online portfolio of
jenifer daniels
I am not a teacher; only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead–ahead of myself as well as of you.
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) British dramatist, critic, writer.
when you are younger you often fantasize about what you wish to do ‘when you grow up’. i remember my dreams included becoming an archeologist, a lawyer and judge and even the first African American woman president of the United States. the great thing about growing up that you never stop dreaming, no matter what the final outcome.
my career path has led me on several interesting quests, allowing me to gain knowledge from each and utilize them in my daily interaction with all types of people. but what I have learned the most I share with youth and my peers through the act of instruction and training. teaching has awakened and renewed a spirit in me that I haven’t had since I was younger.
i began instructing and training local area students and adults in diversity and anti-bias training as a certified trainer for the Anti Defamation League and furthered this love by developing curriculum in entrepreneurship, public relations and critical thinking skills through my own consulting firm, YG&B Project. through these efforts, I have seen over 500 students touching each in a unique way.
with instruction rooted in active learning, I wish to give students what they are lacking in typical instruction. students today have been conditioned to study for standardized tests and miss out on developing critical thinking skills that one may learn from being involved in the arts or sports. by utilizing active learning to awaken critical thinking skills, additional skills sets like scholarship, problem solving, citizenship, civic consciousness and entrepreneurship will often emerge.
i utilize several specific strategies in teaching and instructing like ice breakers, interactive exercises, minute papers, and debriefing sessions to promote learning. i also cite and use multiple sources that may be opposing or complementary for reading and constructive criticism. finally, I implement ‘think, pair and share’ to promote the positive learning aspects of working in teams while being careful to not promote group-think.
i believe that testing for critical thinking skills is key in college instruction. by designing tests that require thought and deliberation, a student sees the value of their education and is able to utilize what they’ve learned in the process. designing projects, mid terms and finals around core curriculum and problem solving enrich a student’s time in college.
the rewards of teaching are revealed the moment you see the light bulb go off in a student’s mind. It’s their ‘a-ha’ moment. they are often so intrigued by what they’ve learned that they often stay after to discuss the topic more in depth of share a story or their own dreams and goals. this shows that not only have we made a connection but that the student has a thirst for knowledge. i thrive off of being relatable to the students and that I can share my insight to help create someone else’s dream. this is what I realized that I must do for others.