PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION VIA BLOG

1. Discuss how Modeling and Scaffolding affect in the child’s learning progress.

In its real sense, Modeling and Scaffolding are all types of support. These two plays a vital role in the development of a child’s learning progress.  As defined, modeling is a process of presenting a desired behavior so that it can be imitated by the learner.  Meanwhile, scaffolding is expressed as giving support to a child in order to help accomplish the performance of a task, whereby helping the child to attain its maximum learning potential. 

In association to that of the child’s learning progress, it gives a great impact to the learner. This impact could either be negative or positive that a child can learn or lacks autonomy. However, since modeling focuses on imitation of the performance of an expert, and scaffolding can uses modeling in some aspect, the support that is given by modeling performance and scaffolding should be faded away to help learners become self-reliant.

My View on Vygotsky's Principle of Social Constructivism

Learning and development is a social, collaborative activity

            The key theme of Vygotsky’s principle is that social interaction plays a very essential role in cognitive development. He believed that individual development could not be understood without looking into the social and cultural context within which development happens. Thus, I can say that indeed, learning and development come together. It is a social and collaborative activity. While a particular child is learning, he is also fostering his cognitive skills as well as his relationship with other children that will help him develop a well-rounded personality.

The Zone of Proximal Development can serve as a guide 

for curricular and lesson planning

          Definitely, yes! The zone of proximal development can serve as a guide for curricular and lesson planning. As we all know, this zone represents a learning opportunity where                                                          a knowledgeable adult such as a teacher, parent or more advanced peer can assist the child’s development.  In that case, we can say that it is indeed, a guide for curricular and it needs the aid of what we call scaffolds. In terms of lesson planning, it can also be a guide provided that teachers will be able to set their respective pedagogies on how to further their lesson and as well as to conform to the lesson objectives for  a better learning outcome.                                                                                                                            

My Philosophy As An Educator

     It is my belief that through education, an individual will receive the vital skills and tools that are necessary to build a life that is successful and prosperous.Within an educational setting, students should be continually encouraged to solve their very own problems similar to those that they will encounter outside the classroom and instill in them the necessary skills to become flexible problem-solvers in preparation for their adult lives. I believe that as an educator, it is my duty to ensure that learning takes place in a safe, open and conducive environment, so that students will be able to learn the important aspects of developing and fostering positive relationship with others.

     My decision to pursue a career in teaching is due, in part to my intrinsic desire to make a positive impact to the lives of the children whom I will be teaching. Teaching is a noble and highly rewarding profession in which one is able to directly affect change in the lives of others and I cannot think of a better way to contribute to the betterment of the society. As I continue my journey toward the realization of my dream of becoming a teacher, there have been many people who helped me establish my career goals and objectives, including my friends and family members. As my professors told me, not too soon, I will become a part of the new breed of prolific teachers and I have learned to become matured enough in an environment in which education is considered a paramount to my future success.

     The talent to build meaningful relationships with my students in NSTP and the determination to "go the extra mile" are two more of my strengths as a teacher. I thank God for such opportunity and of course, the COC-Phinma family for the trust that I can handle the task of being a facilitator. This will serve as my training ground to becoming an effective and efficient educator in the near future. Through the development of a relationship that is honest, open and respectful, my students will be able to know that I understand and accept them for who they are. I commit myself to working as hard as necessary and spending much time as necessary to make my students successful both academically and emotionally.

     To conclude, my philosophy as an educator is to instill a passion for learning within my students while providing them with an educational environment that is encouraging and positive. I hope to provide skills and tools necessary for success and foster the individual talent of each student, giving them the confidence to embrace their dreams and make them a reality. In a long run, students will look back on their time with me and remember me as a teacher who genuinely cred for their well-being. My peers will recall me as a professional who was always eager to participate and a mentor who had actively contributed to the growth and development of the school community.

A Major, Major Look: MA. VENUS RAJ

 

“You know what Sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there’s nothing major major, I mean problem that I’ve done in my life because I am confident with my family, I am confident with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I’m here. Thank you, thank you so much!”

- Ma. Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2010 4^th Runner-up

           Sheer ecstasy and wild cheers of the audience thundered as Miss Philippines, Ma. Venus Raj was proclaimed 4^th runner-up in the prestigious search for Miss Universe 2010 pageant in the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seemingly overlooked at her face during her “major-major” answer in the question and answer portion was the verity that her top-five finish was the country’s first since 1999.

          It has been a decade-long drought of the Philippines for not placing in the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant. To recall, it was Miriam Quiambao who placed 1^st runner-up in 1999, Charlene Gonzalez’s top 6 finish in the year 1994, Desiree Verdado and Chiqui Brosas’ 3^rd runner-up and 4^th runner-up rank in year 1984 and 1975, respectively.

