Vision for my kids

My kids are grade 6 students at the age of 11 and 12 years old. They are from Tran Binh Trong and Truong Hoa secondary schools in Hoa Thanh district, Tay Ninh province, Vietnam. Most of their parents are labourers. I’m teaching 4 classes here. Two of them are my main classes (5 periods per week). For the other two, I teach only 2 elective periods per week. 

Where do they stand now?

Most of them are absolute beginners in English with some exceptions of a very few who have learnt English at their primary schools. 

Long-term vision - What do I want to be true for my kids in 15 years?

I want my kids to have compassionate hearts and wise minds. 

I want them to lead happy, healthy and mindful lives. 

I want my kids to see beyond the illusion of this material world and progressing on the path of spiritual development.

Short-term vision - What do I want to be true for my kids in 1 year?

I want my kids to enjoy learning in a joyful and friendly environment. I want them to be calm, strong and compassionate children with a growth mindset. By the end of the school year, I want my kids to be able to communicate in basic English with confidence. 

T fence, a solution for controlling coastal erosion

Nhung has just sent me the link to the Golden Kite award documentary about T-fence as a solution for controlling coastal erosion. Glad to see that as it reminds me of the time working for the GIZ project in Soc Trang. There is a short of time-lapse movie integrated in this documentary about T-fence construction in Vinh Chau. I still remember that Rebecca filmed the 2-minute video for 3 days in 2012; Paul was also there with us...

“T-fence – a solution for controlling coastal erosion in the Mekong Delta” is awarded as Golden Kite of 2016 by Vietnam Cinema Association. The film was co- produced in 2016 by National Studio for Documentary and Scientific film (DSF) and GIZ with support from the governments of Australia and Germany and Viet Nam."

Teach for Vietnam - Summer Institute Prework

"The coming week is the week when you commence this new and exciting chapter in your lives. Going forward, you will potentially be changing life paths for several stakeholders and even yourself. In light of the spirit of our upcoming leadership journey, I would like you to embrace this pre-work as

A nudge, to get you thinking…
Experience,  the potential impacts of transformational teaching…
Understand, the stakes and landscape of educational in Vietnam
Observe, the relationship between how teachers operate and how students grow
GET READY, to be transformational teacher leaders!"

~ Kriti Thakur & Guillaume Dallemagne

PART I. EXPLORING TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING

"We aren't just teachers, we are driven individuals who will be using teaching as a medium to put kids on transformational learning paths. Before we embark on our journey, let’s explore some classrooms where kids learn, grow leaps and bounds.

Whilst you review the videos, I urge you to make notes on Teacher’s Actions and Student’s Actions.  Observe what the learning environment, the voices, the actions and the feelings are.

Watch the video here then reflect by answering the following questions."

What stands out in this class room?

What stands out in this class room is the excitement, positive energy, dynamic of the students and the atmosphere in the class.

How was this learning experience different/ similar to yours?

This learning experience was more dynamic, full of vitality, and happiness while our old traditional schools were more serious and did not have much fun as this.

“I want you to be thinking , imagine a better solution “ WHY I am giving you one question per team - more brains to think together” What student outcomes do you think this resulted in ?

Student would be more creative in finding solutions and they would cooperate, discuss with each other to do this teamwork.

How are students perceiving their leaning and growth ( with evidences)

Students say that they are a better person thanks to the teacher, not only their study results are improving but also in terms of their personality.

What core values do you see embodied by both students and teachers?

The core values embodied by both students and teachers are Positive Thinking, Creativity or Creative thinking (thinking outside of the box), Kindness.

What behaviours outside of the classroom might this fellow need to practise in order to achieve these results?

I think she has empowered her students with positive thinking and has building up the confidence and sense of possibility in her students.

Are students critically thinking & engaging in real and meaningful discourse throughout the lesson cycle? ( Give evidence)

Yes, they are. They are encouraged to speak out of their own opinions and to find better solutions of their own for a problem.

PART II. EXPLORING THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE

Please read the following articles :

Article 1.
Article 2.

You may reflect on the following questions.

