Godinez Home Learn More Inspiration About the Author |
¿Quien Soy?
I, Talía Godínez, am a native Californiana, Chicana, and daughter of Michoacanos. I embarked on my career in public health, dedicating myself to supporting underserved families in my community and ensuring they received the services they needed. However, in my mid-30s, I stumbled upon a newfound passion for education. This led me to pursue and successfully obtain my teaching credential from Sonoma State University.
Currently, I find myself serving as a dual immersion teacher in Napa. My primary objective is to bridge the gap between Latino families and their children's education. I am determined to facilitate the growth of critical thinkers who take ownership of their own learning. By doing so, I aim to empower both the students and their families, fostering a stronger connection between them and the educational system.
Currently, I find myself serving as a dual immersion teacher in Napa. My primary objective is to bridge the gap between Latino families and their children's education. I am determined to facilitate the growth of critical thinkers who take ownership of their own learning. By doing so, I aim to empower both the students and their families, fostering a stronger connection between them and the educational system.
My Teaching Philosophy
From the start in my role as educator my goal has always to build a strong connection with my students. Not just a whole class community but with individual students. It has always been important for me to get to know them not just a learners but also understand them people and members human community. I make sure to listen to their stories, ask them about their weekends, and how things are going with their extracurricular activities. I want to know who they are and what makes them excited. Even if some lessons go wrong or I am having a bad day, it's very important to me that my students know that I care about them. My connection with my kiddos is my passion.
Reflections on your JourneyBeing a part of the master's program has been instrumental in breaking down barriers that have burdened me since childhood. I vividly recall the first day of class, where I openly discussed my identity as a shy student who was hesitant to share my thoughts. However, being in a small cohort filled with trustworthy individuals has truly aided me in developing confidence. This doesn't mean I've become an overly self-assured person, but it has certainly altered my self-perception.
Historically, I have always harbored self-doubt regarding the quality of my work and how it is perceived by others. Nevertheless, I have learned that sometimes, trusting my instincts and having faith in the passion I invest in something can outweigh the opinions of the world. This transformative journey has taught me this valuable lesson. I am immensely grateful that I made the decision to embark on this action research. It all began as a reflection on my own experiences as a shy Mexican-American girl, but now I see myself in my students. I hope that the research I conducted will empower and cultivate confidence in young Mexicana individuals, enabling them to express their voices and share their unique perspectives. |
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning programThe purpose of life is a life of purpose. - Robert Bryne
If you had asked me a year ago about my plans for the future, I would never have imagined myself embarking on a Masters Program. Initially, my motivation was driven by the desire to advance in the salary scale. However, I now recognize that its value goes far beyond monetary gains. This experience is something I will always treasure and continue to nurture throughout my career. Fortunately, I had the privilege of being surrounded by exceptional educators who had also undergone the same program. Their encouragement played a crucial role, even though my schedule was already packed with various commitments. Despite the challenges, I made the decision to prioritize this opportunity, and looking back, I am immensely grateful that I did. This journey, although relatively swift, has imparted profound lessons about my role as an educator and as a purposeful member of society. It has affirmed and validated my decision to pursue a career in teaching, even at a later stage in life. The experience has instilled hope within me, not only for my own future but also for the future of our students. I must acknowledge the unwavering support of my professors and my cohort throughout this process. Their guidance has been invaluable, and I have gained an abundance of knowledge during my time here. |
TPACK: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
TPACK, which stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the integration of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge in teaching and learning. It highlights the importance of teachers having a deep understanding of how technology can be effectively used to enhance instruction and facilitate meaningful learning experiences for students.
In the context of my action research study, the TPACK framework has been highly beneficial. Regarding the technological aspect, it enabled me to effectively deliver the parent-student workshops. I gained familiarity with the technology needed for surveys, data analysis, and creating visually appealing materials. In terms of pedagogy, I delved deep into teaching methods and instructional strategies for my EL students. TPACK helped me design and deliver engaging workshops for parents and students, utilizing up-to-date and research-based strategies to foster participation. Lastly, concerning content, I ensured that it addressed the unique challenges faced by my ELs and their families, making it relevant to their lives.
Overall, TPACK has provided a framework that supports the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and content for a specific group of people. It has allowed me to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes family engagement and ultimately leads to increased participation in the classroom.
In the context of my action research study, the TPACK framework has been highly beneficial. Regarding the technological aspect, it enabled me to effectively deliver the parent-student workshops. I gained familiarity with the technology needed for surveys, data analysis, and creating visually appealing materials. In terms of pedagogy, I delved deep into teaching methods and instructional strategies for my EL students. TPACK helped me design and deliver engaging workshops for parents and students, utilizing up-to-date and research-based strategies to foster participation. Lastly, concerning content, I ensured that it addressed the unique challenges faced by my ELs and their families, making it relevant to their lives.
Overall, TPACK has provided a framework that supports the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and content for a specific group of people. It has allowed me to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes family engagement and ultimately leads to increased participation in the classroom.