Wk Four comments: Cherie Park

Cherie,
What a great example your teacher set when claiming his failure rather than blaming it on the class. As an instructional designer, I take every comment that a student leaves to heart. If they are frustrated with the training that I created or don't do well during the question session it may be because I didn't explain things well enough or give enough examples. Yes, the blame game is not a fun game. Thanks for sharing your story.

Url: http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/12/wk-4-reading-ch-10-12.html
Blogger: Cherie Park

Wk Four: Comment Michelle Plank

Michelle,
It took me a little time to grasp the concept of "being on board" as well. But after thinking about it and analyzing how I end up in a certain situation helped me to look at things in a whole new perspective. It is not about me or the other person, but the situation as a whole. I really enjoyed the story about the musician leaving and how the conductor stepped back and thought about how he would give himself an "A". I was enlightened and impressed on how he handled it. It shows how important relationships are.

Url: http://web.me.com/mplank/Month_11_Blog/Week_4/Entries/2010/12/15_WK4_Reading_response.html#comment_layer
Blogger: Michelle Plank

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 2 of 2: Introduction

I initially stated that I would like to do a presentation, but after consideration, I've decided that at this time, submitting a paper would be best. I am interested in submitting my paper to TechTrends. I chose Tech Trends because I feel that the research I have done and the course that I have created with Amy displays an innovative approach to applying technology in an instructional environment. My paper discusses the instructional design and the outcome of decisions made during the process.





My second choice for publication is Journal of Interactive Learning Research. I chose this venue due to the emphasis in online training, distributed learning environments and interactive learning. The study skills course that Amy and I created definitely fills all of these requirements. It is a new approach to learning where students can access the information online, anytime and in a collaborative manner.

Here is a link to my paper files.me.com/rbarbere/r51n77

Wk4 Reading: Art of Possibility, Chapters 10-12

This chapter really had me thinking in a different way by contemplating "how did I get on this board?" So many times we are ready to put up our defense or attack when things don't go quite the way that we think they should. By taking time to analyze all aspects of a situation, we are able to have better attitude and see the whole picture and not just our own. The conductor could have easily been upset and angry at the musician for leaving his orchestra. Instead, he took the "why I give myself an A" approach and was able to communicate to the musician how much she meant to the group, how he respected her and that she would be missed. This was a great way for him to build a strong relationship with the musician and peace within himself.

Week three comment: Cherie Park

Cherie,
I agree with you about not focusing on the things that went wrong. When you focus on what went wrong it prevents you from moving forward. Negativity doesn't help us to grow but holds us back. We learn from our mistakes so that next time we will be even better!

URL: http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/12/wk-3-reading-ch-7-9.html
Blogger: Cherie Park
Topic: Wk 3-Reading CH. 7-9

Blog comment: Mollie Sterling

Mollie,
I also liked the analogies used when describing the father/son relationship. Although they both wanted peace between them, the way it was being presented to the son, made him want to become invisible. I agree that if the father used a different approach, his son may have been more proned to talking. Our words and the way we say things and the tone we use play a huge part in our relationships.

URL: http://web.me.com/molliehoff/Mollie_Sterling__Media_Asset_Creations_Blog/Week_3/Entries/2010/11/28_Week_3_Post_1__The_Art_of_Possibility_Chapters_7-9.html
Blogger: Mollie Sterling
Topic: Wk 3-Reading CH. 7-9

Publishing or Presenting

To publish or present, that is the question. My preference at this time is to present. This goes back to relationships. If I present the material in person, I am providing a visual, can answer any questions that may arise and meet others who may have an interest in what I am pursuing. People will also see the excitement I have about what I am doing. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing information. Presenting is for me.

Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibility, Chapters 7- 9

The most important information I received from the readings this week is something that I have been hearing quite often from friends, through lectures and blogs and that is the importance of relationships. The author remembers his father getting dressed to visit someone and wonders why he just doesn’t call him. He doesn’t realize until he is older that having a relationship with others is more than just picking up the phone. When he wanted Slava to come he initially called and the receptionist declined his invitation. He realized that the trip his father made with the train ride was just as important for him to take a plane to see Slava. After seeing Slava in person, his invitation was accepted. Relationships are very important. If you nourish them, they will grow. If you don’t take relationships seriously, you lose the chance of them growing into something spectacular. One of the lectures I recently attended stressed the importance of relationships in business. Anyone can sell a widget, but it takes a special person to build a relationship to help their customer get the best from their widget. By immersing yourself into the relationship, you have a better understanding of where the other person is coming from.

Week Two - Free Choice

I appreciate the guidance that we are receiving to understand how to submit our white papers and the process of presenting to others. I haven't had the opportunity to attend a conference with my employer, but I feel after I graduate, things will change as I have learned so much. I think it is important to share what we have learned and to make a difference in how we teach others. Our world has changed so much, especially technology and we need to show how this can be implemented so that we build strong, motivated students.

Week Two Comment - Roberts-Walstrom,Lindsey

I would love to present. I feel like I am a gifted presenter, and a mediocre writer. I think I would be more passionate about creating a quality presentation than writing a paper to share my results. I looked up the Pete&C presentation center and it seems really great. It seems to be directed towards sharing new technologies with teachers. The idea of creating math tutorial videos using a Tablet PC is a newer idea and could really benefit teachers of all subject matters. It looks as though the conference signups are closed for this year though.


I also looked into PodCamp. It seems like my style as well. They state that while it’s not forbidden, one-way presentations are not encouraged. Presenters are there to keep a conversation rolling. I like to be in discussion based presentations and wouldn’t mind being the facilitator of one either. They also have a PodCamp in Connecticut, so it’s very possible that it would work out!

Lindsey,


Lindsey,
I like your enthusiasm! With the work, blog and discussions you have participated in this year, I know that you would have valuable information to share with the community that would benefit the school systems and give teachers a new way of looking at teaching. You show that you are very passionate about your work and student's need to grow. I encourage you to continue to pursue presenting at a conference.

On tip that I use for writing is tape record what I want to say and it isn't anything formal just what I feel about the subject. Next, I listen to the tape a few times and write down key points that I made and begin creating my document.

Best of luck!

Blogger: Lindsey Roberts-Walstrom,
Title: Week 2 - Publishing/Leadership Project
Url: http://web.me.com/roberla0/MAC_blog/Welcome.html
Retrieved Dec. 3, 2010

Week Two Comment - Michelle Plank

There were several ideas that caught my attention in the reading this week. First, I liked the idea of providing a blank sheet of paper for observations or suggestions. I think it would be helpful to provide a place where students could give me their insight into my teaching. If not a blank piece of paper, then a suggestion box or create a blog. Secondly, The example where students were teaching other students. I think this is a valuable resource in the classroom and student’s usually enjoy teaching to their peers. Lastly, rule number 6. This is a rule I need to take to heart. I have a tendency to take things too seriously.


Michelle,

I agree with you in allowing for suggestions or observations. I think students input is taken for granted. What they have to share about their teachers and the way they are being taught is priceless. I believe that by requesting student's feedback we could correct some of the problems in the schools and help take their education experience to the next level.

Blogger: Michelle Plank
Title: Week 2 Reading
Url: http://web.me.com/mplank/Month_11_Blog/Week_2/Entries/2010/11/23_getting_together_at_the_cafe.html#
Retrieved Dec. 3, 2010

Wk2 Reading: Art of Possibility, ch 4-6

My husband gives me a hard time for volunteering for multiple activities. I don’t think he understand the reward I get from being involved. I think that it is important to be involved and to make a difference and the experience gained is priceless. Each of us has been given a special gift and if we don’t share that gift, we are not living to our full potential. I thrive on being involved and want to be an example for my family and others; showing them the reward of volunteering and getting involved in extracurricular activities.

