I really enjoyed reading the article, and wish I had a copy prior to attending my last meeting.
As a teacher, I am mandated to attend a certain number of Professional Development meetings per year. Rather than choosing one particular topic per year and learn it well so we can apply it in the classroom, our division hires "professionals" to teach us new skills. It is almost pointless and a waste of our time since these people try to cover everything in one day, and we end up leaving with very little knowledge.
For example, last months topic was great because it was about supporting Preschool English Language Learners in the classroom. The presenters used PowerPoint, gave us handouts as well as a copy of the book. They rushed us through the entire presentation, covered all eight chapters in the book, and hardly gave us time to breathe or ask questions at all. They said that it is a semester class and were beaming as they reached the last chapter.
I am sure they had good intentions, however we could have learn more by focusing on less chapters, and be allowed to ask questions and give examples.
I am planning to send a copy of this article to the director and speak on behalf of my colleagues. They all agreed it was rushed but no one wants to take their time to change our situations.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
ch. 11 Style and Efffectiveness in Negotiation
Life is full of surprises, and it is a good idea to reflect and learn about the way we deal with daily conflicts.
This week has been the most demanding, challenging, yet the best learning experience for me. I had to deal with conflicts on the job, meet deadlines, and still managed to have a good attitude towards it all.
I am a cooperative negotiator style, and try to negotiate effectively by trying to meet the needs of all parties involved. Unfortunately, it is impossible to please everyone since we have different opinions on the definition of effective negotiation. According to author Gerald R. Williams, effective negotiation can either be the ones who gets the most money for their clients, the one whose clients are most satisfied, the ones where both sides are the most satisfied, or the ones who came closest to totally destroying the other side.(p 155)
The bottom line is that humans interpret conflicts resolutions as either positive or negative. In my opinion, conflict resolutions are great opportunities to learn more about each other. Our attitudes does play a big role on what is effective negotiation. Are we optimistic or pessimistic? Do we see a glass as half empty or half full?
This week has been the most demanding, challenging, yet the best learning experience for me. I had to deal with conflicts on the job, meet deadlines, and still managed to have a good attitude towards it all.
I am a cooperative negotiator style, and try to negotiate effectively by trying to meet the needs of all parties involved. Unfortunately, it is impossible to please everyone since we have different opinions on the definition of effective negotiation. According to author Gerald R. Williams, effective negotiation can either be the ones who gets the most money for their clients, the one whose clients are most satisfied, the ones where both sides are the most satisfied, or the ones who came closest to totally destroying the other side.(p 155)
The bottom line is that humans interpret conflicts resolutions as either positive or negative. In my opinion, conflict resolutions are great opportunities to learn more about each other. Our attitudes does play a big role on what is effective negotiation. Are we optimistic or pessimistic? Do we see a glass as half empty or half full?
Demanding Babysitters
I am glad I took this class, otherwise I wouldn't have known how to deal with a demanding babysitter this week. I was very calm, and although she was very intimidating, it did not affect my ability to reason with her at all.
Since we were unable to open a second class this month, one of the babysitter's was very upset and demanded I make room for one of the children under her care. I apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused her, and calmy explained to her that our classroom is licenced for 24 students and we are at full capacity. I also explained to her that there were 20 other families in the same situation.
She said she knew all about licensing, yet insisted I make accomodations for this particular child. I tried to reason with her, but it was useless. She was angry, accused me of discriminating against the child and her family, and stormed off. I mentioned the incident to the principal so she is aware of it and isn't caught off guard when being approached. The next day, this same person walked in the main office, and demanded my supervisor's number because she said we were discriminating against her.
My lesson for the week: When dealing with demanding people, do your best to clarify any misunderstandings. If it doesn't work, give them your supervisor's number and let them deal with it. Always communicate with your supervisor so they are aware of the incident.
Since we were unable to open a second class this month, one of the babysitter's was very upset and demanded I make room for one of the children under her care. I apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused her, and calmy explained to her that our classroom is licenced for 24 students and we are at full capacity. I also explained to her that there were 20 other families in the same situation.
