Leadership class - Joao

On July 10th we had a class on Leadership and Organizational Change by Dean Shields, which I was very interested to follow due to a special interest on this topic. The reason for that is that it makes me wonder about myself as a teacher being a leader and about my students.

First, I noticed through his topic introduction that,  there has always been a misconception that to be a leader you must be that outspoken and talkative kind of person who draws attention for yourself all the time. Also, there is a commom belief on this old view that the leader must be this type of bully guy, who gets things to be done through fear and imposition. Nothing so far from reality on this new 21st century new set of rules.

I understood through his speech that leadership comes from respect, dialogue and agreement. It is understood through a set of examples performed by the leaders and team members. The feeling of fear must be changed by adressing thiose led by clear discussion about the points needed to be improved. Giving chances through formal signed agreement is also important to keep a fair sense of justice with the people.

 As for myself, i was interested on knowing how shy people, like my case, can be a leader as well. Actually, this topic was not so clearly mentioned, but through the concepts he provided us, I am pretty sure we can also be. Keeping an open mind, fair sense of justice and task driven, certainly we also can strive on that and contribute to society in any field we are in.

Speaking specifically about education, I believe that what was adressed on the class is essential in this new century as people are more connected, having different approaches on all sorts of things and not taking things for granted. So, communication is the key, in special one which listens more than impose on people.

Joao - Name game team work class

In our very first class at the University of Arkansas we had a name game conducted by the Professors Gavin, Joe and Christina. Technically, I thought it to be a warm up for our class. It took place in a mixed class with brazilians and nationals from Iraq. Personally, I enjoyed the nature of the activity, because it made me reflect on how a name could sound for others. Also, the importance given to the name of a person probably makes one feel more important and welcome. In classes back home, I like to extend that asking for their days of birth and city they were born, It is quite astonishing realize that some of them have no idea about simple straightforward things like this related to their own life.

The activity did work for me as it also helped me remember the names of my peers, specially the non brazilian ones.

The second activity required a little more sharing and team work, which I noticed to be a bit more difficult for some of us. I guess that the cultural differences arose during class and brought some tension.

Nevertheless, I would suggest teachers be doing that in order to get lessons done in an interactive way. I also believe that as soon as the tension wanes out learning takes place effectively.

I reckon that the name game is for all ages and backgrounds as it is fun and meaningful to anyone. Regarding the second activity , the teacher needs to work among students in order to break tension and consequently have the learner be comfortable and concious of the process he or she is in.

First lesson in Fayeteville by João

Reflecting upon my first week here in Fayeteville and University of Arkansas, I should say I have had many experiences here that I will take in consideration back home whenever I work teaching or on a regular daily basis.

Jetlagged on Friday, few hours after our arrival, we were driven to a square dance event, Which I never had been before and to be sincere never heard about. Tiptoeing in the room I found my place not as a dancer. Although, the singer kindly invited us all to take part in. I found my place as an observer and eventuallly photographer or recording videos. From that perspective, I saw the singer become a teacher and the dancers become her fellow devoted students. What stroke me most was that through clear commands and real knowledge of the subject, the singer turned teacher set an atmosphere of learning that somehow, I saw as special. All the dancers – students – got engaged and even those not acquainted with the dance before were in the end dancing and enjoying – learning as well – just like those regulars. That moment, I realized that if all the students go really open to learn and the teacher set achievable tasks, learning do take place,

Obviously in a regular class, it wouldn´t be perhaps so spontaneous or dynamics all the time but surely it can be meaningful, fun and  why not sensual and culturally historical for all involved.