Young & Proud Educators!: Recent Episodes
Young & Proud Educator's Experience
In this podcast, I share my experiences on Education and as a teacher,
#Finances, as I manage my small educator salary and try to invest here and there minding my business!
#Lifestyle, living the life i can afford and travel here and there cheap living!
#Parenting, raising two children (a boy and a girl) with no fatherhood observation experience it will be lit!
AND
# Healthy Living, trying all kinds of things... marathons, vegan, plan-based, swimming etc. I am nervous already!
The experience of an Africa teacher working at the private schools (institutions) in South Africa. The amount of covert racism from the compliments.
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I had a chat with Thanda Xaba also known as Mrs. X. A mother to 5 little girls and a full-time civil engineer. Thanda currently home schools her 5 daughters. She is very passionate about education and pays a lot of attention to her children's education.
We spoke about the following things regarding homeschooling:
Why homeschooling
Curriculum
Assessments
Benefits of Homeschooling
Challenges
Things you need to get started with homeschooling
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Batswana (Lesang and Tebogo represented the country) in Ghana were invited by Dela Michel to speak about their experience in Ghana and Botswana's food, music, culture, people, places and lifestyle. It is an epic and educating discussions. Listen in for more information.
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In this episode, I had a chat with Njabulo Mkize and our conversation touched on the following;
1976 Soweto Uprising Movement.
Making connection between 1976 struggles and current struggles (2021)
The role of the youth (students) in education
Please connect with Njabulo here:
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Mkzee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkize/
Website: https://sakizwenow.wixsite.com/sakizwenow
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We reflect on our two-year stay in Ghana since we landed in January 2019 and we touch on the following;
Our finances
Holidays in Ghana
Running away from Covid-19
Our response to Covid-19, and being safe...
Covid-19 hit home; losing people close to us
Our challenge with South African and Botswana High Commission
Our anxiety to travel back home during Covid-19
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In this episode, I met with the prolific educator from the Kofofiadua in the Eastern Region in Ghana and we spoke about her childhood experience, educational experience, educational journey, the rewards and challenges in the Ghanaian classroom, and how she started her foundation: Gloria Lardi Adakurugu Foundation. Please connect with Gloria Lardi Adakurugu on socials; Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1203495256 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curvydelicious/ Please like, comment, and share.
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In this episode, I had a chat with one of the young and prolific teachers I know in Africa, and she spoke about the EdTech stools she uses in her Spanish and French classes. She mentioned how she uses them for assessment, marking, student engagement, feedback, to excite the students, collaborate with other teachers, and so forth. These are the EdTech tools she spoke about;
Edzpuzzle: https://edpuzzle.com/home
Blooket: https://www.blooket.com/
Wizer: https://www.wizer.me/
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Lekgabe Dihlabi spoke about her background, her parents warning her not to become a teacher, school experience, the school unjust and unfair systems, depression, graduating at the university after 8 years, finding herself and starting to believe in herself, tutoring journey, STEMI, her role at ESKOM Expo, Kgabsy Science Communication Network, teaching during COVID-19 lockdown.
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In this episode, I had a thought-provoking chat with the authors of the newly published book "Anti-racist teaching practices and learning strategies"; Dr. Warren Chalklen and Dr. Gcobani Qambela.
The conversation touches on the following;
The authors' personal relationships as they come from different backgrounds, and how they started talking about issues of race, colonialism, and oppressive systems beyond race.
5 pillars of the book; your reflection (position), lesson planning, teaching strategies, classroom management, and assessment.
How anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and decolonized learning, teaching, and assessment look like.
Please use the following links for purchase and discounts;
Link to purchase: https://warrenchalklen.com/product/anti-racist-teaching-practices-and-learning-strategies-workbook-pdf/
25% off coupon code: Use the coupon: LAUNCH to get a 25% discount on your purchase.
Eventbrite link for Book Launch: https://antiracistteachingpractices.eventbrite.com
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In this episode, I had a chat with Njabulo Mkize and our conversation touched on the following;
Family history and apartheid impact on the family.
