Ronald M.

Quileste

Advanced Innovations in

Education
PhD in Education 1

Dr. Lourdes

G. Tolod
Reflection Paper
Challenge the Box
Context
Francis Kongs article was about the power of creative thinking and how
these people are willing and able to transform the conventional to innovational.
He stated that creative people are the ones who see and dream of the impossible
to reality and that they are badly needed in todays society.
Experience
Whenever I am given a syllabus made by a previous instructor, I make
sure to incorporate some changes. These changes however are not due to my
ego but for my students. I search and validate some information written in the
syllabus if they are outdated or there have been corrections included. I also
would incorporate some new strategies that I find fitting for the course. I am not
comfortable, you see, in teaching something and following a course outline /
syllabus that I didnt make myself. I understand the lesson better if I prepare it
from the rationale to the evaluation. For instance, instead of the usual reporting,
I let the students search for their topics assigned ahead of time and let them do
varied presentation styles (video, slide, chalk-talk. etc.)
Reflection
Change is part of life and change can only be well appreciated if the
catalyst puts some creativity in it. What Francis Kong tries to tell us is that we
should not limit our capabilities on what is given but do more from what is given.
We need to be creative in every step of the way. As a teacher, creativity is
always my best ally. Along with creativity is my resourcefulness. They go hand in
hand in my everyday lessons. They help me do the unconventional (lecture) to
the innovational (keynote).
Action

My next concern is how to keep my creativity intact and avoid getting

distracted along the way. There are times that I feel lazy but in I realize that in
times like that which I get stronger in faith. Just thinking about my Lord makes
me stronger. So I just chant his name and then I am back to myself again. I
believe though that this is not the greatest struggle of a teacher when it comes
to change, but mediocrity and complacency. To combat this means being
determined and strong physically and spiritually along the way.
Evaluation
Overall, the author is telling every reader that a creative person is not an
exotic, hard to find individual. He actually lives close to us, and within us. We just
need to let him out and let him guide our actions. He is actually God. He is
creativity, the Atman, the Supersoul that dwells within us. We just have to allow
Him to guide our mentality and actions. We should not be afraid to be ridiculed if
we dance with creativity. These people are just jealous of the courage you have
in stepping out.