What can you conclude from your reading with respect to the great scores that Vietnam achieved on the standardized tests in 2013

Personally, I think the great scores that Vietnam achieved on the standardized tests in 2013 did not fully reflect the reality of our educational system. As Mr. Bodewig from World Bank pointed out, the score may be impressive, partly because of the fact that many poor students drop-out of schools.

What are potential solutions to solve the high drop-out rates?What can you bring to that problem by being a Teach For Vietnam fellow?

I think most of the causes for this high drop-out rates are economic related, especially in those poor and marginal areas of Vietnam. Therefore, government should have policies to encourage children coming to school, such as subsidizing on universal education (free education for at least in the 12K education system, or at least for children in the disadvantaged areas). Of-course, the strategic plan in a long-run should also encompass sustainable development in these areas. 

By being a Teach for Vietnam fellow, we can try to make the learning experiences enjoyable, fun, attractive and useful for students so that they love to come to school. We can also try to build the positive culture and environment within the class, the school and extending into the community as a whole.

What can explain that a country with 1,600$ of GDP per capita outperforms a country with 40,000$ of GDP per capita on standardized tests?Take into account the economic, cultural and social dimensions of the problem.

The standardized tests show that the intellectual potential is there, regardless of economic levels among country. However, it could not fully reflect the reality of inequality in education within the country.

What general picture do you derive from your reading regarding the inequality in Vietnam?Mention your 3 main takeaways.

Much of educational inequality in Vietnam stems from wealth disparities in children making the transition from lower secondary to upper secondary school, and then completing upper secondary school. 

No gender inequality in education. Actually, females have a slight advantage. Surprisingly little inequality by urban or rural residence. 

The additional costs to private tutoring or “shadow” education may keep poor families from competing in secondary schools.

What solutions or changes does the Leadership Development Fellowship bring to that situation?The list in non-exhaustive.

The Leadership Development Fellowship develop young leaders from multiple background to establish a sustainable ecosystem supporting education with creative solutions and initiatives.

Is a good PISA result all it takes to conclude that an education system is a good one?What do you think are good education quality indicators?

No, it is not all, though it is an important aspect. For me, beside academic achievement (test scores), good education quality indicators should also include (among others): 

School’s positive and supporting culture, friendly environment. 

Teacher - student interactions that demonstrate high levels and qualities of involvement, encouragement, empowerment, expansion of thinking, fostering creativity and critical thinking. 

The use of different teaching and learning methods 

Student’s personal development (guidance and counselling, moral and civic education, community service…) 

Student’s confidence and satisfaction 

Community participation Participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities. 

Social -emotional learning 

Living-values and ability to cope with pressure and changes

PART III: TEACH LIKE YOUR HAIR IS ON FIRE!

Rafe Esquith is an award-winning American teacher at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School, in Los Angeles, California, where he has taught since 1984. Many of his students, who are all from a community of poor and immigrant families, start class very early, leave late, and typically achieve high scores in standardized tests. Esquith has authored books about teaching and his annual class Shakespeare productions was featured in the 2005 documentary, The Hobart Shakespeareans. Rafe Esquith in his book Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire talks about how he uses Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Stages of Moral Development in his class. It is one of the most inspiring and wonderful reads.
Please find below links of short videos you must watch and reflect on.

Also, find attached the eBook for Teach Like your Hair's on Fire.  I would urge you to read the entire book, but for the present pre-work please read PART I “There’s no place like home”, which includes the two sections “Gimme some Truth” and “Searching for Level VI”.

What mindsets does Rafe Esquith operate with? What do you think about that? *

I love his mindset. For him, teacher should be a role model of what he teaches. The role of a teacher is creating a safe, fearless, dependable, supporting and positive culture and class environment, making learning a fun experience and inspiring them, opening up their potentials.

How does understanding language (English) well help students according to you ? *

English is the language that can open the door to Knowledge by self-learning from infinite resources on internets. This knowledge can help in leveling the educational equality and give them more opportunities in life.

Which level of Moral development will you put students of Vietnamese Public schools? Why? *

I would like to aim my students to reach for the highest level - the level VI, as it is the best for them and for our society.

