Native Language Essay: Spanish

Spanish is not my Native Language

Challenges of an English Language Learner

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The first language I learned, and became proficient in, is Spanish.  During my childhood, and early educational development, Spanish was the primary language of communication, it being used for talking, speaking, reading, and writing.  Spanish was used at home, in school, and in the community.

The second language I learned, and became proficient in, is English.  Since my teenage years, and secondary/post-secondary educational development, English has been the primary language of communication, it being used for talking, speaking, reading, and writing.  English was used at home, in school, and in the community.

My first language is Spanish, and my second language is English, but neither language is my native language.  My native language is Nahuatl, and I am not proficient in it.  It has not been a part of my life or education, and has not been used for talking, speaking, reading, and writing.  Nahuatl has not been used at home, in school, or in the community.

This is a challenge to me as a Hispanic Latin-American, to learn and become proficient in my native language.  A language which if not learned, will be forgotten.  Learning my native language will allow me to abridge the abyss that has been carved since the time that my native land welcomed those who immigrated from other lands of the world.  A Hispanic Latin-American culture has emerged over the last 500 years, but it did not originate then, it originated when the sun first rose.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Mathematics 2

Continuation of Mathematics

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The limit of our school year will soon be reached.  The time has come to do an evaluation of the material we have reviewed with our students throughout the year.  This evaluation will allow students to know how their understanding of what they have learned measures in accuracy and competency.  The same evaluation will also allow educators to know how the material they have presented for their students to learn has been understood with both accuracy and competency.  It is important for teachers and students to do a thorough evaluation of the learning that has taken place before the limit of the school year is reached.

Mathematics

Having established a number system, having studied this number system, and having observed the patterns that emerge as numbers in this system are studied, will help us to establish a solid foundation upon which to build our study of mathematics.  With a solid foundation having been established, we can then continue on to the further development of mathematics.  We can begin to apply numeric concepts to help us study and understand from simple to complex systems.

Continuation of Mathematics

The introduction of students to mathematics is covered in three areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.  These three areas are the first building blocks that students should master when they begin to study mathematics.  Students who have demonstrated understanding and can show competency in these three areas should be encouraged to continue their study of mathematics by learning subjects such as Trigonometry, Analysis, Statistics, and Calculus.

Mathematics has the characteristic of reaching across many areas of instruction, fields of study, professional careers, and it is internationally know.  The study of mathematics provides students the skills and abilities to organize their thoughts so they may solve problems that can challenge our lives.  As students are introduced to mathematics, they should also be encouraged to continue the study of this universal, cultural, cross-curricular, multifaceted area of their educational development.

From early on in their educational lives, we as educators should establish an interest in our students to study mathematics.  Our students should be encouraged to continually develop and expand their understanding of the subject areas which make up the subject matter contained in mathematics.  From learning to count with our fingers, to using our fingers for the design and development of tools and machinery, from adding and subtracting to differentiating and approximating, from basic skills to complex interactions, mathematics will forever remain as one of the fundamental areas in our education.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Mathematics

Introduction to Mathematics

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

We are reaching the limit of our school year, and we must take time to review the material that has been presented to our learners so they may study and learn from it.  Students should have an understanding of the material that we have presented to them this school year.  Students will benefit in their understanding of the material if they are to apply what they have learned, and further develop critical thinking skills based on their education thus far.

Mathematics

Defining mathematics requires the establishment of a number system.  Numbers must be established before we can begin to define mathematics.  Mathematics can be defined at its foundation as the study of numbers.  How numbers are defined, arranged, and the patterns they form.  How numbers interact when performing specific functions and operations, and the results they provide. 

Introduction to Mathematics

Students are introduced to mathematics through instruction in the following three areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.  Arithmetic introduces students to numbers and counting concepts. Algebra introduces students to groupings and operations of arithmetic.  Geometry introduces students to space and dimensions by presenting figures and shapes for study.

Instruction should be presented in a balanced format that allows for presentation by age, grade and skill level.  The measurement of comprehension in mathematics should be measured in the following four areas: Single Problem - Single Solution, Single Problem - Multiple Solutions, Multiple Problems - Single Solution, and Multiple Problems- Multiple Solutions.  Application of the areas that are introduced in mathematics include arts, currency, distance, engineering, science, and time.

We should establish in students an interest in mathematics early on.  We should continue our student's the development of mathematics.  We should expand our student's understanding of mathematics.  We should introduce students to the various specific areas of mathematics, so that they may have a diverse  exposure and understanding of the subject of mathematics.  It is also our responsibility as educators to allow for the exploration and development of mathematical thought in our students, for this will lead to the growth and expansion of the continuation into further mathematics.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Science 2

Universal & Environmental

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

We are arriving to the end of the school year.  As educators, it is important that we make time to look back at what has taken place in our classrooms, as well as look ahead to what we might be facing next year.  The learning that has taken place must be reviewed so we may serve our students further by examining their understanding and comprehension.  Science is a mayor focus of education, and it must be defined and explore as we present scientific concepts to our students.

