First day of classes and...a snow day?!?!?!

Yesterday was my first day of classes! Yay! Today would have been my second day, but the campus was shut down because of snow. I was looking forward to class, but I was dreading walking home at midnight on frozen sidewalks, so I don't mind the break. I also already have homework, so I can use the time well.

Some quick highlights from my classes yesterday:

Action Research:

In Action Research we reviewed a model for creating change that was very useful. It made me reflect on changes I tried to create in my last job, and where I went wrong. Sad to reflect on, but a good lesson.

We also started a great exercise where we applied the action research model in class. It was interesting trying to apply the steps in a thoughtful way, and see all the complexities that can spring up in the process.

Cognitive Psychology

In Cognitive Psychology we began discussing the *Mind*. Here's a fun question: What is the *Mind*? I don't mean the brain, which is an organ, but the *Mind* which is something else. Think about it. Where is your mind? What does it do? What is it made of? What purpose does it serve? Do animals have minds? Do children?

This was the opening discussion for class. I found myself thinking of the mind as a set of processes, constantly interacting with each other and the surrounding environment. A lot of the activity takes place in the brain, but there's much more to it than that.

I also found myself picturing the mind as something active and dynamic. The mind is always doing something, even if that action is deep below our conscious awareness. It's like the ocean on a calm day. We see the peaceful surface, largely unaware of everything happening underneath (I'm sure I heard that metaphor somewhere else...).