What actions and mindsets do you have to demonstrate( as a teacher/mentor) in order for your students to be at higher levels of moral development ? *

As a teacher, in order for my students to be at higher levels of moral development, I should treat them with respect and appreciation, believing in their potential and encouraging them to develop it, helping them in character building through books, films, and being a role model.

What will students at Level VI ( I Have a Personal Code of Behaviour and I Follow It ) be saying/thinking /doing? *

Students at level VI of moral development would say/think/do: “I’m a free thinker and I know myself. My actions are not based on fear, or a desire to please anyone, or even rules. I do thing because it is the right things to do for me. I have my personal code and values system that I cherish and live up to.”

What is a great leader in your opinion?

A great leader for me should be the one who leads from the heart, influencing and inspiring others by their own example as a role model.

Great leaders have charisma, they are loved, trusted and respected by their followers. True leadership begins with our inner person, thus, first of all, great leaders are men or women of values, of great characters, self-discipline and of integrity.

Great leaders have great visions and are committed to that; they are confident in themselves, knowing where they are going to and having the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Great leaders are brave and resilient, they endure challenging times and creative in problem-solving.

Great leaders have positive attitude, they see solutions and opportunities among problems and having perseverance in time of crisis.

Great leaders are selfless and responsible, caring and compassionate, they aim forward to the common goal and for the benefits of all.

Great leaders have excellent communication, interpersonal skills. They are able to connect, empower, and encourage people. They bring out the best in everyone.

 

GQ2: 5 Taurus Meditation and Study Report - Esoteric Psychology Reading

The Taurus Full Moon (Wesak) Meditation: This meditation period is considered by some to be the most sacred of the year, because we are told that in this period, Gautama Buddha returns to bless humanity and the planet. It fits in with our contemplation on the problem of "attachment". Buddha taught that attachment to our desires is the cause of our pain and suffering; while detachment is the key to our happiness.

Study: now we begin to put together all that we have been studying. This month you are asked to do a basic reading for a famous person, using the rays, astrology and a psychology problem.

Meditation: this month focus is upon RULE four - SPIRITUAL READING. This is actually an instruction to train oneself to see beyond the superficial appearance of things. To read that which is behind the form. The development of the intuition is key to this facility.

STUDY – ESOTERIC PSYCHOLOGY READING FOR SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL

1.         Give a one paragraph bio of the person, and a second paragraph which gives details of the particular disorder that the person is reported as having suffered, and how it played out.

Sir Winston Churchill (30/11/1874 – 24/01/1965) is among the most influential people in British history and was considered as the Greatest Briton of all time in a 2002 poll. Born to an aristocratic family, he was an officer in the British Army and worked as a writer before going into politics. As a soldier and part-time journalist, Churchill travelled widely, including trips to Cuba, Afghanistan, Egypt and South Africa. Sir Winston Churchill served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. He led Britain to victory over Nazi with the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Second World War. On the other hand, as a non-academic historian and writer, Churchill won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his overall, lifetime body of work, including countless articles and 43 book-length works in 72 volumes. Sir Winston Churchill was conferred the honorary citizenship of the United States in 1963 by the US President Kennedy.

Churchill suffered from manic-depression, a psychological bipolar disorder which commenced in his youth and went throughout his long and remarkable life. According to Churchill’s close friend, he was always either “at the top of the wheel of confidence or at the bottom of an intense depression.” Churchill called his periods of intense and prolonged depression as his “black dog”, when he exhibited low in energy, lying in bed, few interests, losses of appetite, trouble concentrating and even having suicidal intention. On the other side of the spectrum, when his "black dog" had become docile, Churchill exhibited abnormally high levels of energy and restlessness; he started to work at 8 am, staying up late, dictating his books and only going to sleep at 2-3 am. However, after some time, Churchill would go back into months of not talking, not having any ideas, not having any energy. And then he would be back up again. It is said that his mood swings were related to why Churchill drank so heavily.

2.         In the first list, you have been given rays that are related to the disorder. What is it about that ray’s energy and quality do you think, that could give rise to the disorder in a psyche that is unstable? Is there another ray that you think could be related, and if so, which ray and how?

