May 1,1980
DFF: #25
#23
In the beginning of class, each student was presented with an "SW" button. Dr. J. introduced the class to a new term, "Cognomen" which describes the role of the SW. "Cognomen" is the collective name for a reporter for something. In our case, Dr. J. used the analogy that a sponge represents the-culture of our society, which reflects the social behaviors of people. As SW's, we are the reporters of society explaining what the sponges are doing.
To further clarify this theory, Dr. James broke the explanation into five sentences:
1. Culture makes possible community daily round.
2. ...This furnishes the means for collective evolution.
3. ... This has a spiritual role (how long the sun will last)-we're doomed (negative theory), community building has a spiritual goal.
4. ...The SW is reporter of the sponges movement
5. ...SW provides society with a cognitive map for the Dr. Therefore, the SW is the essential component of community awakening.
For the remainder of the class time, were allowed to get together in our quartile teams to work on the completion of bur folders. In my opinions, this extra time has really helped us out. We are able to discuss collectively how each individual is progressing in their work and help each other out. We feel that we have come close to completing at least the 80% of our work.
May l, 1980
DFF's #26
#23
Dr. J began today's class with a short discussion on the possibilities of another war. He mentioned that there are several people who are over-looking the situation and are pessimistic to the fact that one could reoccur. He stressed that those individuals should start opening their eyes to reality and prevent themselves from believing that it can't happen again.
Dr. J. then made an announcement that the generation of Spring 1980 will be the last to use the ID number system. His reasoning is that the numbers function as a barrier to learning. I agree with this theory especially in the community- classroom. The community-classroom is designed so that there are closer relationships within the class members and staff; names, rather than numbers should be used,
For our lecture topic, Dr. J discussed "Mining Community Resources. n He gave us the various "learnings" and "feelings" which he derived from the Discharge Reports to illustrate that I am the community resource; data available as a resource, By studying to be an SW, that in itself is a resource for the community. In regards to the data he collected from the Discharge Reports, Dr. J derived four basic "Learnings" which he felt the majority of the students witnessed during the course of the semester (l) new ideas and terms, (2) becoming a better student (3) more awareness of daily social settings (what affects them inside) (4) Learn to have more control (understanding). Under the category of "Feelings" towards the course, Dr. J discovered that the students (l) appreciate useful skills (2)like social atmosphere (3) enjoy cooperative work (4) amount of work is too much.
Dr. J. then demonstrated an Evolution Timeline which represented three stages of the instructional frames of the community: (l) Intentionally (2) Generationality (3) Organicity,
May 8,1980
DFFs #265
#23
Today Dr. James discussed the Evidence for Social Psychological Education, He views the Community-Classroom as an opportunity for "Cross-Age Socializing." Dr. J. believes that in our society, there is a distinct barrier between the elderly and the youth. People tend to hold a myth that the old degenerate."
In my DR, I have experienced several situations where stereotypes of old people being "senile", "absent-minded", "helpless", "dirty old men", and "old bags" contribute to the Negative Emotions people have towards the elderly. I myself have often used several of these terms without thinking of what is coming out of my mouth. Deep within me I respect and love old people. I feel comfortable and important when I'm communicating with the elderly because I believe I'm gaining some of the knowledge and experience they have obtained throughout their lives. They need people to love them and care for them; the problem lies in our Standardized Imaginings of growing old and by thinking in negative ways, we feel we may prevent ourselves from becoming that way. An interesting topic!
Dr. James then brought out three basic issues which he derived from the most recent DFF's and also the Discharge Reports regarding the Community-Classroom:
1. Is it worth it?
2. Is it a lot of work?
3. Why does it work?
Dr. J then called various individuals to give their opinions on the three issues brought out. There was a lot of friction in-the class atmosphere dealing with the second statement. After several minutes of each side attempting to prove their side of the argument, Dr. Gordon brought out a very good point that it really doesn't matter whether there was a lot of work; the main factor is what we have all gained from the work. In my opinion, I feel there was a lot of work; at times it was very difficult for me to keep up. However, in the aftermath of it all, I feel the work helped me to gain better insight into the concepts we were learning.