What a blessing!

On Friday, February 22, I had the privilege of accompanying 7 of our classmates to Circle Urban (CU).  I was a bit nervous about the weather before we left that afternoon, but all went well, and Alyssa did a great job of getting us there and back safe and sound.
I have been to CU before and met the folks there, but I had not met the particular students who are joiniing us in service-learning.  It is clear to me that the ED203 students were intent on making connections with the CU students from the moment we arrived.  I was so pleased to see that our students were not there to just "hang out" with the CU students.  Our TCC students were very focused listeners, participators, and authentic companions for the CU students. I didn't see anyone shy away from showing a genuine interest in others.  In fact, I saw TCC students who were very intentional about showing respect, acceptance, and encouragement to the CU students...not acting as though they had all the answers (which they readily admit in their blog posts), but rather, showing that they were there to learn and grow with tthe CU students.
I am proud of how you have embraced this service learning project thus far.

Here We Go!

Dear ED 203 Students,

I am very excited to read about your expreiences at Circle Urban (CU) last week, and I'm looking forward to going there this Friday (22nd) to meet the students whom you've written about.  I am so encouraged to hear you talk about the connections you've already made with the students in Austin.  Please keep in mind that you need to be thinking about "connections."  You need to look for connections that link what you're experiencing at CU and what you've read, discussed, experienced in your own educational journey, and expect to exprience as you prepare to become an educator.  Remember that you will need to reflect on a meaningful level.  Think about important ideas, concepts, practices, skills, etc. which you are discovering and hope to discover in the future.  You will have some great opportunities to connect with students and then make sense of what you've learned...maybe even applying some things at CU or at your field placement.

Blessings,

Prof. Woo

Why Service Learning?

Dear Ed 203 Students,

This spring we have the opportunity to put our beliefs, values, and philophies into action through service learning.  Think about what you wrote in your Dear Professor Letters.  Think about your philophies of education.  How can you apply what you say you want to do in regards to the teaching profession?  Service learning at Circle Urban is a way to put your faith into action...not just words.

Thank you,

Prof. Woo