MIT is using a new approach to teaching traditionally lecture-style classes. Instead of teaching 100+ students in one sitting, the classes are split into smaller, more manageable units. Common sense strikes again.

This is an idea I’ve had since I gave my first-ever traditional lecture to 93 students in the Introduction to Database Management course. I had their attention for the first few classes, but as the semester continued, it became more and more difficult to keep their attention. While teaching these classes, I always wanted to split them into four smaller classes and deliver lectures to each individual class at different times. This would, however, increase the lecture and contact hours considerably. But is that a bad thing?

I didn’t do it then, but I am reconsidering it now.

NYTimes: At M.I.T., Large Lectures Are Going the Way of the Blackboard

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/us/13physics.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=MIT&st=cse

Applications are now available for summer and long-term volunteer programs with VIA (Volunteers in Asia) in seven countries in East and Southeast Asia. Applications for all programs will be accepted from January 1 to February 6, 2009 and can be downloaded from www.viaprograms.org.

VIA offers two types of programs:

1. Summer Programs – for undergraduates or graduates

VIA has four summer programs in China, Indonesia and Vietnam that focus on cultural exchange. These are small group programs designed for college undergrads but open to all US-resident adults.

• Bali Service-Learning Program (Indonesia) — Live with Balinese families, study language and culture and volunteer in the community and with local non-profits.
• Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (China) –Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine while sharing perspectives about Western Medicine.
• Teach-in-Hue (Vietnam) — Learn about Vietnamese culture and development while teaching English and volunteering at local non-profits.
• Viet-Am (Vietnam) — Explore your Vietnamese-American heritage while teaching English and learning about community development.

Summer program fees range from $500 to $2400 and include training, accommodation, staff support, insurance, and more. Program fees exclude international airfare. VIA offers financial assistance to reduce the program fee for those who qualify.

2. Long-Term Volunteer Positions – for anyone with a BA by summer 2009

VIA offers year-long (extendable) volunteer positions teaching English and/or working with community non-profit organizations in the following countries:

* Cambodia
* China
* Indonesia
* Laos
* Myanmar
* Thailand
* Vietnam

For long-term volunteer positions, you must be a US resident and you must have a BA by summer 2009, but you need not have Asian language skills. Visit www.viaprograms.org for details.

Program fee for the long-term volunteer positions is $2000 and includes extensive training, housing, living stipend, travel within Asia and back to the US, insurance, and much more. Program fee excludes initial flight from US to Thailand (for training), plus other miscellaneous expenses. VIA offers a few select fellowships. VIA also offers financial assistance to reduce the program fee for those who qualify.

What is VIA?

VIA (Volunteers in Asia) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization headquartered in San Francisco that aims to increase understanding between the US and Asia through programs promoting cross-cultural education and service. For more information, please visit the VIA website at www.viaprograms.org or e-mail us at info@viaprograms.org.

Today, I read an article by Thomas Friedman about his thoughts on education. It’s brief and insightful, but for those in education, it will seem like common sense. I understand his sentiments for wanting to keep U.S.-trained foreign students in the U.S., but don’t fully agree. I’m all for giving graduates the option to stay and work, but their home countries need expertise and development as well- which would reduce dependence on foreign investment-aid and move to a more collaborative partnership. But do they have the infrastructure? Chicken and the egg… The suggested recommendations could be applied anywhere.

NYTimes: Tax Cuts for Teachers

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/opinion/11friedman.html?em

It’s the “hypothetical” question that is often asked when talking about work, but why does it have to be “hypothetical”?

Is it such a difficult question to answer? Is it impossible to have a job that you love? Think about it. We spend, on average, 8 hours a day at work. Why not get a job that you love?

A dear friend of mine made the same connection with beds because throughout my college years I slept on okay beds, air mattresses, or the ground. (I like the ground, though…) Then one day, the conversation came up again and he made the point that people spend at least 6-10 hours in bed each night. Laying in the same place all night. Ideally, I would prefer 10 hours (and today, I did sleep 10 hours =D and I make no apologies because I woke up happier and more productive). The following weekend, I went bed shopping- my first grown-up bed. I spent about $300 on it, which, to me, is a lot of money. That sum actually bloomed because I bought other things to accessorize my room because I believe that you can’t half-ass a purchase like that. The whole room had to change. And it did. It felt comfortable and I fell asleep easily and woke up loving each morning. The bed was the answer.

If that was the answer to sleep, think about how that can translate into the 8+ hours of your working day. You owe it to yourself to do the work that makes you happy and in an environment that you are comfortable to be in. When you have that, you’ll be able to do so much more, and live, instead of survive.

That doesn’t mean that you will never, ever, encounter problems again- but at least you’ll be physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually equipped to handle that problem.

What’s my ideal job?

I love working with people. I love teaching. I love education. I love personal development- not just my own, but also helping people to realize their full potential. That’s where you’ll find me.