The reason why his surname is misspelled; Mkize not Mkhize
His grandfather was a freedom fighter and he was given a life sentence and hanged.
Why he studied history intentionally.
Self-consciousness
Black family silence, collective and transgenerational trauma, the loss of identity, created his own identity, born frees but does not feel free, mental health, and
Writing his book based on the University assignment.
Connect with Njabulo here:
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Mkzee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkize/
Website: https://sakizwenow.wixsite.com/sakizwenow
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A chat with Leoka Mphuti about his experience working in China. We touch on the following themes; Chinese school hours, the relationship between the teacher and the students, challenges working overseas, advantages of working overseas, social life, technology in the classroom, China Vs South African Curriculum, the gaps between the curriculum, remuneration and the takeaways.
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In this episode, I had a chat with a prolific educator and historian; Sanele Ndaba. We dissected the role of private and international schools in Africa or in black communities, and we touched on the following;
How private schools maintain societal inequality; a system that works against black people.
Black representations,
The township survival strategy.
# How schools reproduce power-hungry and sad people.
Why teachers leave the country for "greener pastures",
Covert racism (from the compliments).
The struggle of an African teacher in the private school
Revolutionary teaching, and why black private schools continue to fail in Africa.
Please listen for a more detailed conversation.
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In this episode, I speak to the Artist and Musician, Jo Esko. We discussed the following pointers or themes;
Teacher and student relationship
Discipline in schools (most corporal punishment).
Lack of teaching confidence, creativity, and curiosity activities. Learning was/is just downloading everything in the textbook in your head so you can pass the exam or test.
Time for a change and educate for the future, not the past!
Parents want children to go through what they went through and it is not always the best in the current time,
Exclusion in schools,
There are great educators in the system that educate students about connectivity, create a reflective and creative learning environment, advice and encourage questioning attitude, finding yourself (passion),
Myy experience as a visual art teacher during the national service, and how to respond to the students when you do not the answer without embarrassing them.
Connect with Jo Esko on the following platforms;
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JojoHayfron
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In this episode, I work with my children (Tlatso and Tlotlo) to discuss the top 10 tools I use in my classroom and I make mention if they are active or passive. I looked at the following tools;
Pear Deck https://www.peardeck.com/join
Quizizz https://quizizz.com/
PDF Filler https://www.pdffiller.com/
Book Creator https://bookcreator.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/
Loom https://www.loom.com
Edpuzzle https://edpuzzle.com/
Flipgrid https://info.flipgrid.com/
Whiteboard fi https://whiteboard.fi/
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In this episode, we spoke to Liz Senior a founder at Clamber Club. We discuss the following; the importance of play in children development (sensory-motor development), play is child work, skills that children learn from play (skills; the role of play, rules, fairness, communication, negotiation, explore their environment, problem-solving, judgment, creativity, and imagination). In addition, we speak about the role of play in the technology world, and the opportunities brought by the lockdown at Clamber Club, its history, and franchise opportunities.
Please listen in and share your thoughts!!!
Connect with Liz on the following platforms;
Website; https://clamberclub.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ClamberClubChannel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-senior-9b468b30/
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In the episode, we had a conversation with Thomas about Edtech and its future in education. Our conversation covered the following themes; the impact of technology in schools via teaching and learning, disadvantages of lack of technology in schools and how it affects the students' future jobs, VISAR Labs projects (this is exciting), 3D and VR environment (bring learning and teaching to life), gaps in school systems, connecting schools, universities and employers, and digitizing the chemistry, math, science and life science/biology curriculum. He is open to collaborate with teachers! For more information connect with Thomas on the following platforms; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visar-labs/?originalSubdomain=za Website: https://visar.co.za/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/fihlatv
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In this podcast, we feature a Tech Consultant @ Keanii and we are talking about the role of curiosity in technology, different inventions, and innovations in education, John's projects Qlick Education and Book register, role and power of Technology in schools, how to introduce educators to technology use in the classroom and challenges, why the tablet rollout failed in Gauteng, students-teacher collaboration, and book shortages in schools and how to use technology to solve it (John's project "Book Register"). ICT Implementation in K-12 schools article discussed in the podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ict-implementation-k-12-schools-john-mogatlanyane/?trackingId=ht047%2FwgSsyfiybokgZp7Q%3D%3D Get in touch with John on these platforms; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keanii_tech/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mogatlanyane-011784133/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=1927281944014676&story_fbid=2658645047545025&_rdc=1&_rdr
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Countries are easing the lockdown restrictions and as such schools are reopening in a form of full-time campus or hybrid. What we find common worldwide is that schools are opening for campus learning so they can assess the students; and several assessments are taking place such as Standardised Test, Examinations, and General assessments. In this podcast, we discuss the difference between grading and assessment, and we advise schools which one (grading or assessment) they should embrace as they prepare the students for the future. Please listen in and share your thoughts!
