Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

Using what you have done so far, answer the following 5 questions (be specific and use examples).

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

    The positive thing that has happened as a result from my project so far is learning how to talk to people I have never met. I found that confidence is key, If I can't get over the nervous feeling then I wouldn't do anything. That is not good when it comes to trying to find an interviewee before the deadline. Also I have found out that people are going to say "No" and that fear should keep me from trying again.


(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
     The pieces of research that have helped me understand my topic a little more are the articles "Stacking the Deck in your favor of Your Students by Using the Four of Effective Teaching" and "Building a Better Teacher" by Elizabeth Green. The first article helped get an over better understanding of my subject by giving examples of effective teaching methods. The only thing was that it quoted to much for many different books and articles that there was little to no original text in it. The first article lead me to find the second article in the NY Times. That article  that actually talked about the effects of "good" teachers on certain schools test scores and compares the teachers teaching methods and how they positively or negatively effect students retention of knowledge. 
 
(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
   
     What has worked so far for me is finding a place to mentor at I just have to complete the Volunteer application process. The place I'm potentially going to volunteer at is my little sisters elementary school, Cortez Magnet School. Also, the person I plan to interview is the principle of the school and my former 5th grade teacher.


(4) What hasn't worked so far?  
   
    What hasn't worked so far me is finding research for my topic. I think it's because it's to broad of a topic but I don't know if I should narrow my subject down to a specific grade or class subject.


(5) Finding Value:  

My working EQ is "What makes a good Teacher"

What I plan to do for my mentorship is volunteer at my local elementary school. First, I have to follow some steps to to become a volunteer, for example I have to pass a background check and get clearance on a TB test.