Learning Manifesto

Learning Manifesto

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning”
-Brad Henry

My Motivation
Since I was little, I have been inquisitive, and I have always asked my parents, teachers, and friends questions. Thanks to my curiosity to learn, I love traveling and discovering unfamiliar places. Traveling has given me the opportunity to learn, dream and value what I have. I am passionate about traveling and learning about places I go, such as their typical food, clothing, music, culture, and traditions. Learning makes each day of my life different every day. As a teacher, I love to motivate my students to learn. I am passionate about creativity, constructivism, and authentic learning as a preschool educator. Working with children at this age is the best thing I have ever done as a teacher. I have been a teacher for over 20 years and have worked with children from first to sixth grade, but preschool is my passion. There are many reasons why I like working with preschool children, to name a few; it is the spontaneity and creativity that they have, but above all that, they are not afraid of making mistakes. At preschool is where we teachers could help children develop a growth mindset. 

Emerging Problems
Unfortunately, some factors prevent our students from learning in a meaningful way. Despite the efforts made by our government to give money for education and that each child receives an education in an equitable and equal manner is not enough. 
Teachers and students lack the necessary access to digital learning. There are some areas at schools where the internet is not there or has a poor signal.
 In the same district, there is not the same access to technology. Teachers do not know how to use computers and electronic equipment. Shortage of teachers and teacher's assistant and currently we need teachers to supervise the children. Students need self-discipline; some students are not motivated to learn and are easily distracted. Teachers are afraid of change and do not have the skills to use electronic equipment. Traditional education needs to be complemented with technology.

 My Beliefs:
“The about of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful”
-Plato
•     Children must be educated with love and respect. 
•    School should be a safe place for children to learn. 
•    Children must be treated as people, and we must listen to their voices.
•     All students should have access to a quality education regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity. 
•    All students should have access to technology. 
•    Receiving quality education and equality with love and respect is what children deserve to receive in schools. 
•    The use of technology in the classroom allows a greater variety of tools to learn that keep students' attention. In this way, students are more excited to learn. 
•    Blended Learning is an excellent method to motivate students to learn.

Getting Experience 
My experience in the Channelview ISD in Texas has been one of great learning. The district has many wonderful things like offering education through modern technology like the iPad. It also provides opportunities for all students in different areas such as cultural, educational, and sports. Teachers have educational material provided by the district. Also, students receive backpacks, school supplies, and free food.

However, I have seen a problem in the students who are not interested in learning, and it is repeated generation after generation. I wonder how I can motivate my students to learn. When I started the Master in ADL (Applied Digital Learning) at Lamar University, I understood that I could help both teachers and my students at the preschool level. I have learned that incorporating the blended learning approach into the classroom will help students grow their minds in their own time. Now, Digital learning is the way to teach and learn in the 21st century. The Master in ADL introduced me to applying the Cova + CSLE approach, and it is my choice to motivate my students. This approach consists of creating a significant learning environment that gives our learners CHOICE, OWNERSHIP, and VOICE through AUTHENTIC learning opportunities. CHOICE: With teacher guidance, students are free to choose how they want to learn. OWNERSHIP: When students own and control their learning process, they feel more motivated to learn. VOICE: Students have the opportunity to use their voices to share their ideas and knowledge. AUTHENTIC learning opportunities: students are given the opportunity to select and participate in authentic learning opportunities.

My goal as a teacher is to create experiences to awaken the motivation to learn. Provide a meaningful education that has significance for the life of the student. Work collaboratively with other teachers and share ideas. Instill in students’ values such as effort, perseverance, and critical spirit. Adapt learning spaces. Be a guide and role model for children. Observe, ask, and listen to the children.