|
Untitled Document
House of Uhuru Course Report - June 2009
Instructors: Klavdia and Becky, Ethan and David
Beginning Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Graduation Date: Thursday, July 2, 2009
This session at Uhuru was a big success. The class began with 13 students, and all but one graduated. Sadly, the short 6-week session isn't really enough time to give them all the technical skills they'll need to compete in the job market, but this isn't the goal of the curriculum. It's designed to spark any interest that may be there and to take away the "intimidation factor" of computers. In those respects, it was very successful. The curriculum was also very effective in imparting life skills to the students. Throughout the course, students wrote an outline, a 500-word paper, and gave a presentation -- skills that will never become out of date, even if the computers skills they learned eventually will. More than in previous sessions I've taught, the instructors also went beyond the lesson plan to convey additional messages to the students, most notably about valuing their time.
Three of the four instructors had prior experience, something which really benefited the students. And, although there was a wider range computer skills than usual, the instructors were able to effectively organize the class so that everyone would stay engaged. This was done primarily by having the more advanced students help those with less experience, but also through the use of groups.
However, that's not to say the session was without problems, but these were minor and had to do primarily with equipment failure, which, though a shame, really doesn't speak to the character of the session or the students.
Like always, the students were better than any teachers could ask for-- enthusiastic, thankful, cooperative, and helpful to their peers. Only one student (Marcel) presented a problem and, in the end, he ended up experiencing the biggest transformation.
Marcel started the session disengaged because he knew most of the material (he was young and had used computers on a day-to-day basis before being incarcerated) and he didn't particularly want to be in the class. For the most part, he just didn't participate, though he was also a distraction for others at times and he broke a few rules. Of course, he was given multiple stern warnings and, eventually, he cleaned up his act. He started assisting others in class and working harder on his own assignments. The instructors were worried that he wouldn't finish his paper or meet the minimum word requirement, but, much to their surprise, he ended up writing one of the longest papers in the class. Upon presenting his story and goals, almost moved the instructors to tears. When it came time to pick a presenter for graduation, the majority of the class wanted him to do it, though he declined because he was too nervous.
Another student who benefited drastically from this course was Paulette. She was one of the older students and had no computer experience. She had trouble hearing what the instructors were saying and seeing what was on the computer screen. She was also very shy. By the end of the course, however, Paulette had masted the majority of the material, material which will definitely help her in the field she wants to pursue, medical dictation. Also, Paulette was nervous about giving her presentation throughout the session but, when the time finally came, all the other students cheered her on and she presented to great reception.
In addition to those mentioned explicitly above, I know that the CDD class greatly benefited all the students, who will now have a more solid foundation on which to build their futures.
I'm proud to be part of an organization that does so much good and I'm proud to be a part of these students' lives.
Course Reports
201220112010200920082007200620052004
201220112010200920082007200620052004
20112010200920082007200620052004
|
|