She said she knew all about licensing, yet insisted I make accomodations for this particular child. I tried to reason with her, but it was useless. She was angry, accused me of discriminating against the child and her family, and stormed off. I mentioned the incident to the principal so she is aware of it and isn't caught off guard when being approached. The next day, this same person walked in the main office, and demanded my supervisor's number because she said we were discriminating against her.
My lesson for the week: When dealing with demanding people, do your best to clarify any misunderstandings. If it doesn't work, give them your supervisor's number and let them deal with it. Always communicate with your supervisor so they are aware of the incident.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
iLinc Virgins
There is always a first time for everything. First friend, first kiss, first car, first online class, and Monday night was my first iLinc experience with Christine and Matt.
Since I am not familiar with iLinc, I decided to login 15 minutes early. When I encountered some difficulties, I had an agent guiding me step by step. He suddenly got disconnected because they were experiencing technical difficulties and I was all on my own. After digging through my email, I found the link from Dr. D. and followed her link. When I entered the discussion, I saw Matt and Dr. D's name and panicked because I was 10 minutes late. I typed "Hi guys" and Matt said "She is here" thinking I was Dr. D. We finally introduced ourselves, cleared up the confusion and started talking with each other. A second Matt entered the discussion, and that's when I thought it was some kind of joke.
The rest of our group members did not joined us, so we pretty much agreed to review our presentation by email. Although I couldn't hear neither Matt or Christine, I know we all had a good laugh. It was a hilarious experience for me. I am still laughing out loud as I am typing it and it is past midnight.
Since I am not familiar with iLinc, I decided to login 15 minutes early. When I encountered some difficulties, I had an agent guiding me step by step. He suddenly got disconnected because they were experiencing technical difficulties and I was all on my own. After digging through my email, I found the link from Dr. D. and followed her link. When I entered the discussion, I saw Matt and Dr. D's name and panicked because I was 10 minutes late. I typed "Hi guys" and Matt said "She is here" thinking I was Dr. D. We finally introduced ourselves, cleared up the confusion and started talking with each other. A second Matt entered the discussion, and that's when I thought it was some kind of joke.
The rest of our group members did not joined us, so we pretty much agreed to review our presentation by email. Although I couldn't hear neither Matt or Christine, I know we all had a good laugh. It was a hilarious experience for me. I am still laughing out loud as I am typing it and it is past midnight.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Ch. 8 Options and Choice for Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Solving conflicts in the workplace can either strenghten employees friendship or weaken it. It all depends on each individual's personality, level of maturity, and their communication style.
For example, during my first year as a teacher's assistant, I was shocked when I saw one of the special ed teacher's slap a students hand because she was trying to grab her coffee. Although it was against the school's policy to drink hot beverages in the classroom, these teachers often brought coffee into the classroom while the student's were present. Since we were informed about employee's responsibility to report any kind of safety issues, I brought it to my Principal's attention so she could be aware of the situation.
She brought it to the teacher's attention, and the teacher and her aides were not very happy with me. They would joke about it by saying something like "Oh, be careful with that, someone might tell the principal you are drinking coffee in the classroom." I guess the principal must have focused on not bringing hot beverages in the classroom rather than focusing on the child's safety and well being. I mentioned it to her because I was concerned about the child's safety.
I really did not care about whether I was liked or dislike by staff members. I was there to work with the children, and making sure that they are safe in and out of the classroom.
For example, during my first year as a teacher's assistant, I was shocked when I saw one of the special ed teacher's slap a students hand because she was trying to grab her coffee. Although it was against the school's policy to drink hot beverages in the classroom, these teachers often brought coffee into the classroom while the student's were present. Since we were informed about employee's responsibility to report any kind of safety issues, I brought it to my Principal's attention so she could be aware of the situation.
She brought it to the teacher's attention, and the teacher and her aides were not very happy with me. They would joke about it by saying something like "Oh, be careful with that, someone might tell the principal you are drinking coffee in the classroom." I guess the principal must have focused on not bringing hot beverages in the classroom rather than focusing on the child's safety and well being. I mentioned it to her because I was concerned about the child's safety.
I really did not care about whether I was liked or dislike by staff members. I was there to work with the children, and making sure that they are safe in and out of the classroom.
Effective Communication
When it comes to building a good team, there must be good communication among members. As we are working on our group project, we are learning to communicate with each other, and it would not have been possible without Christine's hard work. As our team coordinator, she has been available to answer question and give ideas to help us stay on the same topic. She has also called members to make sure they work on their assigned role.
