Hello! My name is Marilyn Mangin. I have been involved in various levels of education for 20+ years. The first five years of my career were spent teaching elementary school students (1st, 3rd and 6th graders). My teaching journey took an unexpected turn while I was finishing my graduate degree (Reading Education with a minor in Multicultural Education). I always had a strong interest in all things international, completing a study abroad before it was common, making global friends at an early age, etc. Through inadvertent circumstances, I found myself in a position within a university’s School of Engineering and Technology working with international student populations. So, the next ten+ years were spent working with college level students from far-away lands. Through this work, I have been fortunate to travel to many different countries experiencing first-hand how different cultures interact and how uncomfortable life can be outside of one’s comfort zone.
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| Malaysian Student Association |
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| Engineering and Technology World Wide Club |
My current position, which I have held for the last 7+ years, still includes working with international students, but now also includes working with students from the US as well. (My focus is still in engineering and technology programs.) I do quite a bit of outreach to students who are contemplating an engineering or technology field of study, often staying in touch with them through their college years, administering various programs that encourage engagement in student organizations, volunteer activities, research opportunities, finding scholarships, etc. However, the most favorite thing I do all year is teach a First Year Seminar class for freshman students entitled “ International Engineering.” Half of my students are from the US with the other half from a variety of countries. The class is an introduction to the engineering profession – with a focus on cross cultural communication, and the importance of being globally competent - especially as a future engineer. I absolutely love the rich conversations that my students have with each other and seeing the “aha” moments that we all have as a class. Each semester, I learn something unexpected and am confident that my students do as well.
As a worker in a School of Engineering and Technology – one would think that I am sure to be technology savvy, right? In the past, I would have said that I could hold my own with technology. Well, things change quickly and I’ve not always made it a priority to keep up. I think W531 will help me get back on the path to exploring new technologies and teaching methodologies that will help me gain skills and insights that are transferable to all parts of my position as an educator who, at times, wears many different hats. Which leads me to my chosen books…
My first selection is What Connected Educators Do Differently. Though I thoroughly enjoy being connected to folks from all different walks of life, I’ve been a little reluctant to join in the pure social media craze. When reviewing this book, I felt that it gave some very practical ways to perhaps get over this hump and have a better understanding of the value. My other selection is Creativity, Inc. Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand In The Way of True Inspiration. It is not unusual for my engineering and technology students to have aspirations of eventually creating a company of their own. Therefore, this book just seemed to be an appropriate choice for me to read.
Hi Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteI work as a Human-Factors Engineer and am pursuing my MS in Human-Computer Interaction. I think that I might not have pursued HFE work without someone who served as a 'bridge' for me, just like you seem to. I really enjoy it and when I left the military I thought I would pursue Computer Science and just program but now I get to meet with clients and gather user requirements and design, it's amazing. So, on behalf of unsure engineering students everywear let me say thanks for your help!
I read that you already have a graduate degree, what are you working towards this time? I also picked Creativity Inc. because a big part of my work is taking user input and trying to design a system or interface that meets some business requirements, I thought the book might have some insights to help me approach that a little differently.
Kyle, thanks for your kind words. I enjoy my days and believe my training as a teacher of elementary students helped me prepare tremendously for my work in higher ed. As I read Creativity Inc, I am finding parallels between education and creating a successful company as well - I hope to be able to share some of these thoughts later as I continue with the reading.
DeleteKyle - I just realized I didn't answer one of your questions. Technically, I am working on my teaching license renewal. I haven't been in a K-12 setting for a very long time, but I just can't seem to give up the license. Also, working at a university - it just seems to make sense to every so often take classes - though I admit sometimes it is hard to do - due to the commitment a class entails.
DeleteMarilyn,
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to hear your story and your educational/career journey. I haven't had nearly as much multicultural experience as you've had. My graduate work at IU was very broadening for me--I learned some things about myself in the context of multicultural project groups. It sounds like you travel quite a bit--any big trips coming up?
I think you'll gain some useful knowledge in this course that will help you in the course you're teaching.
Talk to you soon!
Dr. K, You are correct. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel abroad. I've also learned, though, quite a bit as well through multicultural project groups and by just connecting with others in all different ways. In my "International Engineering" class, I typically start with talking about American culture. It seems to help my US students learn about themselves while providing insight to American ways of life to my international students. Right now, I am in the very initial stages of trying to put together a study abroad program in England for engineering students..so this likely may be my next trip abroad.
DeleteI am looking forward to the class. I've already gained some ideas - now to actually implement, right?
Marilyn - you have a very interesting career path. When you made the jump from elementary education to the university environment, did you find that you had all the skills you needed or did you need more education or training? Do you use technology in your classroom now? If so, what do you find to be the most helpful with your international students? I think it's important that we keep cultural diversity in mind as we're planning new teaching strategies.
ReplyDeleteSince you chose the book, What Connected Educators Do Differently, I thought you might be interested in this website specifically dedicated to "helping educators thrive in a connected world". As educators, I think we need all the help we can get to stay ahead of the curve.
http://www.connectededucators.org
Debi, To answer your first question. My training as an elementary teacher did prepare me. (Not sure if this makes a difference, but my sixth graders were in a middle school setting.)My education taught me to teach and so the grade level didn't make too much difference. Also, as elementary educators we are taught to juggle and wear many hats - and nothing has changed there for me either. :) Regarding technology usage now, sorry to say I've not been the best at using anything too out of the box...mostly I just make sure to use methods involving different modalities - making sure there is visual, hands on, text, etc. My mission is to change all of that...
ReplyDeleteThanks for website URL. I'll be sure to check it out.