As we discussed data collection methods for research, one of them is journaling. I’d like to say journaling is the way I keep record of my life and my teaching journey. Recently, I am in the spatial data group which we are collecting locations which add meanings to individuals and which leads them to become teachers. I think it is interesting. Since I published my paper in English Teacher Association-Rupublic of China (ETA-ROC) in 2009, I have had no time and opportunity to conduct any research. Therefore, I am glad that this time I learned different data collection methods and which redefined my interpretation of RESEARCH. Previously, I thought research should be rigorous with certain criteria and research procedure, but this time I learned that spatial orientation, journaling, and arts-based can be different forms of data collection. I am excited to see some revolution on research methods since it has been 12 years since I implemented research last time. There should be something new and innovative.

I got my booster COVID vaccine done last evening. My left arm looks swollen. I am bit tired today. Otherwise, everything is well. I am still working on my today’s to-do list as usual. I am weary, but I really have no idea what’s happening because it is just in the morning (It’s 8:15 am). Stay awake! There are still some on my plates!

Good morning!

I am still working on my studies and enjoying the learning journey. This afternoon, I am going to  get my booster does of COVID vaccine. Hope everything is well and under control. Yesterday, during the conversation, I was informed that the Chinese New Year is coming in 20 days. I was worried about my grandma’s health condition because she is still in ICU and I really do NOT want to meet my aunt who stole my student loan IN PERSON even SEEING HER FACE. I will definitely lose control and score at her. Since until now, when they offended me, I still wanna inform her company and the Finical Supervisory Commission to accuse her illegal actions of “borrowing money” without informing me. I still clearly remembered that on the Jan 1, I told myself the goals for the new year are pursuing my M.Ed. with teaching license and losing weight. Therefore, I try to CALM DOWN and focus on my studies.

I have been editing and proofreading resume for someone who would like to study abroad recently. I recognized that after 10+ years of time passed, my experience in education filed accumulated and keep growing. Then I finally get the tips and tricks/know-how of how to survive as a TEACHER. At least, I witnessed my progress from a student, a school secretary, to a classroom teacher. It is definitely NOT easy! When I took a look of my latest version of resume, I knew that I am IN education, and I have become an educator with working experience and teacher education; when I shared my experience with the young lady, I knew that these experiences are irreplaceable, valuable, and unforgettable.

I am on the half way of my learning journey to become a licensed teacher with dual masters in education field. I am thankful for everyone who has helped me during the process of pursuing my ultimate goal, a licensed teacher in an international school.

Yesterday, during the class, we discussed the difference between teachers and researchers. In addition, we talked about Teacher researcher and action research. I love the metaphor that me classmate described and her poem with rhyming.

Can a teacher become a researcher as well? With the power of Action Research/Teacher Research, I believe so.

Here’s Menna’s poem

Also, I just finished editing someone’s resume. I feel like the time flows back to the old days that I always edited and proofread assignments and documents for my peers. I am proud to say that I am competent of editing and translation. I do enjoy what I have done for this part and all these serve as foundation for me to change my career form school admin, a school secretary who translated tons of documents to a classroom teacher. I am HAPPY with it : )

Teachers are the people who understand teaching content best with the professional knowledge; admin looks from a top-down perspective with the power of management. Thus, what admin asked teachers to do often was a burden or even chaos. We, teachers, should involve in research and be subversive to the unreasonable ideology and cast the efforts to dedicate to the real teaching scenarios.