Feedback2005

2005 Summer Constructivist Design Conference
on Teaching and Learning

Participant Assessment Form Results

How do you feel about this week as a whole?

Worthwhile: 157 Not Worthwhile: 1

We truly worked well and accomplished much with the help of our facilitator and resource people.
Great “people” resources/ time to work intensely with colleagues on a project, fun.
Focused time with team in an off-site location with excellent outside facilitation.
We could focus on our task, ask for help, and are now well on our way to completing it.
Many resources to apply in my classroom.
Learned more co-op learning strategies/ worked on workbook for students.
Reacquainting with friends, colleagues, networking, connecting, and learning something from the chaos.
Combining elements of learning and giving as a team to create a genuine piece of work we can use in our building.
Bonded with colleagues and worked on a unit to align our curriculum which was needed.
The opportunity for working with colleagues.
I felt it was worthwhile because I learned a lot.
It was fun and it kept me occupied.
Because I’ve never really worked so much with digital cameras before.
Opportunity to work with valued colleagues and meet new folks interested in our work.
In theory one could lean a great deal about constructivism in its “true” sense. People who may or may not be involved in constructivist thought may not understand that they are practicing or need to practice such a thought.
Our team was very focused and everyone (and our facilitator) was very helpful and supportive.
It gave our team an opportunity to attack our problem from a constructivist viewpoint. We were able to work without distraction and stay on-task throughout the week. The best part of the conference was having the opportunity to attend the workshops.
The team was able to focus on a task with no interruptions.
It was a common time and place for us to meet, discuss, and actually fulfill our goals.
Given a task, the team rose to occasion to complete one learning experience that could provide a greater template for others!
Our team accomplished its goal and I enjoyed the workshops.
Completed our project
Had many conversations with people who caused me to expand and deepen my understanding of how kids learn. Facilitating this group really challenged me to discover the difference between facilitating and participating.
We were able to complete our tasks.
Focused time with team in an off-site location with excellent outside facilitation.
It gave us time to spend together to accomplish our task.
It is great to have time to focus on worthwhile work.
Because we are learning with a quality product to start with in September.
Mission accomplished
Learned new ideas to improve my classroom and teaching
Working with positive colleagues accomplishing a great deal for our kids; access to many professionals.
We accomplished a great deal, with many more goals to accomplish. We also became an even stronger team.
We were able to accomplish all of our goals.
The conference provided a forum from which to achieve a specific task. And would have liked to attend others. It was a learning experience to be involved in this structure of conference.
Completed a huge task (or almost completed), met many resourceful people, made a user friendly document that can be implemented first day of school.
The values of facilitating a process such as this, helps to bring an invaluable model to my classroom. Also, the different people with whom I have had lengthy conversations have opened so many different and valued relationships and resources to continue in the future.
I feel we accomplished our goals and exceeded them. I learned a lot about diversity and the problems we as a society face.
We worked as a team and got to know each other.
I feel that I have learned a lot about constructivism and how it can benefit my students. I also feel that our team accomplished a large amount of work.
Learned a lot that will not only help in the classroom but to grow as a professional.
Had uninterrupted time to work on curriculum. Interacted with co-workers and met new people. Gained many great ideas!
Enlightening, energizing, as well as exhausting? Whole different approach to teaching.
It allowed time to build relationships as well as create a quality product as a team.
Fantastic: wonderful, useful finished product. Great strategies
We got much accomplished.
It gave me time to work on something that I really wanted to do, but did not have the time to do it.
Accomplished a task that I set out to do and have a finished project that I can and will use.
Personally, I had the opportunity to work on material I never would have had time to over the year.
Accomplished valuable work.
We completed our task; have lesson plans written in the constructivist form that will go onto the Institute website. We have laid the groundwork for piloting the teaching of these lessons next fall.
I learned a lot of important information that will be useful in the future.
Because I had fun and we got a lot done.
Because we accomplished everything we set out to do.
Our team accomplished a goal our school had for transition.
Our team accomplished many parts of our task. We have a real working idea and program planned out to implement.
We were allowed to work on our own agenda with experts at our “use” whenever needed.
I saw some ideas I will use in class.
We think we have products, programs, plan, and administrative support to answer the biggest problems facing our transitioning kids.
Uninterrupted time to work on an important issue to use is greatly appreciated.
Because I learned new ways to learn/teach and I’ve helped to teach others about constructivism through making lesson plans.
We conducted 3 great lesson plans and had fun while doing so.
We finished our work in a good amount of time and had fun; now that I’ve been at more than one conference it feels easier.
I learned how to work better with people and had fun.
It showed me that I was doing good stuff but that there is great stuff I should do.
<>The quality and attitude of team members.
