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HOME Calendar of Events What is Constructivism? Conference 2008 Captivating Classes With Constructivism Applying Standards-Based Constructivism Quote & Strategy ...of the Week Newsletter Archive Standards Based Lessons Online Courses JPACTe Parent Involvement Special Education Technology In Support of Student Centered Learning About Us Related Links Participant Quotes   "We were expecting to gain a few tidbits on teaching, but we left with strategies that have the potential to change the culture and attitude of our school forever." ...4 Teachers from Brooklyn College Academy, grades 9 - 10 "Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share in this awesome learning experience." ...Math Teacher, Cape Coral, Florida "This conference was the best educational experience I've had since I left college. I've been to seminars, clinics, and all kinds of workshops, but this conference was more value than anything I've experienced. In the past week, I reflected more on my teaching practices than I've ever done since I began my career." ...Teacher of Middle School Science, St. Lawrence County, New York "I was awed by your effort to make each person at the conference feel valued." ...Middle School Teacher, ELA, State of Delaware "We had an amazing experience at the conference!" ...Social Studies Teachers, New York City, New York "I want to say how much I enjoyed the week. The level of learning just continues to rise every year!" ...Staff Developer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin "Our team became a cohesive group of educators that truly have the kids at heart. We are going to really try to get together on a regular basis to discuss and encourage each other with things learned at this conference." ...Elementary Teacher, St. Lawrence County, New York

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	The Design Conference's....
	FORMAT       No long lectures. This is a conference in which you will be motivated by the work environment, empowered by knowledgeable resources, and leave with a product that is completed or on its way to completion.
PRESENTATIONS

Every morning you can choose to attend one 45-minute presentation from a number of offerings - so you choose what is relevant to your personal goals, interests, or team task. Participants with expertise in a subject area or who have information to share are welcome and encouraged to be presenters in this, our community of learners. Presenters are participants, so teams will have an opportunity to bring any presenter, who has value for them, right to their table for a more prolonged discussion. This is a unique opportunity that would never take place in a big lecture based conference.

WORK TIME

By 10:00 am, you will be at work with your team, in an environment surrounded by resources, and will work with your team throughout the day. An expert facilitator will be on hand for your individual team all week - ready to assist and prepared to stay out of your way. To truly experience our "constructivist environment of learners," your conference facilitator will help you develop a rubric by which to measure your progress, keep journals, set aside reflective time, and create portfolios and graphic organizers. These activities will serve as tools to help you understand and incorporate the value of constructivism, but will not place such a heavy demand on your workload that they take away from productive time. A Technology Solutions Center is also available to you for documentation, research, testing, etc.

RESOURCES

You are free to consult with any and all resources attending the conference, to get ideas, gain constructive criticism, or just to dialog about experiences and educational initiatives.

Typical resources include (but are not limited to): Students Parents Teachers Principals Members of State Education Department University Professors College Students Staff Developers Board of Education Members Content Experts Educational Consultants Researchers Administrators, including superintendents

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Several social activities are typically offered at the conference, as well, giving you a chance to mingle, dialog, and have fun! An example is the Thursday night banquet where we celebrate diversity and spoof conference organizers and participants.

 

"The presentations were excellent and informative. As a result, I have generated a list of ideas and techniques I'm going to implement into my instruction."