Alternate Teaching Video – TED TALK
Prior to my second practicum placement, my advisor planned for a TED Talk presentation style workshop! The entire year had been filled with group projects and lesson plans, therefore this assignment brought forward a new style of communication information. As well, this project allowed for us to focus on topics that surround the educational world and classroom management.
My partner and I decided to explore the benefits of yoga and meditation and what it brings to the classroom! In our TED Talk video we discussed a variety of topics. My partner, Kayla, discussed the history of yoga and meditation, and how yoga and meditation helps with covid-19, and I explored the benefits yoga and meditation in the classroom for both students and teachers. I found this task extremely beneficial as I was able to explore an activity I enjoy in my daily life, and find the most productive ways to bring it into my teaching and classroom management. I especially liked sharing this knowledge with fellow peers and having an open discussion on the positives effects of Yoga and meditation that we hadn’t even considered.
You can view the TED Talk video we created down below!
Graduate Education Research Conference (GERC)
On April 12th, I was fortunate enough to attend the Graduate Education Research Conference, put on by a variety of post-graduate students at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Education. While all of the presentations were extremely valuable to myself as an educator, one particularly stood out to myself and my philosophy.
Investigating the educational experiences of girls in Tanzania: the efficacy of a girl’s leadership and empowerment program
“This study explored the educational experiences of secondary school girls in Singida, Tanzania and possible strategies to empower women through enhanced self efficacy, agency, and self-advocacy. The effects of a girl’s leadership and empowerment program were assessed considering the potential of scaled-up national programs to change the trajectory of girls’ lives.”
Brianna Jentzel
As one of the first presentations of the day, Brianna Jentzel presented on the “Girl’s Leadership & Empowerment Program,” which is based in Singida, Tanzania. She discussed the motivation for her work and the trip that started it!
Jentzel went to Singida, Tanzania and aided in building up their quality of life, but understood that without a proper education, an improved quality of life was difficult to achieve. She heavily weighed on the fact that women in Tanzania are at a great risk, not only in the country, but throughout the continent. Without a proper education, statistics of child marriage rise, and young girls fall victim. Brianna went on to discuss in detail the economic, socio-cultural, and contextual factors for these secondary school girls’ lack of access to education, and then proceeded to explain new programs being implemented to change this. With this she was determined to create a girl’s leadership and empowerment program herself. Starting with one week, she wanted the program to be after school, for 3-hour sessions. The following two weeks would form a “girls’ club” that would create a community of female empowerment and resources to keep a sustained motion of knowledge and to help it spread.
Understanding the barriers these young women face, it further motivates me to take my privilege and my access to education and share it with others. Following my undergraduate studies, I intend on working in Europe and getting my master’s degree in history, specializing in Early Modern Europe. I will be researching and diving deep into the role of feminism and the powerful female figures that once stood, and those that continue to lead this world prosperously. I aim to use this information to corroborate the power of female leadership and inspire the young girls of new generations. As I plan to teach at a higher education level, I want to get involved in the academic community as much as I can. I desire to put knowledge out into the world through a plethora of outlets. From publishing my writing, to holding workshops that advocate for female unity and activism, I will use my educational and societal privilege to share with others. Above all, I want to reach those, that are not in the same position as I am. With my German and French speaking knowledge, I plan on travelling to communicate and collaborate with people around the world, particularly countries like Tanzania, that show a need for female empowerment. There is so much to share and learn from one another, and I am determined to gain knowledge and to make a difference.
This presentation was captivating and further fuelled my flame to do wonderful work like Jentzel has and will continue to do! I look forward to reading further into her work and what more is to come.
All of Brianna Jentzel’s report on this subject can be accessed through the University of Windsor’s Leddy Library. I encourage you all to check it out at the following link! https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/8505/