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In this episode, I had a conversation with Debbie Enoue and she shared with us her experience from moving from the Caribbean to English; the unjust school system, racism, unfairness, and bullying she endured living in England as a child. She did several jobs to find herself and finally, she followed her teaching calling. She has been working as a teacher for more than 26 years and she taught at different places such as prisons, primary, secondary, college, and universities. She further gives her advice to the young and experienced educators about teaching, mental health, and relationships in the classroom.
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This episode was inspired by this quote "teachers are like gardeners and students are like flowers". I have spent a few hours thinking about it and how relevant and profound it is. Then I decided to share my thoughts with the Young & Proud Educators Community.
If this is your first time listening; you are welcome and thank you so much for stopping by. The returning listening, you are always appreciated.
Please share your thoughts.
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In this episode, I speak about the challenges of transitioning from a physical classroom to an online class or to teach online. It is a challenging process but worth it! There are so many opportunities and possibilities for learners, teachers, parents, and communities.
Please listen in and share your transitioning journey!
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In this episode, I mention the reasons why the countries; developed or underdeveloped should invest in technology and the internet for the schools. In addition, I suggest that the schools that have not introduced the technology or the internet (bring your own laptop, phone, etc for learning) in their classrooms due to fear of "what might happen" or students' misusing/abusing the internet or technology. I make mention of the importance of the internet and technology in the different classrooms as we go back to school during the pandemic.
Allowing a student to bring a gadget into the classroom or school, is literacy allowing them to use a gadget that is powerful than the one used in the 1960s to send the first person to the moon. Imagine the possibilities!!!
Thank you so much for listening. If this is your first time, please check out other episodes. And the returning listeners, a BIG THANK you to you. Please share the episode in your different circles.
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In this episode, I speak about different strategies to eliminate distraction in an online class/lesson. This strategy can be used when the teacher is giving instructions and requires students to pay attention, and when the teacher is finished, then students can go back to normal viewing where they can see everyone on the screen. Please listen and share strategies you are using in your respective online classes to encourage students' 100% attention.
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In this episode, I speak about teachers' flexibility, grid, growth mindset, resilience, perseverance, passions, dedication, I can do it spirit, life long learning, apply and master the concept in a short period. Teachers have done this during the pandemic where teaching has to completely move online.
Shout out to the teachers in your communities, they are our superheroes!
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In this episode, I had a conversation with Dr. Warren Chalklen and we spoke about education, his teaching journey, passion, how he transformed from being just a teacher, education in Africa, and so forth. Please watch Dr. Warren Chalklen full story here https://youtu.be/M0H-WWCHjzU
Please check out Warren's work here https://warrenchalklen.com/about/
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In this episode, I speak about how YouTube took over and become a great teacher is when the world went on lockdown, schools closed and went online. YouTube has been close to my heart for a long time. I have used YouTube to learn everything from public speaking, conflict management, swimming, preparing for interviews, etc. I also refer my 7-year-old son to Youtube when he asks me a question about things I do not know. How do you use Youtube?
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In this episode, I speak about the future of teaching or work after Covid-19, and I strongly believe that it will remain remote even after the pandemic. We have seen the millennials working from home or freelance before Covid-19 so they can manage their time and remain creative on their crafts. This phenomenon will continue as most people have worked, learn, teach, and most institutions will adopt it as it works for both institutions and individuals. Only the CEO and managers that are obsessed with control, micro-management, and power will continue to make it mandatory for staff/workers to work from the company/institution/office.
