KaDeWo - The Joy Advocate

Being an educator is a rewarding profession. How many times have you heard that statement? Today I found myself chanting this as encouragement. However the internal monologue was stimulated by my recently concluded one-on-one teaching session. Some days are certainly better than others. Earlier today I was teaching my ELL, who has made great progress in our numerous sessions. My student is dedicated, yet at times it is obvious she does not study after completing homework assignments. I find both of us getting frustrated when we end up working on a previously learned word for longer than sixty seconds. Naturally, I encourage all my students to take breaks and revisit the material they may find difficult. More often than not a reset occurs once students return refreshed and they are able to establish the/a resolution. Things did not go as smoothly as I would have liked during our session. I am questioning what I can do to enhance my students learning. Recently I have added more revie...

I often hear the phrase "common sense" being thrown around by many thoughtless people. Everyone should use their words wisely and think carefully before blurting out insults and "know-it-all" retorts referring to someone's intellect, which is based on the insulters’ OWN perceptions. I do not take the phrase lightly, nor do I believe in a so-called universal COMMON SENSE. When I hear these words spoken I am aware of the judgment and bias involved. Please keep in mind, now more than ever, the billions of people on Earth do not originate from the same continents, cultures, religions, educational experiences, etc. Therefore, how can one expect another to be well or even quasi aware of native concepts?! If I was born in New Guinea, Africa; did not have the opportunity to go to school in my formative years; and migrated to another country in my thirties with limited language skills would I know the meaning of (certain or any) national symbols specific to that country?...