Science

The challenges we face when presenting science to our students lies in the many individual areas of study that together make up the sciences.  We attempt to group areas of study which share many similar commonalities, however all sciences are interconnected and can be applicable to other areas.  One can focus on archaeology and vulcanology,  yet both in time may come to an area where they eventually merge and overlap.   Universal and Environmental are two words that can help us define the areas of Natural Science.  Developing an understanding of these areas can help our students grow as scientist, and as such, develop their own comprehension of the importance of these scientific concepts.

Universal

Natural science is universal.  The study of the universe, from galaxies to systems, is the largest of all the sciences, based primarily on the physical nature of the universe.  As educators we can approach the education of this area by teaching our students and encouraging them to learn from astronomy to geology.  The formation of the earth and the formation of the universe should be studied by our learners so they may develop an understanding and appreciation for all we have, the space where we exist, and the time it has taken for it to become today.  We are part of the universe and in turn that makes the universe alive.  It is forever changing, and very little is available as knowledge to us today.  Student's should develop an understanding of earth and the universe, and learn to apply this knowledge to develop growth in understanding of this area.

Environmental

Natural science is environmental.  The study of the environment, and its capability for supporting life can prepare us to face the changes we face in the environment in which we live.  Two areas of study which we could present for students to learn are geography and climatology.  Students should be encouraged to further their understanding of the environment.  Their knowledge in this area will help them understand past environmental events, present environmental concerns, and future environmental dangers which may result in the loss of life support.  As educators we should encourage learners to study the environment, and the scientific areas which address it.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Science

Composition & Movement

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The school year is ending and as educators it is important that we take time to review the learning that has taken place in our schools.  We should take a look back to what has taken place throughout the school year, as well as look ahead to the next year.  We focus on science by defining it and exploring the mayor components of it as we present these concepts in our classrooms.

Science

Defining science proves to be a challenge due to the wide range of specific areas that it covers.  From astronomy to zoology, the areas that fall under the category of science are each unique in their own form and field, yet they share many common strands that connect even those areas where there may seem to be nothing in common.  We focus on the area of physical science, which can be defined by two words: Composition and Movement.  Our students should be developing and understanding of these scientific concepts, as well as a comprehension of the importance of such scientific concepts.

Composition

The composition aspect of physical science attempts to best describe what makes up all that surrounds us.  To give two specific examples, composition can be defined as cells and atoms.  The most common approach for educating our students in the composition of physical science is through the subjects of biology and chemistry.  Students should learn and apply the concepts learn in these areas to every day events, as we continuously see and experience examples of these.  Students who gain understanding into the composition of physical science should become aware that this knowledge is not limited to cells and atoms, as these two examples, after further study, allow students to realize they are also composed of many other parts.

Movement

The movement aspect of physical science attempts to best describe the motion of that which surrounds us.  To give two specific examples, movement can be defined by the forces and actions that result from these forces.  The most common approach for educating students in the movement of physical science is through the subject of physics.  Students should learn and apply the forces and actions that result in movement to events they experience in their daily lives.  Students who gain an understanding of the movement aspect of physical science should also gain an understanding of the effects that forces and actions have, as well as how to apply them.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Humanities 2

Philosophy & Government

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

Our school year is closing, and the development of our students, in the humanities, is worth taking a look.  Students should develop the philosophical and governmental components which are part of humanities.  This school year, our students should have develop these two aspects which are beneficial to those who know and understand them.  Students should be able to demonstrate their own thoughts and ideas as well as present them by sharing them with others.  With student growth in philosophy and government, the student can demonstrate they are preparing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.

Humanities

Humanities can be defined as the roots that grow within humans, whose branches expand to form a plant.  Human activity and interaction can be understood through the study of humanities.  Our understanding of these activities and interactions can be helpful in educating our students to become better learners.  By learning how people act and interact, we can learn what is good for the development of students.  The humanities are composed of many aspects, each reflective of human thought, and the effect it has had throughout the development of societies.  Philosophy and government are two important aspects for students to learn and develop.

Philosophy

Students should be thinkers who use what they have learned and study to become better students, and share their thoughts with others so they may benefit from what they have learned.  Philosophy is a love of learning that students should develop as they accumulate knowledge and understanding.  By demonstrating that they understand the knowledge they have accumulated, students show their philosophies.  Each student will develop a unique philosophy based on their own interpretation of what they learn.  Their philosophies should be as solid and firm as their knowledge and understanding are.  Philosophy is beneficial for the development of students as learners, because it can help develop a love of learning that allows them to become better students.

Government

From the time we are born, we come to know that there are those who are older that us.  They were born before us, and as a result they are older than us.  But as we grow, we learn that we have a place between those who are older that us, as well as those who are born after us, and are therefore younger than us.  Time teaches us that as time passes, those who are older than us begins to dwindle, and those who are younger that us begins to grow.  Yet us, those older than us, and those younger than us, can see the need to have guidance.  This guidance is demonstrated by humans in the form of government.  People can agree to be lead, and people can agree to the direction in which they will be led, and in doing so, people agree to be governed.  Demonstrating an understanding of government shows that our students know that leadership from the individual, to the classroom, to the school, and the world is needed to provide guidance and stability.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Humanities

History & Culture

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The closing of the school year is approaching and it worth taking a look at the humanities development of our students.  We begin by focusing on the historical and cultural development which has taken place so far this year.  Starting with defining Humanities, History, and Culture, and ending with the application and demonstration of the knowledge gained by the learners; educators can measure the progress students have made in the classroom, and this will be helpful in preparing both learners and educators for the summer and into the next year school year.

