Thing #1

Life Long Learning


Life long learning is something to be cherished and when I consider people I view as life long learners teachers stand out in my mind.  I'm always looking for ways to become a more effective and fun teacher and I think my journey through 23 Things is going to do just that.  


I enjoyed discovering the 7 1/2 habits of life long learners.  As I watched the powerpoint it was interesting to think about how I have applied the habits in the past and comforting to know that I even possessed some of these habits!  I think the habit that will be easiest for me to take on is #6 Use Technology to Your Advantage.  I love discovering new ways to incorporate technology into my life.  Whether it be for work or play I like staying in tune with tech developments.  Often times I've found that technology that begins as entertainment for me can be modified and used in my classroom, which makes the day fun for both the students and me!


Habit #3 View Problems as Challenges is definitely going to be the hardest for me to adopt.  I like a general sense of routine and when I map out a plan in my mind I like for it to unfold as such.  However, this is rarely the case and the bigger the curve balls that are thrown my way the more difficult it is for me to remain calm.  I have a tendency to become a worrier and it is something I work on everyday.  I know that no one ever so much as gained an inch from worrying but for some reason it remains a constant battle for me.  It is something that I want to improve about myself and tackling it through this journey may just be what it takes for me to overcome this worrying frame of mind.  I will try everyday to view my problems as challenges...in fact I'm going to write it on a sticky note and put it on my computer as a daily reminder.  :)


I think the most important habit for me to work on through my 23 Thing journey is #4 Have Confidence in Yourself as a Competent, Effective Learner.  With pending due dates, papers to write, chapters to read and wanting to maintain a healthy personal life it is easy to become overwhelmed with balancing school work and life.  Reminding myself that I am competent and effective will help me to build confidence in completing quality assignments and still having time to engage in activities besides school work.  Building success with this habit will transfer to each of the other habits which is why I feel its the most important for me to work on.  A confident, positive attitude about learning is a healthy state of mind.