         

Just, another Filipina candidate strikingly marked the history making of the recently concluded Miss Universe 2010 pageant. Filipinos from all over the world must be proud of Ma. Venus Raj for a commendable job in representing our country and for being the only Asian candidate to qualify for the semi-final round of 15 up to the Top 5 finish of the  said tilt despite current adversities. Indeed, her victory momentarily diverted the Filipinos from focusing on the Hostage-taking grim in Manila and its aftermath. It served as a brilliant spot in an otherwise gloomy period for our country.

          However, Venus Raj’s trek to this year’s competition was said to be a daunting one, provided with several controversies on her personal life along with the demise of a close friend and coach, Melody Gersbach (Binibining Pilipinas International 2009).

          Now, let us take a peek of Ma. Venus Raj’s “major-major win” in the prestigious search for Miss Universe pageant this year.

VENUS RAJ: BINIBINING PILIPINAS-UNIVERSE 2010

          Following her victory as Miss Bicolandia 2007, Venus represented Legazpi City and competed in the Miss Philippines-Earth 2008 pageant where she was named Miss Philippines-Earth Eco Tourism 2008 and 4^th runner-up to the eventual Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry.

In 2009, Venus joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant but she made it to the 2010 batch of candidates.  She was hailed as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010 on March 6, 2010. Thus, Venus Raj gained the right to represent the Republic of the Philippines as official candidate for the Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant.

THE DETHRONEMENT AND REINSTATEMENT OF THE TITLE AND CROWN

Few weeks after Venus Raj was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010, she was dethroned by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., and citing alleged inconsistencies amid her birth certificate and personal account of her birth. Moreover, Atty. Francis Padua Papica, who sponsored Venus’ college education together with another counsel volunteered to defend her case free of charge. It was through Rafa Delfin, director of the website www.criticalbeauty.com, an appeal was made pertaining to Venus Raj’s situation to the Miss Universe Organization.

          April 10, 2010, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. permitted Venus Raj to reclaim her title due to humanitarian reasons. She was required to legally obtain a valid Philippine passport as substantiation of her true citizenship by the pageant organizers. According to the Department of Foreign Ministry, Venus Raj is a Philippine citizen by virtue of the right of blood (jus sanguinis) principle, a basic right provided by the Philippine Constitution which bestows upon a person the citizenship of his father or mother regardless of where the person was born, thus declaring him of Filipino citizenship. On May 19, 2010, Venus Raj was issued Philippine passport thereby attesting her of Filipino citizenship and reinstated her title.

VENUS RAJ’S JOURNEY TO THE MISS UNIVERSE 2010 PAGEANT

          On August 4, 2010, Venus Raj flew to United States and took part in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant. She was chosen as one of the six delegates who were handpicked for a series of media tour and were scheduled for several television appearances prior to the coronation night in Las Vegas, Nevada. At this juncture, Venus Raj was viewed as one of the most favorites throughout the course of the pageant.  In fact, she garnered a total of 3.54 points in the Miss Universe Official Website, the highest-ever rating for a Filipina candidate. In one event held in Diablos Cantina at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, Venus Raj won in a Chicken Wing Eating Contest, signifying her being a true Filipina and increasing her popularity even more all throughout the run of the pageant.

          August 24, 2010, Filipinos from all over the globe were very ecstatic to witness the grand coronation of the Miss Universe 2010 live at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada and telecast via satellite in ABS-CBN Channel 2 for the Philippines. Everyone was filled with awe and ecstacy when Miss Philippines, Venus Raj consistently made it to the Top 15 and Top 10 spot down to the Top 5 finish of the tilt. During the interview portion, Venus Raj was asked by American actor William Baldwin about the biggest mistake she made in her life and what she did to make it right. With full determination and self-confidence, she replied, “You know what Sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there’s nothing major major, I mean problem that I’ve done in my life because I am confident with my family, I am confident with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I’m here. Thank you, thank you so much!”

By the culmination of the snappy two-hour show, trending topics on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites tackled the controversial answer of Venus Raj. Well, she can’t please everybody and that’s expected. Some of the people praised her while some had even expressed their apprehensions for Venus Raj’s outcome that they expected to bring home the most coveted crown.

          In the end, many who watched at the venue still came away impressed by Venus Raj. She is believed by pageant experts around the world as one of the front-runners for the Miss Universe 2010 crown. Jb Adkins, US franchise holder of the Miss Philippines Earth pageant commented: “I have been watching beauty pageants for many years. I have been here in Las Vegas for two weeks. I witnessed how Venus stood out from the pack. She carried herself well, lit up the room with her mere presence. She is this year’s Miss Universe in my book.”

          Without a doubt, Venus Raj had shattered the decade-long drought of our country for not placing in the prestigious search for the most beautiful woman in the universe. Her controversial answer in the question and answer portion only proves to be a hot topic worldwide, even outshining the popularity of this year’s Miss Universe, Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete. Amidst the bashing and criticisms the Filipina had to go through, in the long run, she was warmly welcomed home by her family and her fellow Filipinos who are major, major proud of her.

References:

·         http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100825-288635/A-major-major-win-nonetheless

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_Raj

·         http://www.starmometer.com/2010/08/24/spotlight-on-miss-philippines-ma-venus-raj/