According to the list, this bipolar disorder of manic-depression is related to ray 4. As the ray of harmony through conflict, of struggle, people with this ray find a very special duality appearing in their lives and may exhibit violent mood swings. If there is another ray that could be related to mania, it would probably be ray 6, if taking into extreme as too much enthusiasm. Good thoughts here Daisy. I agree that 4^th R is the most likely ray to exhibit this bi-polar disorder and the 6^th if taken to extremes.

3.         Do you think that ray was (or is) in the person’s make-up? If so, in which body and what characteristics of this ray did the person demonstrate?  

Yes, I think ray 4 is in Churchill’s ray profile structure. I guess ray 4 is in his mental body. In the case of Churchill, we can see the two extremes in his cycles of mania and depression. Ray 4 is also the ray of artist, and we know that Churchill is an accomplished painter and writer.

4.         Psychology problems can always be interpreted at an astrological level. Which of the person’s Ascendant, Sun or Moon Signs do you think, was most influential in contributing to the problem? What Astro/ ray forces or traits of that sign in particular?

Churchill has Ascendant in Virgo, Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Leo. I guess his Ascendant sign and his Sun sign were the most influential in contributing to the problem. Here we have Virgo (ASC) and Sagittarius (Sun) squaring to each other, representing some friction and conflict. While Virgo rising people often tend to be analytical, critical, worrying too much that leading to depression, Sagittarius Sun (and plus Leo Moon, another Fire) people often exhibit optimism, passion and full of energy (mania). On the other hand, ray 4 of harmony through conflict, which is related to the bipolar disorder, flows through Sagittarius, his Sun sign. Yes, good.

5.         What therapy is recommended for this disorder? What virtues would balance the ray excesses? 

The therapy recommended for this bipolar disorder in the EP text book is “helping the person realise the futility of the mental life, and choose only one method of work or service, and persevere until this is brought through into physical manifestation.” For mainstream medicine, the therapy involves maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and drugs, following a consistent exercise program, minimizing stress. On the other hand, psychotherapy[1], or "talk" therapy, is also recommended as an important part of a comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder. During psychotherapy, people can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause them problems so that hopefully these problems can be more clearly understood and mastered.

The virtues that would balance the ray excesses are moderation, mindfulness, calmness, equanimity.

6.         Finally, if you were a friend of the person and was asked for advice, what would you say? What esoteric advice would you give to help your friend straighten him or herself out, and get back on the right track?

If I were a friend of Churchill and was asked for advice, I would spend more time talking and discussing with him as in psychotherapy; and listening to soft music together. I would ask him to regulate his life style, including sleeping and eating regimes, avoiding smoking and alcohol drinking, doing more exercise. I would make him feel safe and supported, understanding that we will always be there whenever he needs us and he is not alone.

I would ask him to constantly observe himself in order to not identify with these fleeting thoughts and feelings and being more mindful in life. We would meditate together, taking deep breaths and relax for being more calm and moderate.

Excellent! Really well done Daisy.

MEDITATION

1.          What was the Raja Yoga meditation theme this month? 

The Raja Yoga meditation theme of this month is Nijama/Rule 4 – Spiritual Reading. 

2.          What insights did you gain in your Raja Yoga meditations this month?

What I learned this month is to see with the eyes of the soul, with the inner vision for the spiritual realities that goes beyond the outer surface, beyond the illusion of the world of forms and phenomena, and penetrating deeper into the essence and meaning of everything. This reminds me of what the fox said to the little prince in the book by Antoine Saint Exupéry, “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This spiritual reading can be applied daily. All you need to do is look at events, surroundings, people’s behavior and try to see either the rays or the esoteric meaning behind the form.

3.         Do you think that you able to read life and people more deeply this month, as a result of your meditation work? What did you learn about yourself?

Yes, I think so. When reading about depression for the report on psychological reading, I realized that I’m suffering some kind of stress and depression. But I think and I hope that it is just for a period, then it will be fine with time.

4.         THE FULL MOON MEDITATION: Please include insights you gained, or any thoughts at all about this meditation experience.

The fullmoon this month is very special as we were celebrating Vesak, which is also called the Buddha Day. I felt grateful for all the blessings we received from the work of the Hierachy. I meditated and sent good will for peace for the world, for myself and beloved ones.