As leaders and students, I think it is important to own up to your mistakes and to learn from them. Students look up to their leaders. If the leader never admits to making a mistake and blames the student, the student will have discourse and lose the respect for that leader. The student may also refrain from engaging in a course that the teacher instructs. For example, if the conductor continuously blames a musician for not playing when he wasn’t suppose, the student may quite; hence, a talented musician is no longer.

Taking things seriously all the time can lead to frown lines. Life is too short. If you take everything seriously you lose the true joy of life. Episodes are supposed to occur in our lives. It is what makes us stronger and smarter. People who take things too seriously are usually the ones nobody wants to be around. Laughing brings joy and happiness; something that attracts people. Laughing is good for your health. Those who can’t enjoy themselves need to take a look at their life and rid themselves of what distresses them.

Week One - Free Choice: My journey this year

This has really been a great year! I can say that I have learned a lot not only from the instructors, but my peers as well. I think that by sharing ideas and experiences, it helps us to find new ways to teach our students. I feel more confident in the suggestions that I am making at work when discussing course creations and feel that I have more to offer in the conversations and decision making process.

Source: photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

Week One Comments - Cherie

Cherie posted: The part of the reading that stuck in my mind the most was the comparison of students to blocks of stone. Teachers have a level of mastery for each subject and the student’s grade is based on their level of mastery. How disappointing is it to see a C or D on a paper you worked incredibly hard on? I had a professor who asked us to come up with ideas on teaching a math concept. My partner and I worked together to create a lesson that taught in a meaningful and motivating way only to have the professor say this is what I want you to teach and how. She had decided what she wanted us to do before we left the class to make plans for our lesson. Our lesson was dismissed without her even listening to what we had to say, our hard work not even acknowledged.


I work as a special education teacher and all my students are working at different levels. I want them to feel great about what they have accomplished. I try to remind myself to acknowledge what they have done and how far they have progressed even if it is just one problem more than the day before. Sometimes we as teachers lose sight of what we are truly trying to accomplish. That is to ensure our students leave our classrooms not just with knowledge of curriculum, but also the knowledge that they are someone special who can do anything they set their minds to. Students are not just a grade.

Renee replied: Cherie,
Your statement, “students are not just a grade” is very profound. When you and your partner were putting together the lesson for teaching math concepts, the professor should have taken the time to listen to your presentation, allowing you to explain why you thought your approach would benefit the students. By dismissing your idea without even looking at it, the professor can actually be doing more harm than good. You work with these students on a daily basis and see what is going on in class. You know their personalities and what motivates them. Unfortunately, this is how a teacher can become unmotivated as well and just stick to teaching the curriculum. It takes a teacher, like yourself, who wants to make a difference and continues to find creative ways to teach.

Sources:
Image courtesy of istockphoto.com
Blog title: Wk 1-Reading CH. 1-3
Blogger: Cherie Park
Blogger url: http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/11/wk-1-reading-ch-1-3.html
Retrieved: November 28, 2010

Week One Reading - How Grades Effect Us

After reading the professor who gave everyone an “A” at the beginning of the class, it reminded me of my own experience. Being the spouse of an employee who worked at Antioch University, I had an opportunity to acquire my Bachelor’s degree at no cost. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. When I went to orientation, one of the instructors explained the grading process, pass or fail. An outline was given for each course with the expectations/criteria for the pass and fail grade scale. I became very excited about this concept. During class, our discussions were engaging and we learned from each other. Students were not afraid to express themselves or their ideas. I looked forward to class and worked hard to find ways to contribute to the discussions as did other students. At the end of my schooling, I felt as though I had gotten so much more from my education than I would have if the school implemented the traditional grading scale.

