simon renz

don’t romanticize the current situation

[smndlcrz]

Outside The Comfort Zone

Children from birth to six should read books that meet their literary criteria, consider artist sensitivity and design, and contextual and didactic attributes should be appropriate to their realities. Otherwise, chances for the books to attract their attention will be lesser. If children read and comprehend a book that they think is not interesting to them because it is not in their reality, then teachers, parents, or guardians are merely wasting their time. There are social standards for children's books, comprising colorful images, various lines, language-friendly words, and personified characters, again because they are appropriate and stimulating.

If contextualized to Piaget's theory of Cognitive Development, children prefer those kinds of books because their brains imagine different objects as alive, mentioned in the pre-operational stage. What is new to them is interesting because of their curiosity, and these are their fantasies, seeing new and other colors, lines, animals, and objects. They naturally learn because books within their reality teach them to understand words, images, and gestures. Children will be less likely to understand the books outside their reality or books whose audiences are adults because they have not yet experienced specific cognitive operations that they experienced.

EXAMPLE

In the Philippines, there are legends intended to teach children GMRC and life lessons. From the cover page to the last page, they intentionally prepared the book to meet children's literary criteria, consider artist sensitivity and design, and contextual and didactic attributes appropriate to their realities.

NEW INSIGHT

On the other hand, there are topics and issues that society, specifically social institutions, must face. Parents are afraid to teach children sex education because they believe children are not yet prepared. Books likewise censor the genitals of characters in Adam and Eve's story because they think it is inappropriate. If children's books continually practice that, then children will not learn and assume their genitals as something wrong to talk about, driving them to either be shy or use them as their humor.

“We intend to present books to educate the young, and book writers should be creative in preparing strategies to familiarize children with these kinds of topics and at the same time meet children's literary criteria, consider artist sensitivity and design, and contextual and didactic attributes appropriate to their realities.”

[smndlcrz]

Making Connection

PART 1

I became aware that I am different from other people at a young age mainly because society pressures heteronormativity. But, I was unsure who I wanted to be and how I will perform my role. Now I identify myself as a man, and it took me years to confirm my gender identity. Erickson's theory of identity crisis, specifically my identity versus role confusion, best suits my life struggle because I was first uncomfortable about my self-concept. Still, I eventually adapted well, leading to fidelity. I underwent numerous experiments before I unraveled my identity crisis.

PART 2

A participatory approach and collaborative teaching with experts are what I visualize in my classroom, especially when topics are out of my hands and are sensitive. Social sciences contain numerous social issues, and working together with experts will be an easy way to communicate with learners. A study conducted by Chavula et al. (2021) in Zambia has proven that these approaches will educate learners more specifically in comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), enable them to be confident in their bodies, and boost self-esteem. Also, these approaches encouraged learners to participate in discussions and activities. I think these approaches suit my teaching philosophy because learners need people who can make them understand the social issues' reality. They need accessible academic resources from experts, which can be possible during open discussions, a participatory approach. CSE is a challenging topic discussion with learners, and it is best to collaborate with experts to achieve awareness.

References:

Chavula, M. P., Svanemyr, J., Zulu, J. M., & Sandøy, I. F. (2021). Experiences of teachers and community health workers implementing sexuality and life skills education in youth clubs in Zambia. Global Public Health, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2021.1893371

[smndlcrz]

Learners’ Growth Depends On Us Teachers

The teaching profession is an authority to supervise or be in charge of learners' journey. 

So, we have to understand the different concepts of child and adolescent development to know how learners can progress ascendingly and not the other way around. If they move descendingly, then that is a narrative that we are failing as teachers.

As teachers, we develop learners holistically primarily because all components will be the learners' basis for growth. We need to ensure that our learning environment is not a barrier to their physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental health. Otherwise, it can be unhealthy and may affect their progress.

One component that we need to acknowledge is that development varies within and among children. The curriculum we prepare must be appropriate according to all learners' ages, physiques, cultures, and other sensitive components. Otherwise, what a learner can do may not suit another, making it improper.

Children's development depends on their previous development. Teachers should acknowledge the learners' abilities and disabilities. We, thus, should consider these so we can avoid forcing them to learn and experience what they cannot yet accomplish.

