On Monday during class, we (the students) were placed into our new "Barkadas". Like the title points out, the meaning of the word barkada means "group of friends". Our new barkadas are going to be the people that we work with inside and even outside the classroom to get assignments and other things for English done. As we got called into our barkadas, we had to go to the middle of the room to do this balloon activity. Everyone in the group had to hold hands and we had to balance the balloons by working together. As Professor Abaun and Professor Aronson threw them in they were telling us what the balloon represented to our group. Those were things important things for our group to keep balanced, like work, homework, different schedules etc.
The exercise was a good metaphor for how we would work together to be successful. After all the balloon excitement we came into our groups and got to know each other. As our first assignment, we had to get together on campus and hangout together. For coffee, lunch or to even work on assignments for class. For my barkada, we met the next day at the new cafe. We worked on our essays that were due the next day. During us working on our essays and helping each other, I liked the vibe that I got from my group. Then when we came together in class the next day to do peer revisions, the good vibes from the group was still there even though one member was missing. I'm looking forward to working and hanging out more with my new barkada as the semester goes on.
When you explain the balloon thing when we were in our Barkadas made me remember that moment, and it was really embarrassing for me because we all had to move to everyplace so we don't let our balloons felt to the ground, but it was a good moment on class.
ReplyDeleteI'm all late in replying! (I forgot, sorry!) But yeah, I agree that it was a good moment for the class to have.
DeleteYour description of what we did in class that day is so great, it brings me back to that point in time! As sily as the activity is, it really is a great metaphor for what the life of a college student is like. Trying to juggle all of those balloons made me realize how I juggle all of my responsibilities outside and inside of school.
ReplyDeleteSorry this reply is way late! But yeah, it was a fun way for us to realize everything that we have to do and balance as students. I didn't think the description was clear enough, thanks for reassuring me! (:
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