Thank you Daisy. Very good report.

Light, Love and Power

Eva

---

[1] Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/psychotherapy-bipolar-disorder

GQ2: 4 Aries Meditation and Study Report - Esoteric Psychology 2

2. Psychology Problems - [over] "Stimulation"

Study: we continue our study of Esoteric Psychology, this month studying "STIMULATION" problems, those caused by the invocation of spiritual force through meditation. "Meditation" in this case can apply to concentrated mental focus on a topic not necessarily spiritual. The problem is caused by intense mental focus, that draws in fiery energies, that the receiving fields are unaccustomed to. This disrupts their normal rhythm.

Raja Yoga Meditation: this month we study RULE three - FIERY ASPIRATION. This fire serves to purify our nature and is like a spiritual accelerant, hastening the rate of our spiritual evolution. However, if we draw in too much fire, more that the bodies can handle, over-stimulation occurs.

STUDY – ESOTERIC PSYCHOLOGY 2

Q1.      What is the difference between “energy” and “force” as understood esoterically. And why then should this soul energy pouring in, cause the various problems which we group under the heading “stimulation”?

The difference between ‘energy’ and ‘force’ esoterically:

·         ‘Energy’ refers to activity of the spiritual realms and of spiritual entities as the soul.

·         ‘Force’ refers to activity of the form and of the physical entities in the physical plane.

Energy:  Energy is neutral, neither positive nor negative. When energy interacts with a substance of some kind, it becomes qualified according to the vibration level of this substance. Soul for instance, is a vibrating center of energy.  Soul energy is expressed in its pure quality when our personality substance has been purified no longer diminishes or distorts it.

When energy moves through denser substance (what we call form) it becomes force.

Soul energy pouring causes various problems of stimulation because soul energy is of higher vibration and that can speed up the atoms composing the personality’s lower bodies. If the personality’s vehicles are not purified enough or adjusted properly to adopt this higher vibration inpouring, reactions can occur.

Q2.      You are given brief fictional experiences of eleven people, each of whom suffers from one or other of the variations of the problem “stimulation”. Choose 3 of the examples. For each person, identify the problem/s that you think that person is suffering from; giving the symptoms that justify your choice. Then briefly, the therapy required for each.

1. Judith

The psychological problem that Judith is suffering from is Mental Extrovert (intense mind stirring up desire nature). The symptoms are talking non-stop, not being still, racing around going to this meeting and that lecture, not being stable emotionally with up and down and exhausting being around her.

Suggested therapy:

-          Practice mindfulness techniques, especially mindful listening and mindful speaking.

-          Meditate for inner peace and for connecting with her own soul and developing wisdom.

Stimulation - Illumination - over-activity of the mind in its four expressions - strain on the system, a new phenomenal world disrupts

2. James

The psychological problem that James is suffering from is Sectarianism, rigidly adhering to a set of doctrines (anti-meat-eating) and intolerant of other views. The symptoms are lecturing everyone on every occasion, criticising them for not supporting his views and for not eliminating meat from their diets.

Suggested therapy:

-          Some wise, patient and inclusive person should present to him a wider vision for being more tolerant and respecting different views of others.

-          Meditate to connect with his own soul to develop wisdom for a more holistic vision.

Stimulation - illumination - Illusion. Characterises those who are more intellectual than emotional. It is the misunderstanding of ideas and thought forms, and of misinterpretations. Victims can become controlled by thoughtforms, which produce separation, divisiveness and fanaticism

3. Anne

Anne is suffering from the psychological problem of Guidance. The main sources of this can be: contact made with thought forms on the mental or astral planes, then interpreted as instructions coming from an enlightened source, Voice of God; the subconscious "wish life" may be brought to the surface, and interpreted as extraneous guidance and as being the Voice of God; or latent spiritual aspirations and tendencies from previous lives, brought to the surface through group stimulation, and regarded as being divine injunctions from God.  

The symptoms are talking often about receiving special messages from Jesus, relying on this advice to the extent that she won’t use her God given mind to think problems through or to act without the voice speaking to her; believing that she is one of God’s special people, chosen to ascend into heaven at Judgment Day. 

