CONNECTIONS AND COMPLEX INTERRELATIONSHIPS
Connections are inherent in education as complex elements are integrated into a cohesive yet unique web. Such webs encompass individual and collaborative learning and teaching as well as relational webs between teachers and students alike.
Establishing a connection with every student is crucial to create a class that goes beyond the lesson itself, and to transform a classroom into an inclusive learning environment where all students’ uniqueness is acknowledged and appreciated. If teachers fail to connect with the subject material, how can they foster a connection between the students and the topic? If teachers cannot connect with the students, how can they educate the students and learn from them?
Herman Melville stated that:
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”
Through our vocation of teaching we will impact thousands of students. Understanding the gravity of a teacher’s influence can be evidenced by recalling some of our stand-out teachers, whether they were exceptionally amazing or horrendous they indeed had an impact.
Just as spiders spin their unique webs, we communally create a multifaceted support system with concrete and abstract connections that unify once disparate entities and vague concepts into a stunning interrelated network. Such a system links various associations that enrich our understanding of knowledge and growth in addition to the students’ awareness.
I believe that we should be sensitive towards the complex interrelationships that emerge in teaching in order to be considerate of the holistic learning environment in order to recognize the consequences of our actions.
Nadine Wyczolkowski
Posted: 21/10/2014
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SCOLAPS Councillor
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Photographer
Soyinka Reid
Posted: 27/10/2014
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FESA VP, Internal
Commit to It
It can't all be about books and exams. The most memorable piece of advice I ever received about university is simple yet sage. It was to, "find a club you love and commit to it".
This honest recommendation has only grown in relevance for me. It means more than the cliché high school advice such as thinly veiled attempts to pad résumés, fulfilling volunteering requirements, or checking something of a bucket list.Ive learned the value of committing to an extracurricular activity that means something.
I've found that in FESA.
The Education Faculty's Students' Association is one of the best opportunities of my life. It's the perfect demonstration of genuine community, camaraderie, and connection we need to keep life interesting. I'm reminded of that every time I participate in enjoyable discussions with other council members or when organizing and participate in FESA events.
We're connected by our love of learning and united by the laughter we gleam from the little moments. Through this, we escape the everyday stresses of post secondary education and crazy lives.
Everyday becomes an experiential learning opportunity.
Seek out and find your perfect extracurricular with instant connections to the people and initiatives. Just maybe, there'll be a position for you on FESA next year.
My advice: "Find a club you love and commit to it".