I have to admit it's difficult to try to build a case without hearing from each other. I personally encountered some problems when the cases were distributed Monday and it was not sent to me. I contacted three members and asked them to forward the case to me. One did not reply, the others said they forward it to me. When I checked and asked the second time, and third time, I was beginning to get frustrated as I was running out of time to work on the case.
I called Aracely and she helped me figure out the reason I was not receiving the cases. Although they were added in my address book, their emails were being sent to my junk mail. When I finally received the case, I submitted my work, and it turns out neither Christine and Matt could open my attachment because it was in Word 2007.
Some of us are trying to get our work done ahead of time, however I have a feeling that we have some procrastinators in our team. I have learned to deal with these kind of conflicts, and I am not getting stressed over this matter. As a DA, I am trying to communicate with my client as much as possible, and hope to create a strong case on his behalf.
I have to admit it's difficult to try to build a case without hearing from each other. I personally encountered some problems when the cases were distributed Monday and it was not sent to me. I contacted three members and asked them to forward the case to me. One did not reply, the others said they forward it to me. When I checked and asked the second time, and third time, I was beginning to get frustrated as I was running out of time to work on the case.
I called Aracely and she helped me figure out the reason I was not receiving the cases. Although they were added in my address book, their emails were being sent to my junk mail. When I finally received the case, I submitted my work, and it turns out neither Christine and Matt could open my attachment because it was in Word 2007.
Some of us are trying to get our work done ahead of time, however I have a feeling that we have some procrastinators in our team. I have learned to deal with these kind of conflicts, and I am not getting stressed over this matter. As a DA, I am trying to communicate with my client as much as possible, and hope to create a strong case on his behalf.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Effective Conflict Resolution Starts in the Preschool Years
In Cho's writing, he said "Teach me how to speak, teach me how to share, teach me where to go, tell me will love be there" (LA Times Magazine, 4/30/07, p 41).
Children need guidance from all the adults in their lives. In order for them to learn how to speak,share, and solve conflicts without resorting to verbal or physical violence, we have to serve as their positive role models.
For example, when a child hits another child, the adult needs to approach both children in a calm manner. Many of the children's behaviors are learned behaviors from home, media, and peers. When no one teaches them how to solve conflicts in a positive way, they grow up thinking that violence is the only way to solve problems.
The best strategies to solve conflict resolutions and violence prevention is to listen without taking any sides. For example, when my preschool students are fighting over a toy, I calmly approach them and become the mediator. Instead of scolding and punishing, I acknowledge the hurt child as well as the aggressor. I listen to both sides of the story, and then I restate what each child says and guide them to solve the problem by asking questions that will lead to an agreement on both sides of the parties. It takes time, but it works. Most of these young children have learned to solve most of their problems without adult assistance. If they are not successful on their own, they know they can always seek an adult for assistance.
As parents, teachers, and members of society, we need to pay more attention to all children. They need adult guidance and intervention so they can learn how to become positive members of our society. Let's not wait for another tragedy to happen.
Children need guidance from all the adults in their lives. In order for them to learn how to speak,share, and solve conflicts without resorting to verbal or physical violence, we have to serve as their positive role models.
For example, when a child hits another child, the adult needs to approach both children in a calm manner. Many of the children's behaviors are learned behaviors from home, media, and peers. When no one teaches them how to solve conflicts in a positive way, they grow up thinking that violence is the only way to solve problems.
The best strategies to solve conflict resolutions and violence prevention is to listen without taking any sides. For example, when my preschool students are fighting over a toy, I calmly approach them and become the mediator. Instead of scolding and punishing, I acknowledge the hurt child as well as the aggressor. I listen to both sides of the story, and then I restate what each child says and guide them to solve the problem by asking questions that will lead to an agreement on both sides of the parties. It takes time, but it works. Most of these young children have learned to solve most of their problems without adult assistance. If they are not successful on their own, they know they can always seek an adult for assistance.
As parents, teachers, and members of society, we need to pay more attention to all children. They need adult guidance and intervention so they can learn how to become positive members of our society. Let's not wait for another tragedy to happen.
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