Suggested therapy:

-          Develop critical thinking and careful analytic thinking to evoke the intellectual mind

-          Reject all contacts or messages that feed the ego and the sense of being superior or special.

-          Cultivate a spirit of true humility

Stimulation - illumination - Illusion. Characterises those who are more intellectual than emotional. It is the misunderstanding of ideas and thought forms, and of misinterpretations. Victims can become controlled by thoughtforms, which produce separation, divisiveness and fanaticism

Q3.      What have you personally gained in your understanding about yourself and others, as a result of this two month study of psychology problems from an esoteric perspective?

Esoteric Psychology is really profound and it has opened my mind a lot, bringing to me awareness on many psychological problems. Especially most interesting to me are the problems of integration and stimulation, as without studying, I would not be able to consider it as ‘problems’. These again remind me of critical thinking, of careful discrimination among illusion, glamour and maya, of being modest and of the middle way, the way of balance and avoid going to any extremes.

I’ve learned that the key to solve these psychological problems is through meditation, discipline and service. Only when the character is purified, the physical body is fit and the person is free from personality control, then the lower vehicles can integrate with alignment the higher vibration inpouring energy from the soul and can express properly the soul’s guidance without distortion and misinterpretation.

Again, good understanding and interpretation. It’s always good to hear that these studies have impacted you and left you with greater understanding.

MEDITATION

1.         What was the Raja Yoga meditation theme this month?

The Raja Yoga meditation theme of this time was Nijama/Rule 3 – Fiery Aspiration

2.         What insights did you gain in your Raja Yoga meditations this month?

For me, the fiery aspiration is like the warrior spirit of strong courage, enthusiasm and perseverance, a ‘never-give-up’ attitude; focusing towards the ideal and no difficulties can depress it. Somehow, this reminds me of the Labor of Hercules in Scorpio, the fight with Hydra. We know that it is not easy to walk on the path and for sure there would be a lot of challenges. We must be willing to "bear the cross," to "enter the fire," to "die daily," so that our burning desire of the fiery aspiration can throw a fierce light upon our problems, and constitute the purification furnace into which all impurities of our lower-selves may be burned out, and all hindrances may be destroyed.

“Only when this quality has been developed and proved and when it is found that no problem, no darkness and no time element can hinder, is a man permitted to become the disciple of some Master.” This teaching does encourage, empower and inspire me to become more enduring on my own journey along the path.

Daisy, as I have taught Raja Yoga I have acquired many notes on this subject. I will share them with you.

The Sanskrit word has no exact English translation.  It combines a number of qualities: purification, self-discipline, austerity – will factors, all for the purposes of purifying the lower nature so the higher nature can rule supreme.

Although fiery aspiration may result in discipline/austerities, it does not necessarily need to be so.

Fiery aspiration is born of the relationship between the soul and the astral nature. That relationship is primary.

The soul seeks first to contact the astral/emotional self, to inspire it (breathe into it), to raise its quality through the higher more inclusive emotions, such as caring, calmness, nurturing.

It should always be remembered that the will is aligned with the mind; the soul is aligned with the astral body and the emotions. Yet the lower correspondence of the will is desire.

The fires are -  first the fires of emotions - passion, devotion; then the fire of the mind becomes an equal part of the process. Then inspiration becomes aspiration.

Aspiration is to move out of the current state of affairs, to raise oneself up and out of the mundane.

To be inspired is to be moved kama-manasically (desire/emotion-mind).  Inspiration, however, moves one forward, and out of matter's embrace.

Does passion ever die? Or does it become transduced, like a lightning bolt being harnessed to become usable electricity?

When fiery aspirations are truly a mixture of emotion/mind (kama-manas), with the mind taking a larger percentage, a disciple is born.

With kama-manas is in equality or kama slightly more, one is still an aspirant – because the astral is dominant not the mental.

When the fires of the will blend with passion, dedication rules instead of devotion.

Why fiery aspiration? Is this necessary for treading the Way? Answer: Fire consumes.  Fiery aspiration consumes all that is in the way of soul, then in the way of spirit.

Thank you Daisy for your good work.

Light, Love and Power

Eva