Adolescent learners should learn sex education; some may think it is inappropriate, but the curriculum is a foundation to eradicate teenage pregnancy, lack of knowledge in being responsible for their genitalia, and inability to provide resources to their families. We need to teach them these as young as possible because it is practical. The issues mentioned are alarming—marriage, family planning, mature relations, using one's physique, and using body effectively. There is nothing wrong with learning these because these are part of who we are, and we should start teaching them how they can manage themselves physically and perform their social responsibilities. Their future is not dependent on their careers but also on being responsible citizens.

[smndlcrz]

Learning Is A Never-Ending Process

The teaching profession is what people think of as a lifetime commitment. If we want to improve our quality of teaching, we should continually develop our skills, knowledge, and values; in a more straightforward narrative, learning what to be an excellent teacher is seeking professional advancement consistently. 

Honestly, my aspiration in the education field is too broad, but in its general sense, my objective is to become a leader to the youth and provide services that best suit their status and interests. As mentioned in my previous journal, I want to become a cabinet member under DepEd to become an advisor to the president and because I want to be part of creating projects for teachers, students, and their parents. I would only achieve these if I continually seek professional advancement, which kind of teacher I aspire to be. 

As to my teacher-student relationship, and as a social studies major, I aspire to motivate my learners to become active members of society, not only what people think of like rallies but the act of volunteerism. I will teach them or make them realize that going to school itself is a stepping stone towards becoming professionals, which they will utilize to help the underprivileged or those who need them, in general. 

My vision for the teaching profession is letting ourselves, teachers, be producers of children that would be holistic future leaders and indeed equipped with 21st Century skills in their expertise or fields, and these paragraphs are how I want my learners to remember me. 

I will not achieve my aspirations and how I like to be remembered if I will not engage in professional collaboration to enrich my teaching practice. Being a teacher is not a solo job because we are interdependent with our colleagues, students, and parents. We need these people to help us grow and be better in our fields. 

“Learning is a never-ending process, and if we want to become better, we, as teachers, should constantly seek professional advancement by engaging with those who will help us and be part of programs that enrich our teaching practice.” 

[smndlcrz]

What Happens In The Classroom, Should Stay Between The Teachers And Students

One of the most challenging parts of being a teacher is that society looks up to us and thinks we are ethic-driven, and regardless of the idea that "no one is perfect," the teaching profession has no place for errors or mistakes. However, there will always be instances when we forget what is ethical and not. There are already existing issues when teachers commit unethical acts which students publicize on social media.

The crucial principle for educational institutions is that what happens in the classroom should stay between the teachers and students. Since teachers have authority over processing information, they must ensure the protection of the learners' information. However, once teachers fail to do so, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 will support the learners. Its special provision is that they have the right to file a complaint. Instead of canceling teachers, some processes are more appropriate when one has concerns.

However, preventing unethical acts is better than those mentioned above. As teachers, let us keep our profession as noble as ever. Under the Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers, Article XI Section 3, a teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality that could serve as a role model worthy of emulation by learners, peers, and others. We, as teachers, can achieve that by fostering a love for humanity and respect for human rights, stated in Article XIV of Section 3(b) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Educational institutions thus should improve and develop systems that will ensure the protection of students' information.

[smndlcrz]

Invest More On Teachers

Cancel culture these days became a powerful instrument to invalidate someone's existence. Social media and other platforms became their medium to spread further controversies. Anyone can be a victim of cancel culture, politicians, celebrities, teenagers, or even teachers.

Society looks up to us teachers as ethically-driven individuals and is up for facing our duties and obligations. Once we neglect these or violate the law, professional teachers' standards will not be as noble as they should be. But, as teachers, we need our peers, workplace, students, and parents to trust us, and that will only be possible if we comply with BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 232.

Unfortunately, I was one of those who experienced sexual harassment from my teacher, and he was also my coach. That one time when I tweeted about my problem was when I voiced out my story. The fourth statement under Section 16 of B.P. 232 best describes why he failed to keep his teaching as a noble profession. Irrelevant physical contact is wrong on all fronts because, as someone who has moral ascendancy, they should recognize a particular boundary and have behavioral standards as professionals. His years of learning and being in the field maintain and sustain his professional growth, but the act alone is why he failed to maintain professionalism in his behavior.

Everyone has rights, and there will always be ethical standards that keep us from violating the rights of others. Before we enter the teaching world, we should undergo social training for teachers because it molds us to be leaders of learners and raise our moral ascendancy. Or in another straightforward narrative, social progress will not exist without teachers accomplishing and complying with the legal mandates.

“I believe that teachers are not fully teachers without actually learning what it is to be teachers. To avoid what happened to me, educational institutions must uphold legal mandates by providing and investing in programs for the teachers' development.”

