Take a breath! The script has been sent off to Neil, so we're past the first hurdle.
For today's blog, I was thinking that we could start a discussion about the conference theme of COLLABORATION.
I'll start out. To me, the most informative aspect of taking continuing ed classes is the opportunity to really experience things from a student's point of view. Two graduate credits -- and the grade depends on people you've never met before? In my last session Tues. afternoon, the woman next to me began to meltdown talking about the group aspect of the grade. I'm reminded of certains students (and PARENTS!) and their aversion to group projects.
What should this conference experience teach us that would be helpful for structuring group assignments in school? I liked the specific "roles" . . . but then again the "editing" piece was so much heavier . . . Comments?
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3 comments:
Helen:
Some great points and very thoughtful ideas. I agree with you that now we are in the shoes of those we teach for 180 days - the groans, do I have to?, etc. We all share that human element, of having a comfort zone, and the desire to not stretch ourselves unless we have to. This is a rewarding experience because it does remind us of those feelings. Collaboration requires many skills; skills that need practice and skills that need to be finessed. We are learning to collaborate the old-fashioned way, as well as the 21st century way, when we were all using our wikis this morning. We are entering the world of the "digital natives", stretching ourselves, and pushing us into places we have never experienced before, for the sake of our children. We do this so we can be better examples to them and to understand their world -- what an amazing combination.
Finally, I was struck when Neil asked if we had known each other before the conference and how suprised he was at how well we work together. It is all a matter of give and take, remembering what we tell our students and being kind human beings. We must always be mindful that we are all trying and contributing in our own unique way.
in my job, collaboration as well as teaching teachers is an integral part and by far one of the most difficult. "Terroritorial-ism" is a major road block in the collaboration process. I have found it amazing how quickly and easily our group has melded together to work on this unified goal. We have diverse skills and backgrounds and yet these attributes compliment each other.
part of collaboration (coming soon) is also the sharing of skills to members of the team in non-threatening ways. I look forward to the next 2 days.
This experience has been very valuable as it gives us the opportunity to each contribute and accomplish an amazing amount of work in a short period of time. The time factor heightens the need for effective collaboration. I am amazed at all of the talent in this group and the willingness to "pitch in". I look forward to our chance to work and learn from each other even more in the days to come.
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