Now I take this reading and I examine my children’s grades. My second oldest is very smart. Our conversations end with me thinking differently about a topic. However, looking at his grade card, it shows him being an A/B student. He is taking a course on exploratory technology. He was very excited the first few weeks of the course because of the hands on activities and the opportunity to take the robotics part to the next level if they could. This is something that he is interested in pursuing after high school. However, once the teacher stopped using the hands on activities and went to lecturing, my son lost interest in the class. He no longer feels challenged. His “A” in the class is now a “B”. Is he a "B" student? I don't believe so. He lost the motivation of free learning. If he, in turn, would be allowed to grade the teacher, what grade would it be? Grades are not what make us who we are; it is what we do that makes us who we are.

I appreciated the author’s outlook on giving each person we meet an “A”. The story of Roz and her father is a great example of this. If Roz would have continued to weep over the relationship with her father, she would never have found the peace she needed. By looking at their relationship in a new manner, she was able to give her father the “A” of how much he loved her. When we look at situations in a different manner, we have a chance to learn and grow.

Sources: Zander, B., & Zander-Stone, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, Massachusettes: Harvard Business School Press.

Week One Comments - Mollie

Chapter 1: It’s All Invented
Let me kick off this post by saying I’m so excited this book is our required reading for this month. I love books that challenge me to change my thoughts and actions. I know that Prof. Bustillo’s asked us to blog about our personal interaction with the reading (which I’m going to do) but I’d also like to use my blog as a place where I can keep a running outline of my notes and the passages that sparked my interest, so from time to time you might see me included references or recaps from the text.

In Chapter 1, the idea of getting over pre-conceived notions is the main theme. This is serendipitous to my professional life right now. I work in sales, and just came back from an annual sales meeting where the idea of “selling to the opportunity” was the main theme. This fits exactly with the practice outlined in Chapter 1. As a salesperson, it is very easy to get in a rut and be in a place where you know your customer and accounts so well that you go in assuming you’ll “only sell 100 units.” Because of that assumption, you don’t take the extra time to ask a few more questions, or put together a proposal for 500 units. You might make your quota of selling 100 units, but you miss the larger opportunity.

Chapter 1 Practice
Ask yourself:

What assumption am I making,
Than I’m not aware I’m making,
That gives me what I see?

After you have that answer, go on to this one:

What might I now invent,
That I haven’t yet invented,
That would give me other choices?

Chapter 2: Stepping Into a Universe of Possibility
This chapter looks at the idea that we all walk around with the assumption that life is about staying alive and surviving. I know that I personally fall prey to this way of thinking ALL THE TIME. Like so many others, I’m a busy, working mom. I’m a slave to my to-do list. I’m always on the defensive. I love this quote from the book and hope to retrain myself, at least to some degree, to think about setting the context for my life rather than measuring how many more boxes I need to check of my daily tasks!

“In the measurement world, you set a goal and stive for it. In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.”

Chapter 2 Practice
Ask yourself:
How are my thoughts and actions, in this moment, reflections of the measurement world?


Chapter 3: Giving an A: Giving Yourself an A
I completely agree with the idea that the grades given in school are constructed simply to help society compare one student to another and tell us almost nothing about a student’s mastery or potential. I come from a musical background myself (went to college on a wind instrumentalist scholarship) so I really related to the anecdotal info Ben put forward in this chapter.

Mollie,
I agree with your comment about students being graded only to compare one another. It is unfortunate that we use the grading scale to measure student’s performance. Having the opportunity to engage in a school that graded with pass/fail concept, I was able to experience the freedom of expressing myself without the worry of failing. I wonder how many more Einsteins we would discover if the grading concept were revised in such a way that students weren’t afraid to fail. When we fail, we have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Sources:
Photo courtesy istockphoto.com
Blog Title: Week 1 Post 4: The Art of Possibility Chapters 1-3
Blogger: Mollie Sterling
Url: http://web.me.com/molliehoff/Mollie_Sterling__Media_Asset_Creations_Blog/Week_1/Entries/2010/11/27_Week_1_Post_4__The_Art_of_Possibility_Chapters_1-3.html#
Retrieved on November 27, 2010.