[smndlcrz]

Achieving Social Solidarity as a Teaching Philosophy Statement

Teachers who carry out their philosophy know what needs to be the standards inside educational institutions. They must have a philosophical inventory appropriate for them and their students before establishing the learning environment they ought to achieve. These so-called philosophies may be merely short descriptions, but they keep us on the right track.

My philosophy is to teach students to learn, make them what they want, and prepare them as leaders of tomorrow who will address social issues. Paulo Freire, a critical theorist, believes that someone should eradicate the current system and re-establish it without oppression, improving human conditions. My goal is to develop my students' awareness to make them critically conscious of being part of the change.

As a Social Studies major, it is crucial to teach students social issues to visualize what it is to be underprivileged. One way for that to happen is by showing them real-life videos and discussing what is wrong and the possible solutions for these historical errors. I will ask them for their feedback to understand how they can learn more in my given activities. Also, I am eyeing panel discussions because they let students do their research and discuss the topic in their ways. The reason why a panel discussion is suitable is that students can exchange ideas with peers.

I will give specific criteria beforehand to describe how they can prepare for the activity. When I was in SLU-SHS, my teacher told me they should not assign activities without a single criterion. Students should at least have these, and again, because they should know their benchmarks. On the other hand, once I grade them, it will show what they and I lack. Every activity should let students share their opinions on whether there is an organized flow and what we should improve as a class.

Students ignore or give less importance to social studies because they recognize it as unnecessary in their future profession, neglecting what is outside the world. For that reason, my teaching method will be more challenging because I think learning is not limited to activities such as 20-point quizzes, essays, or drawings. I want them to engage in activities that will enhance their learning experience from perspectives they can perceive and perform their civic responsibilities. Someday, I hope it will help them move forward from all walks of life and be part of society, functioning towards solidarity.

REFLECTION

Ambitions and plans for my future profession are uncomplicated and exciting to think about. When I was constructing the first two paragraphs, you can see my dedication to finishing my program. However, as I was moving to the following paragraphs, I realized that there is more that I need to learn before establishing my desired learning environment for my students. It is easy to express my visions for them, but I should ask myself how I am supposed to accomplish them without being halfway through college.

But, for sure, I realized more from the activity why I want to finish my program and become a teacher. I may be far from the so-called reality, but my dedication to pursuing my dreams for myself and my students is alive.

[smndlcrz]

Listen To Your Calling

One of my fortes is knowing what I want and what I'm good at doing. However, my choices for college were as long as Rapunzel's hair; it was too complicated to choose because my life still depended on it.

My parents are the most supportive people I know, and they never made me feel pressure academically. But, when it came to choosing my program, they were against BSED, which is one of the top choices. Both were former teachers, so they were aware of the battles. Cliche as it may sound, Filipino parents want their children to be lawyers, engineers, or doctors, making it a dilemma between choosing my passion or obeying like a good child would do.

Contrastingly, my former peers and teachers suggested majoring in Social Studies. They see that I am good with people, get good grades in that field, like lecturing, and am passionate about caring for people; these statements alone made me reflect, deciding I should take up BSED Major in Social Studies.

Throughout senior high school, opportunities came where I involved myself with underprivileged children, establishing a solid inclination towards helping and teaching them. Not only that, but also it is a stepping stone towards becoming a Cabinet Member under the Department of Education; I want to become an advisor to the President and collaborate to help eradicate the unjust system in education.

If that is my mission, I will accept it wholeheartedly. I just have this particular so-called vocation and mission towards being a teacher. Thus, I will always go back to this sole reason I want to take teaching as my future profession.

Moreover, I need to establish a learning environment for my 21st-century students. We need them to teach them how to correct the historical errors during the previous regimes.

[bts-stuffss]

jimin | 2022 season’s greetings layouts

• please like or reblog if you save/use✨

[iconjk]

— かわいい 🍡🍇🍒 ⊂(・﹏・⊂)

like or reblog¡ ～♡

headers by me, give me the credits if u use to make layouts ^^

[ousia-poetica]

So beautiful was our love, that when people saw us walking past, we were love and art in person. By Anastasia Trusova on Instagram.

[fakenudes]

[smndlcrz]

At the age of six, I realized that I am different from what is the norm— I began being attracted to men also and from the school I attended, which is a Catholic educational institution, being a homosexual is a sin. I had little knowledge back then and I was in a position where I was scared to death to even just express myself. Of course, I am aware that gays exist; it's just that I am not familiar with "coming out."