Please listen, and share. What are your thoughts?
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In this episode, I speak about the most important skill needed to be successful in completing tasks, projects, daily activities, and making your dream come true. Self-management is a skill that all individuals must learn and master as they navigate life.
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In this episode, I give a full picture of how it looks like to meet parents online during the Parent-Teacher Conference, the advantages, and how this can be adapted in the future. Please listen in and share your thoughts!
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In this episode, we have Dr. Warren Chalklen who is an adjunct professor to discuss schooling and how to disrupt it. To disrupt School positively is when you do what your job requires you to do but go beyond by making the students aware of what is happening in their environment and prepare them for the future.
For more information and work that Dr. Chalklen does, please visit his website https://warrenchalklen.com/about-us/
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In this episode, I discuss how it is easy for an individual to blame students, colleagues, the system etc. And still not see or acknowledge their role. We all have a role to play. What is your role in your students failure?
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In this episode, I discuss the possibilities of being in an overcrowded classroom whilst working in a township or rural or farm school. But does not mean you should settle for average or poor teaching and learning. There is a lot to be done...please listen in for improvisations strategies!!!
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As a new educator, you will have challenges. You will be challenged for graduating at the prestigious University and everyone will expect miracles from you, and you will also be challenged from building the foundation or becoming creative in your teaching and learning. Ignore all the noises and do what you believe in! Weigh in the impact and execute as planned or wished. Remember, you are judging yourself and no one else should judge you!
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In this episode, I discuss different ways to create your own teaching and learning resources so you can continue to change the lives of the young people whom you are responsible for. Teaching is art, it takes the heart, passion and constant persistence to continue regardless.
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In this episode, I am painting a picture of the state of township schools in South Africa. This is not to complain but to give the young and aspiring educators an idea of the environment they are going to work in and to prepare themselves psychological so they can make an impact they envisioned. It takes the heart, dream and persistence to teach in the township school in South Africa.
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What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without judgment. In the classroom or school or home we can teach and practice mindfulness by guiding our children or our students to focus on what they are good at and do it better without judging themselves on the things they cannot do. In short, you are teaching your students to be aware of themselves! Listen it for more...
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Learning is the process where learners engage with the content they are learning using all 5 senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). Therefore, I had to teach in a way that activates the senses and for the students to experience learning not just listening and follow instructions. When such happened, students began to question, analyze, collaborate, evaluate, apply, communicate, create, etc. I believe this is the best way to measure students'learning.
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In this podcast, I discuss how test results are used to measure knowledge, skills, attitudes acquired by the students in the process of learning, and are used as a measure of intelligence. Then the students are grouped based on the test scores for teaching, career guidance, subject choice, and so forth.
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In this episode, I reflect on how much I have learned as a young educator by being involved in all the school's events on and outside the campus. At first, I was not interested but the experienced educators I surrounded myself with encouraged (forced lol) me to take part. I do not regret a moment. Thank you, educators, you really educated me to become a Proflic Educator...
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The only way to become the best teacher, understand your students, and to influence or transform their lives is to build a solid RELATIONSHIP. Relationships are key to success in all sectors; be it business, education, religion, etc.
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As newly trained teachers, we often assume that teaching is one way; teachers teach and students learn. It was never like that; teaching is in two ways, teachers learn from the students so s/he can teach them. There are a lot of dynamics to consider in the process... Listen for more details.
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In this episode, I am reflecting on the good and bad of belonging to a particular group at a school or company.
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Overcrowding is common in most public schools as such it comes with challenges.
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The first time I met my students, teachers, and distributed the resources. It all started at the assembly in the morning ...
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My first impressions of the school. Meeting the school administration lady and The Principal. It was an awesome experience!
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The teaching post-placement by the Gauteng Department of Education.
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In these episodes, I will be reflections on my 10 years of teaching experience; from the public school to private school then international school. It has been a journey and I am so excited!!!
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Self-management: Important skill when working from home
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Expect the following on this podcast...super excited!!!
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