Simplification is the Ultimate Sophistication

Coordinating the Academy of Sciences at Prepa Tec Santa Anita has been one of the most significant experiences in my life. I regard it as an incredible platform from which the realm of education may be pushed forward. Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Information Technology are the subjects that I oversee along a team of professors. Someone who is versed in modern science trends may notice that although those subjects are not new to any science curriculum, their interaction is being considered as “converging sciences”. Biotechnology, Robotics, Nanotechnology and Bio-mathematics are examples of sciences that branch out of the broader ones. These evolving sciences promise a bright and exciting technological, economical, and social future. I truly believe that education and the converging sciences depend on one another. Education programs that focus on creativity foster innovation in science and technology, while technological tools nurture the academic experience.

As a coordinator, I’m seduced by hundreds of new ideas that I would like to implement in Santa Anita’s Academy of Sciences. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the exuberance of contemporary research and product development. However, a proper education curriculum is not about how much it expands itself; but how deep, effective and qualified it is. Let me illustrate this point. While reading Walter Isaacson’s outstanding “Steve Jobs” biography, I came across a manifesto that is known as the “Cook Doctrine” (stated by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook):

We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products, and that’s not changing. We are constantly focusing on innovating. We believe in the simple not the complex. We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make, and participate only in markets where we can make a significant contribution. We believe in saying no to thousands of projects, so that we can really focus on the few that are truly important and meaningful to us. We believe in deep collaboration and cross-pollination of our groups, which allow us to innovate in a way that others cannot. And frankly, we don’t settle for anything less than excellence in every group in the company, and we have the self-honesty to admit when we’re wrong and the courage to change. And I think, regardless of who is in that job, those values are so embedded in this company that Apple will do extremely well.

Just as Cook declares, I also believe that any education curriculum that truly wants to promote a revolution in the classroom needs to focus its energy in a clearly defined set of projects. Prepa Tec Santa Anita’s main projects are: Attracting the interesting in science and technology through innovative and inspirational teaching; establishing a competitive robotics club; and developing science projects that are internationally recognized in the areas of biotechnology and sustainability. We are beginning from zero, but the phenomenal potential of Santa Anita’s students makes me feel confident and enthusiastic.

I would like to finish this entry with the following conference by Juan Enriquez Cabot, author of As the Future Catches You. Think about it ;)

What makes great lessons great?

I have often wondered why students are enthralled by some classes, but seem disgusted by others. Is it the teacher? Is it the group? Is it a synergy of both? Should we blame the subject? I have encountered incredibly social and charismatic individuals who fail while teaching High School students. I have also met highly educated researchers and scholars who flunk at teaching this type of pupils. Is there a secret formula that guarantees a course that everyone wants to attend? For this particular article, I want to focus on my sole experience.

As I have said before, think about your favorite movie; most endearing emotional relationship; the trip that changed your life; or a product that you truly love. What lies under their greatness? Details. Details shape the classroom too.

I have always designed my classes based on a single principle—what is the type of lesson I would like to attend to? Personally, I loved classes that not only talked about the content of the class, but how it was related to the world around me. If science and humanities come from daily life situations, why do we have to de-humanize them within four walls and one boring speaker? So, my classes take some detours that freshen up the learning environment. Some detours are planned. Some are unexpected.

This leads me to a second ingredient for a great class—the teacher’s expertise. Taking a detour implies boldness, courage, wisdom, and rich general culture. I encourage teachers to read, watch, taste, and marvel at everything that happens around them. Take it back to the classroom. Your students will appreciate it. Talk about pop culture, emotional relationships, fashion, technology, demography, sociology, sports, and trends. Even if you regard a topic as “non-sense” get involved with it. It will not only benefit your courses, but will nourish you as a human being as well. We as teachers enjoy something that actors have always used—fame, mysticism, and social attraction. What the teacher has personally experienced will always get the attention of the student. USE IT!

Moreover, John Lasseter, creative director at Pixar Animation Studios once said that “research is the funniest part of doing an animated film”. Teachers, research!
Some other important elements for teaching an outstanding lesson are confidence in one’s strengths, confidence in the students, doses of humor, and a sense of exploration. Let your students work for some minutes. Mesmerize them with a question. Questions are far more interesting than their answers for they remain open to human interpretation.

The sensorial stimulus is also important. Develop a characteristic dress code. Wear what suits you the most, while adding an almost imperceptible edge. Bright ties, bright shirts, long shoes, sunglasses while walking down the hallways... They all work.

The most decisive sensorial stimulus? Music. Play music to your students while they work in an activity, and they will impress you. Cell phones will suddenly become quiet, students will ask you about the name of the song, and by using both cerebral hemispheres the learning product may impress you.
I know that producing a great class takes time and a personal touch. Listen to your teacher sense and DO IT NEXT CLASS.

Is Google Destroying Our Memory?

I found an interesting article regarding how we relay on Internet search engines and Wikipedia to look for information we do not need to memorize.

What I personally promote is the fact that education needs to re-focus itself into understanding how concepts work and relate to each other through formative assessment than memorizing or learning by heart. Purely quantitative evaluation hinders the learning process because numbers do not necessarily tell the whole story behind a student's development.

It is our duty as educators to provide a platform that will structure the minds of students to gather new knowledge through appreciation of what makes a concept exist, and how it relates to daily life.

Feel free to comment!

Google Is Destroying Your Memory

Dropouts, gamers, students... where are guys heading?