Ampalaya is similar to who I was before. In his case, he would always feel insecure about himself because he is not normal in the eyes of society. "If only I wasn't born this way, then I wouldn't suffer this." I kept questioning my existence. Ampalaya was insecure to the point that he stole the admirable characteristics of the other vegetables to look good in the eyes of others. Similarly, I would imitate the actions of what is normal, and that is to only act masculine— in this way, I would look decent in the eyes of society, specifically my parents.

Right now, my close friends and family are aware of what I am; however, I still hide my real self from the world because I am not yet confident. I present myself differently when I am not comfortable around them. With regards to Carl Jung's concept of personalities and roles, the archetype that is related to my story is the persona.

[smndlcrz]

these are my personal experiences that greatly affected me:

1. I was sexually harassed by my teacher/coach at the age of 12.

2. I grew up with my father, who mercilessly punches and kicks me because of my sexuality.

3. #SOGIEBillNow

4. I am from San Mateo, Isabela— the Mungo Capital of the Philippines. During Typhoon Ulysses last year, our farm suffered from floods. So, our farm business went bankrupt.

5. As someone who cares for my country, I will always demand to the president what is needed by the Filipinos. Some people might think it is wrong; however, this is a practice of my civic responsibility.

[smndlcrz]

No doubt that the pandemic somehow puts us in a state where we feel pessimistic and miserable. During my 12th grade, I had no motivation to learn and to finish my requirements. But, that didn't stop me because I need to graduate. I then thought of something that would inspire me to do what needs to be done.

These are the albums of ENHYPEN which I collected beginning from last year until now. I wouldn't say these are investments for my mental health and to motivate myself because these are just my "wants." Some people might think I bought it impulsively, but no. I made a consensus with myself that I will only buy these if I received a certain grade that I want, and I think that is valid and healthy for me.

[smndlcrz]

Hi! Is this Simon four years ago? Can I talk to you?

Many people have been calling you names— but they don't recognize that you are offended in so many ways. They know you as someone who laughs and takes jokes unoffended, but deep inside you are deeply hurt because they are your significant others. How can someone you trust make humor out of your insecurities?

Since the world is cruel, I've transformed into someone in accord with the standards of society. During your year, I don't usually wear popular clothes; I only dress up comfortably, like wearing jersey shorts paired with any jacket. Now, I'm wearing clothes that are trendy even though I am not comfortable with them. You don't have to tell me that I shouldn't be doing this, because this is one of my ways to feel I belong. Regardless of making efforts to dress up, I still have insecurities which are my height and my hair. These traits are natural and I have nothing else in mind on how to change these into what society wants.

Probably you might be worrying because I changed to a great extent and developed into someone who is not me anymore. But at some point between four years ago and now, I could say I matured and discovered so much about myself, and I am happy about that. Whenever people ask me to introduce myself, I say, "Hi I'm Simon, and my pronouns are he, him, his, they, and them; I used to be bisexual, and now I am pansexual, which means I am attracted to a person regardless of what their gender is; I still identify myself as a man, and I express myself androgynously, which means I express myself in both male and female characteristics."

You might not expect or wish yourself to be what I am now, but trust me, I am happy and proud; so should you.

[smndlcrz]

A quest for understanding, the study of principles of conduct, and is not obsolete; these phrases are the desirable descriptions of Philosophy. But if you ask me how I would define Philosophy, it comprises arguments that can develop more perspectives. There will always be people agreeing or disagreeing with just one concept, which is reasonable. These arguments will constantly improve since our minds will also continuously ask questions about an idea.

Philosophy is generally known as a mere compilation of statements that makes us think deeper or in a complex way. Little do we realize that it is more than that— every philosophical idea is meaningful or powerful, and it could change worlds. Not to mention its significance, which is to enable us to acknowledge that things are not always what they seem; there will always be answers, and this would be possible with our endless questions of how we understand the self.

Plato used appetitive, spirited, and mind to discuss his concept, which I would like to conceptualize together with my experience. When I was in Baguio during my eleventh grade, I was so excited because I could finally be free. Well, that was what I thought. I was adapting too much to my friends, wherein they would go out and drink at parties. My consequence is that I couldn't finish my requirements; what's worse is that I had low grades in three of my subjects. All those excitements and pleasures turned my world upside down. However, that experience made me realize my psyche— I know now how to balance what I need and what I want. We can still give time for ourselves, but not too much because we still have responsibilities.