Humanities

To define humanities we need but to look at the root word: Human.  Humans are the root of humanities.  Student development in the humanities allows our learners to understand human activity and interaction.  We acquire our understanding of human activities and interactions through the study of humanities.  As educators we experience the need to develop good humanistic skills by being present in our classrooms.  We see first hand the development of student interaction and student activity in our classrooms.  As educators, we hope that the development of students in our classrooms allows them to become better learners. 

History

History is everything that has taken place from the beginning up until now.  History is remembered, recorded, and retold today, so that we may see what could come tomorrow.  History prepares us for the future.  History allows students to learn of the events that have taken place throughout time.  How we as humans have come to have a global influence, and how that influence flows from the most remote parts of the globe.  We learn from what we have experienced, we learn from what we have lived through.  The development of historical knowledge by our students leads to a better understanding of our standing, as humans, in the world.

Culture

Culture is constructed from the commonalities that humans agree to hang on to.  Humans have constructed cultures of various sizes, in many places, at different periods of time.  Cultures can be constructed on a single agreeable commonality, or multiple agreeable commonalities.  Throughout time cultures have been constructed and destroyed, forgotten and found, preserved and protected.  Culture can bind humans together and allow them to develop great civilizations.  Culture can also lead to conflict where there can be no establishment of communication.  Cultures with clear lines of communication tend to demonstrate success, and this should be demonstrated in our students ability to communicate as a group whose commonality is to learn.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Language 2

Speaking & Talking

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

We are approaching the close of the school year and we are taking a look at the language development of our learners.  We have looked at the development of reading and writing, and now we take a look at the skills of speaking and talking.  This is done by defining Language, Speaking, and Talking.  These definitions are then applied to the level of skill our students have develop and can demonstrate.  This development and demonstration by our students, lets us, as educators, learn from what we have taught.  This process allows us to see the growth that our learners have done over the school year, and can help us further prepare them for the challenges they will face as they continue in their educational path.

Language

Language is the communication skills developed by learners.  These communication skills are diverse, and our students develop them and demonstrate them, each as best they can.  Each student arrived with a unique level of language development at the start of the year, and now, that development should be reflective of what they have learned up to now.  What they have learned should be reflective of what we have taught them.  Differences between what has been learned, and what has been taught, are to be expected and anticipated, for sometimes skill development and demonstration of skill can go beyond what has been taught.

Speaking

Speaking is a communication skill that we develop to express in an auditory manner.  We hear sounds and feel vibrations that we try to replicate.  Speaking allows us to express our thoughts and ideas directly into audio, allowing others to hear our speech.  Speech can then be preserved by the tools of technology which we have like writing, recording, and publishing.  Speech can also be broadcast and shared with those whom we are able to reach through various means of communication.  Having our students develop their speaking skills will help aid the growth of language.

Talking

Talking is a communication skill that we develop to engage with others.  Talking helps us engage in conversation so we may exchange ideas and thoughts by speaking to one another.  When we talk we must alternate between speaking and listening, and because of this, talking is a skill which should help us develop a balance as we speak and listen.  It also requires us to develop processing skills so that we may accurately express what we say and understand what we hear.  Having our students develop their talking skills will help aid the growth of language.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Language

Reading & Writing

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

As we approach the close of the school year, it is worth taking a look at the language development of our learners, language development in the skills of reading and writing.  We do this by looking at the definitions of Language, Reading, and Writing, and applying these definitions to the level of skill that our learners have develop and can demonstrate.  We do this for the purpose of studying what we, as educators, have taught our learners.  We do this to see the growth that our learners have done, so that it may also be seen by learners, educators, and others who have worked in the language development of our learners.

Language

We define language as the communication skills developed by learners.  These skills are diverse and developed differently by each of our students.  Each learner arrived to our classroom this year with a unique level of language development.  By now, those students should be at a higher language development level than they were at when the school year started.  Their communication skills should have increased as our students learn from us this year.  Two important language skills to focus on are reading and writing.

Reading

Reading is a communication skill that we develop by having access to diverse material that is age and grade level appropriate.  It is also developed by introducing and increasing the vocabulary of our learners.  Students should be able to read material that is suitable for their age and grade, and be able to show that they understood and comprehend the material they have read.  Reading is an essential skill for students to develop for most of the information and knowledge which we have is accessible as reading material.  It is because of this that reading should be matched with writing.

Writing

Writing is a communication skill that we develop for the purpose of expressing our thoughts and ideas so they may be presented to others for evaluation, interpretation, and clarification.  Technology has allow us to no longer limit our writing skills to calligraphy and penmanship.  We are now also in need to develop typing, formatting, and printing as new language writing skills.  Writing becomes reading material, and reading material in turn inspires writing.  It is because of this that reading and writing should be amongst the primary language skills that our students should develop.

Copyright 2012.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.