Where have I been for the last 2 months? Part 2: Framingham and Prepa Tec Santa Anita

It has been a hectic month and the blog updates have not been as copious as I wish them to. I am currently living one of the most interesting periods of my professional life since I have been appointed as Academy of Sciences Coordinator at Prepa Tec Santa Anita, where I taught for three semesters during 2009-2010.
Right after my return from Shanghai I studied two courses from the Master Program of Framingham State University. The first course was about Curriculum Mapping and Differentiation, while the second course was mainly devoted to Special Education. I really want to stress the fact that I came in contact with theories and concepts that have been around the United States for around two decades, but have been almost unheard of here in Mexico. Differentiation really struck me since it allows teachers to devote themselves to those students who learn by unique ways. The Framingham courses were exhausting, but extremely rewarding for I am constantly applying them as a Coordinator.
Moreover, I have felt a tremendous responsibility since the Academy of Sciences Coordination is a fresh position. It is a new project that aims to strengthen the curriculum, quality, and academic presence of Prepa Tec Santa Anita. The Coordination involves all six levels of Math (from Algebra to Calculus), Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry (which are known as Matter and Change/Carbon and its Compounds respectively), Physics, and Information Technologies. Right now it is the largest coordination in Prepa Tec Santa Anita.
Besides coordinating teachers, going back to teaching Chemistry, and preparing Life Science courses, I am also in charge of looking for interesting projects that will benefit students in hands-on experiences. If you, as a reader, know about ANY science projects out there, internationally speaking, let me know!
The challenges behind coordinating an extremely talented group of teachers are daunting, but so far it is an outstanding opportunity to inspire and walk through new roads of academic innovation.
By the way, by Mandarin skills keep on improving!
More updates coming!
Jorge

Where have I been for the last 2 months? Part 1: China

I perfectly remember the first quote I read during High School--“Writing is mind traveling, destination unknown”. Just like a thunder in the middle of a clear day, it struck me. I often compare teaching to the writing experience. Education involves not only mind travel, but an emotional trek as well. The destination may appear as unknown to both teacher and student. So, based on that premise, the last two months propelled me to two different destinations. One, became an actual location; the other, an academic location. I am talking about China and Framingham, respectively.

Yes, I taught in Shanghai. Yes, I lived over there for around 5 weeks. However, the important fact is not teaching, or living in China, but experiencing China. Feeling what China means in the contemporary world is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my life. As a XX century born westerner one may think that eastern countries exist as exotic locations where one can draw comparisons to his or her homeland. Moreover, because western societies have more or less defined the world through industrialization, the illusion of believing that the world has to dance under Western tunes is enticing. Well, it should not be. One does not teach China. One learns from China.

The majority of developed western societies are nowadays hit by unemployment, credit crisis, inflation and a low morale. In the case of Mexico social insecurity, political confusion and an uncertain future are evident. However, China rises as a vibrant and dynamic beacon of hope. I do not want to fall into generalizations, but my personal experience tells me that the West tends to fear China. We listen to news about how China forbids Facebook, challenges Google, exploits its citizens, and pollutes the atmosphere. What I actually witnessed is a country devoted to progress, guided by what Martin Jacques describes as a “civilization state”. Moreover, China possesses an extraordinary foundation on education. It is important to note that Confucius’ beliefs regarding education and family are still alive in China. Beliefs that have dated for more than 2,500 years keep on permeating a nation dedicated to economic growth. This is not an overstatement, since visiting a Chinese school portrays this fact. Children and teenagers study for long hours, go to Saturday afternoon School, analyze literature and nature, comprehend mathematics, and maintain order within the classroom. Schools play a central role in Chinese life. What surprised me the most is how Chinese individuals respect teachers. China may well be the only country where I have experienced a sincere affection for the teaching profession. It does not matter what one teaches, saying 我是老师 (I am a teacher) produces admiration. In Mexico there is a belief that teachers are service providers who did not have a chance in another professional field. Or in the case of the United States, teachers may be sued because they do not comply with a parent’s whim. Due to a long history of Confucianism, China treats education as a pivotal element in society. Without teachers and respect for sages, there is no fabric that unites society. Unity is a key concept of Chinese existence. While the west is mesmerized by economic and corporate gurus, China still considers teachers as strategic persons for social, economical and political development. This is the reason why we must learn from China.

Now, regarding the Sustainability course, it seems that students enjoyed it and understood the value of sustainable development. A subject that was first considered as pure “ecology” became a daily quest of analysis, questions, discovery, and significant learning. I cannot be happier with the results of all students under my wing. That course is both my signature and dedication to students who are brave enough to visualize the importance of travelling to Shanghai, and listening to what the next largest economy has to say to the rest of the planet. To all those students: thank you and congratulations for your valiance.

Last night before the departure

So here I am... packing.

Today was quite emotional since I turned in the final version of the Environment and Sustainability course. Now, it is time to think about giving it that extra "punch" that students love. What has been included in the course? What type of learning materials? Any interesting videos? Any riveting articles and case studies? The only thing I can reveal is that I regard it as a personal endeavor. It is one of the most significant events in my career as a teacher. This course has the potential to be replicated and evangelized. I would like to consider it as one of those surprise hit movies that you never expected they were THAT good (500 days of summer, Pan's Labyrinth, District 9, The Social Network, and The Matrix come to my mind). They are the kind of films you can't wait to watch them with a person who hasn't seen them. I would like to compare myself to the directors of those films who knew they had something amazing, but were not that sure whether they would mesmerize audiences.

Tomorrow will be dedicated to tying "loose knots" regarding the trip to Shanghai. I have to confess that I barely know what awaits in China. The fact of having almost 30 students under my wing implies a gargantuan responsibility. It is a personal commitment to the trust Prepa Tec has given me.

So, less than 60 hours remain before the experience begins.