Taking Ownership: What I've Learned in This Course
Week 12: Journal Entry
Reading about democratic consequences was like coming home and was very reinforcing. As a parent I have always believed, like Glasser, that it is "essential to have [children] involved in deciding the condequences of their actions" (as cited p. 81). Carrying out this philosophy, however, hasn't always worked out. Having taken this course I now think part of the problem has had to do with each member of the family having a different learning type - something I was not aware of previously and so made no accomodation for. Another thing I am "re-aware" of (I knew but needed reminding of) is that parental attitude, like teacher attitude, is critical to creating meaningful relationships (p.9). I have not always organised our household so that my children have a feeling of control (as I said in an earlier journal entry, giving up control is a big issue for me). Over the last couple of weeks I have come at family life aware of my attitude and adjusting towards being more inclusive, asking for and listening to opinions and input, letting them know what is behind the work I ask them to do (the long term learning and goals involved), and, after reading a classmates' post on how her bedroom is her favorite place because she has complete control over it, I have shut their bedroom doors and walked away rather then lamenting their condition. Perhaps in giving them control of their own space they will make active choices about what they want rather then letting everything just accumulate, waiting for my interference. 

I have enjoyed this course and got a whole lot more out of it then I expected. Tow points that really caught my attention are that the lack of feeling a sense of control in the classroom is the #1 cause of behaviour problems (p. 14), and that evaluation is teaching and worthy of teacher's, student's time (p. 53). Previously I had written evaluation off as a form of punishment.  I was also surprised at how closely aligned the goals, strategies and theories for teachers and counselors are - creating respectful relationships, creating safe and comfortable spaces within which to work, having the proper attitude, knowing your area of expertise well and being truly committed are crucial to being successful in both careers - and, come to think of it, in life in general.     
One more thing I have to say is that my respect for teachers who are dedicated and have the intent of managing their classroom based on the constructivist model described in this course (or any model that encompasses these stratigies and goals) has grown exponentially over the past 12 weeks. I intent on writing each of my teaher friends an email expressing my appreciation for both what they do and what they attempt to do. 
Thank you for an interesting and enlightening course.