Teamwork

So this week's class was probably one of my favorites...since we were semi-outside and the weather on Wednesday was absolutely amazing. The activity that Matt and Chelsee planned was very interactive and is definitely something I'd consider trying with my students next semester, since it really did a lot to engage learning. I also liked the perspective the Decision-Making Assessment brought to us. Like I said in class, I scored highest on Intuitive and Spontaneous equally, and then second highest on Rational, which actually does make a lot of sense for me. I like to live in the moment and oftentimes make quick decisions just based off of my feelings, but I don't entirely disregard the facts and I do consider situational factors as well that may influence my decision. So while I do make quick decisions, I do have some rationality behind them most of the time. My lowest were Dependent and Avoidant. Like I said in class, I don't really rely on others for help much and I'm fairly independent. I will provide support and guidance to others and like to spend time with lots of people pretty much all of the time, but when it comes to making personal decisions, I like to be very independent. I guess it comes from never really looking up to too many people when I was young. My second lowest was Avoidant, even though there are some things (like a five page research paper that's due tomorrow...that I started and finished today) I will wait a while before doing. Although I don't consider myself a procrastinator...I don't necessarily put it off, I just need pressure before I can do certain things, such as writing a paper.
The two questions we were asked for accountability were in what positive ways do we contribute to groups we are a part of, and what's a way we can improve. I believe the best way I contribute to a group is through enthusiasm and positive attitude. During my Cyclone Aide overnight retreat when we were writing positive qualities on everybody's back, my most consistent feedback was stuff like "Great energy" "Love the enthusiasm" "Your positivity and enthusiasm are contagious". I always try to be enthusiastic about everything (although it can be a bit overbearing for some people). One way I could improve is by allowing others to contribute or share their ideas. As I've shared before, oftentimes I have a tendency to take charge and overshadow people who may not be as dominant or might not be as willing to verbalize their ideas. I know as a Peer Mentor next year I'll have to make extra effort to include students who might not necassarily want to speak up right away.
Yay! I actually did my entry before Sunday ended. VEISHEA's coming up next week. Who's excited? The semester's nearly over. I can't wait for this summer and then next fall when we get to welcome the 2010 class of Hixsons!