Reflection #2


Reflection on Working with My Group: Modern Education and Its Setbacks

Kevin Santiago


Working with my group for the second time on the topic "Modern Education and Its Setbacks" has been a valuable and insightful experience. Not only did it provide an opportunity to further develop my collaboration and communication skills, but it also deepened my understanding of the complex relationship between education, government, and families in today’s society. Our group tackled the topic from different angles, which helped us construct a well-rounded discussion on both the strengths and weaknesses of the current education system and the role that various levels of government can play in supporting families and learners.

My Individual Focus: Government Support for Families

My individual topic—“What suggestion do you have for the local, state, and national government to do in relation to families?”—allowed me to explore the practical ways in which policy and government action can address family needs, especially those that impact children’s education. I focused on ideas such as expanding access to affordable childcare, increasing family tax credits, ensuring paid parental leave, and offering community support programs such as after-school tutoring and mental health resources. As I researched these areas, I began to appreciate how deeply intertwined family well-being is with educational outcomes. Children cannot thrive in school if their home environments are unstable or under-resourced. This made it clear to me that improving modern education also means investing in family systems and support networks.



Learning from My Group Members

Working alongside my colleagues gave me a broader perspective. One group member discussed “Families and their relationship to our world now: How has it changed for the good and the bad in the last five years?” Their analysis of technological influences, changing family structures, and economic pressures offered a context for understanding why family support is more crucial than ever. The shift towards more digital learning, for example, while convenient for some, has widened the gap for others—especially families without reliable internet or access to devices. It made me realize that government policies must address the digital divide as both an educational and family issue.

Improved Team Dynamics in Our Second Collaboration

This second time working as a group felt more cohesive than the first. We had already established a rhythm in terms of dividing work, communicating through group chats, and providing feedback to one another. There was more trust and openness this time around, and I noticed that we were better at managing our time and meeting deadlines. We shared our research more freely and helped each other refine our arguments. For example, one group member helped me fine-tune my section on local government programs by sharing data they had found on city-funded family services. These kinds of interactions elevated the quality of our final presentation.

Of course, no group project is without its challenges. At times, our discussions veered off-topic, and there were moments when it was hard to align everyone’s schedules. However, we were able to overcome these issues by setting clear goals and assigning specific roles. I also learned the importance of flexibility and compromise; sometimes we had to adjust our approach to make sure everyone’s voice was heard and all pieces fit together cohesively.

Overall, this group project taught me not only about the setbacks in modern education but also about the necessity of taking a holistic approach to reform. Education does not exist in a vacuum; it is affected by government policies, economic inequality, family dynamics, and access to resources. My role in analyzing governmental suggestions for families reminded me that supporting families is one of the most effective ways to support students. When parents and guardians have the tools they need, they are better equipped to help their children succeed academically and emotionally.



Conclusion

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my group again. This project reinforced the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and policy awareness. It also reminded me that meaningful change in education starts with a comprehensive understanding of how various social systems interact. I look forward to applying these lessons in future academic work and in any role where I can contribute to creating a more equitable and effective education system for all.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kevin Rosario - Reflection #1

Image
👀 My Take on the Group Presentations When we were assigned to watch the group presentations and reflect on them, I wasn’t sure what I’d take away from it. But as I watched each one, I actually found myself engaged, curious, and even learning things I didn’t expect. Every group took a different approach, had different energy, and brought something valuable to the table. Whether it was the way they explained a concept, the examples they used, or just the creativity in how they put it all together, I walked away from the experience with a better understanding of communication as a whole. Each group focused on a different chapter, and while the topics were different, the underlying theme was the same: communication matters. In leadership, in group dynamics, and across cultures—it plays a role in everything we do. Here's my honest breakdown of what stood out from each presentation, and how it all connected to what we’ve been learning in class. ✋ Group 1 – Chapter 3: In...
Read more

Kevin Rosario - Reflection #2

Image
👀 My Take on the Group Presentations – Round 2 We just wrapped up our second round of group presentations, and once again, I came away impressed. Everyone brought something unique to the table. Even though the topics were different—ranging from jobs and the economy to family, education, and mental health—they were all connected by a common thread: how these things affect our lives and future. Here’s my breakdown of each presentation and what stood out the most. 💼 Group 1 – Economy & Potential Careers Group 1 took on the big topic of the economy and how it connects to our potential careers. What I liked about their approach was that they didn’t just throw out stats or talk about money—they connected it to real life. They showed how different economic factors—like inflation, minimum wage, and unemployment—can affect the kinds of jobs we end up getting or even how much education we’ll need to qualify for those jobs. One part that really stood out was when they talke...
Read more

Leading Behind the Scenes -Erika Navarro

Image
  Project Manager: Erika Navarro  Leading from Behind the Scenes When I first took on the role of Project Manager for our class presentation, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wouldn’t be the one designing slides or speaking for the majority of the presentation, but I figured I’d just be “coordinating things” in the background. What I didn’t realize was how much that behind-the-scenes work would teach me, not just about leadership and communication, but also about how to manage group dynamics, solve problems, and help others shine. This project really opened my eyes to what it means to be an effective team player, especially in a supportive role. My main responsibilities as project manager included guiding my group members through their tasks, helping them find the information they needed, keeping track of deadlines, and making sure our meetings and conversations were productive. I also helped resolve disagreements and acted as the bridge between different perspe...
Read more