"What an Experience"

    Many people asked me what I did during spring break.  When I tell them that I took a class their reply is usually one of, "I'm glad that was not me."  My reply to them is, "I'm glad that I was one of the people who took the education issues class during spring break."  What this class has done for my personal and professional growth is at times difficult to put into words.  I came into the class on Sunday as an individual and left Friday a part of a team that shares a common bond.  The week was one of many challenges due to the information that was presented and the fact that everyone has ideas and opinions (they may differ).  By learning to work together as a team, not just as individuals, we were able to help each other learn and grow.  

    Throughout the week, the class had the opportunity to listen to various speakers talk about issues concerning education.  Two fellow classmates and I had the opportunity to interview Geoffrey Brooks, Carolyn Leonard, and Robbie Robson.  Carolyn and Geoffrey both discussed the importance of continuing your education.  There are always things out there that we do not know.  When a person takes on the responsiblity of learning information, it helps give them a better understanding of what is going on around them.  Robbie talked of how the CIM/CAM reform is affecting college admissions and what is being done to accomodate changes (PASS system).  One of the things that he stressed is a student's competency in a subject area.  Receiving a letter grade for a class does not always represnt a student's ability in that subject area.  The PASS system will become a tool for looking at student's abilities in various subject areas.
 

    It is vital as an individual to keep on growing and learning.  A course such as this one has helped me on continuing my quest for a better understanding of the world that I live in.  This has been an educational opportunity that has touched (and changed) a part of my life forever.  I would recommend a course like this one to anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge of things happening around them!

The following links are web sites to where further information on topics discussed can be found:

Multicultural Education

CIM/CAM/PASS

SOC 499
(class website)

OSU Home Page
(University website)