As the semester draws to a close, I’ve been thinking more and more about how academic education is similar to Middle Eastern dance education. While I don’t teach, I like reading about the issues teachers and students face in this dance. A few of the notable ones I’ve noticed throughout this semester are: Who are [...]

If I’m not in class, working on schoolwork, or taking care of my cat, I am likely to be working on MassRaqs. Last year, I was a last-minute addition to the team. This year I was able to see MassRaqs 2011 planning from the beginning. Although I had talked to Sonya of Arabesque a few [...]

My SO is trying to decide if and where he would like to go to school to get his master’s in teaching/education. Part of his reluctance I think was that he didn’t really know much about education school. Even though I talk about school a lot, it isn’t the same as experiencing the classroom himself, [...]

One of my favorite things to do in Boston is watch the famous Boston Marathon. Even though it makes getting around Boston very difficult, the Marathon is so enjoyable to watch. Why? Because people are still cheering on the runners and the runners are giving it their all, even after a winner has been declared. [...]

Despite being a bit sore today, going to my ballet class was a good idea. I thought about skipping again and relaxing at home, but I decided that would probably turn into a cycle again where I stop going. Ballet was incredibly relaxing, arguably more than staying at home would be. I sometimes forget how [...]

The bulk of my week is over, and I feel like I’ve survived. I’m quite tired, but I survived! I’m really excited that after today, I’m returning somewhat to normal life. I return to ballet class tomorrow (it has been too long), and thanks to Patriots’ Day (Boston Marathon), I have Monday off, which will [...]

I read recently the most precious resource we have that is quickly depleting is time. Going through with the radiation therapy for my cat (she is more or less back to normal ) has proven that to be true. Prior to her radiation therapy, I’d say I was decent with time management. Now I feel [...]

The undergraduate teaching assistants received their reviews from their students. They were what I expected. Not because these teaching assistants are terribly or wunderkinds, but because the reviews were coming from a big cohort of students. From my experience, students give a mixed-bag of critique. While I agree there are bad instructors out there, sometimes [...]

My fall semester schedule has its good points and its bad points. I’m taking a dissertation proposal writing class, particle physics, a class on Web 2.0′s uses in the classroom, and a class on higher education. +I can return to Najmat’s class! -I have an incredibly busy Wednesday, consisting of 8 hours of class. +I’m [...]

With all that has been going on in my life, I have been a bit negligent on research. I will not meet my goal of having a viable research question by the end of the semester. I’m moving the goal to summer. Part of the hold up is I feel almost overwhelmed with information. I’ve [...]