is that there is no one way to approach language or literature. The use of different and various teaching methods and strategies is necessary in order to motivate the students and let them appreciate its meaning and importance. Though it will truly be a challenge for us, still, it excites and urges us to exert our best effort to produce and make the students achieve our MITIS goals.
July 08, 2013

What an overwhelming introduction-- this was my initial impression during the first parts of the first in-faculty training yesterday. MIT International School is truly one outstanding and excellent institution. The school is not only offering world-class education to its students but also providing them with a warm and loving environment through its faculty, staff and administrators. In this regard, I was excited yet nervous in becoming a part of this institution. I know that with the outstanding status of the school, it is a challenge for the new teachers to uphold the school's expectations and mold the students in accordance with the ESLRs. However, some of my apprehensions were answered and somehow removed because of the explanations and the thorough discussion of what the school advocates and envisions itself to become. It was really interesting to learn more things about the school and how it truly embodies and exhibits what was stated in their written statements.

One of the questions asked during the small group discussion was all about our views about a school or a classroom, and the foundations or origin of these insights. Personally, I was taught that a school should serve as an avenue for students to learn and enjoy the essence of real studying. Students should always be at the center. Unlike the previous classroom setup, students in the 21st century should have access to their own learning and be given the chance to learn it in their own unique way. It is the time for discovery and experimentation to take place in order for the students to actively learn the lessons. Classrooms and schools are also not limited to the four corners inside the institution. As far as I know, a place conducive to learning and appropriate to what the lesson is, can also be considered as a learning area. Field trips, for example, is also considered as a learning experience of the students even though they are not confined in the four corners of the school. These ideas are based from the philosophies and concepts discussed and advocated by different proponents and philosophers.