<>As in the past conferences, our team has a goal with a product in mind. The time allowed use to filter through all ideas, focus, plan, and produce a worthwhile product.
I feel we accomplished a lot.
I feel it was a great opportunity for me as a student teacher to get ideas and ways to use those ideas in my classroom.
We got things accomplished that we had wanted to do for years.
We have accomplished the goals we set for ourselves.
It was great to have time to work. We never get time together as a team to work.
I feel that we really came together as team to go above and beyond what our initial expectations were. I learned a lot about teachers, became really involved and invested in my task, and had a great time.
I feel secure in the fact that my teams and I created a wonderful presentation.
I was very worried that our task would be sub-par. We are a talented group and I wanted our work to reflect that. In the end out team bond helped create a product that I am proud to attach my name to, and in getting through the process I tested my patience and made great friends.
It was unlike any experience I’ve had before. This is the first conference I’ve attended where virtually all the time was spent working in teams. Not only did I get a chance to participate and share my views, I also learned a lot.
I learned a lot about constructivism.
We made a ton of progress and tangible results that we can take back and use!
Feelings of accomplishment; a restructured view of our roles within the school community.
We accomplished our task, generated further issues to assess, and it made me thank about changes for my role.
I had a great time working with my staff creating a working document to take back to school.
There was a great deal of work to get done—our group was successful at accomplishing those things we felt needed addressing—there was great group work done.
I feel that what we accomplished will improve staff morale. I am excited and looking for a much smoother year.
Open, honest discussions about what needs to change in our building—then we developed a plan to change policies and procedures.
I feel that we have accomplished a great deal this week. This will help morale of the teachers. We have also created activities that will involve the students more.
Was able to work with a group of people to accomplish our goal and our facilitator gave us just what we needed.
We accomplished our goal.
I worked with a wonderful team that was very enthusiastic and motivated to accomplish their task. I felt I was able to help them accomplish it!
I love working with a team on accomplishing a task that also has meaning to me and my teaching experiences.
We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, and we were introduced to several good ideas and strategies.
I learned a substantial amount about the 6+1 writing traits and am satisfied with what my team accomplished.
I learned a lot about constructivism that I was not familiar with. I am motivated to use what we worked on as a group.
I learned a lot and really feel more comfortable with 6+1 writing traits and constructivism. Also, it was a good time for our group to grow and get to know each other.
It was a wonderful experience where we practiced instructional techniques that were proposed.
It made me really think about how I teach my students, hands-on, thinking, etc.
It allowed prolonged concentrated attention on a task: we got feedback from others and we made contacts.
I was able to accomplish most of our task, plus see many presentations that were of value and interrelated to our task.
Camaraderie, enrichment, professional growth, plan to implement. Motivated/ sharing ideas.
<>Because it allowed our team time to accomplish a lot and provided useful insight along the way,
We accomplished our task.
Constructivism!!
I personally learned activities. Came up with an eye-opener with our assigned task!
We got a lot of useful things done.
It was great to continue/revise/refine work we started last year. It is always nice to work and have a focus and not be interrupted (as what happens during the school year.)
Time to work together.
I had the opportunity to see implementation/ design of 2-step in a 2nd grade environment (ELA, Math, Science, SS)
I have a better handle on the next steps I need to do to prepare lessons that are constructivist in design.
Learned an amazing amount of “stuff”.
I found the week to be extremely worthwhile due to the progress made on our task. We also have a number of products we are taking back that are not finished, by design, to engage other team members.
Networking; bonding, intense extended opportunity to complete an important task.
Worthwhile in the end.
Team met their goal.
It was excellent to have time to work with my colleagues to work on real problems with an unknown/ skilled facilitator to bring an unbiased eye to the problem.
I have the tools to implement a new writing program into my classroom in September.
Networking/ Emerson in constructivism
All the presentations, critical friends, meeting new friends…there are so many positives I can’t list them all.
I was able to network; I got many great ideas: re: energizing
I had the chance to gain a great deal of solid resources that I will use when I obtain a teaching job.
It was one of my first experiences around educators. It was both challenging and rewarding to work with students. I learned a lot from the presentations and from the other facilitator I worked with.
Learned a lot!
We have a program to take back to our school. We feel ready to implement it to the best of our ability and have a plan for follow-up to evaluate and share information.
I was able to create a product that I can use every day next year to be a more effective and more constructivist teacher!
Allowed us the opportunity to work utilizing a new approach, Constructivist: two step theory. We were able to network (receive info and share info) with so many other professionals.
I met a lot of people with a lot of different ideas than me and learned tremendously.
I worked on a unit plan based on critical thinking that will be used in my classroom.
I am so excited about the lesson unit I’ve created.
Made lots of contacts/ generated many worthwhile ideas.
Contacts, inspiration, etc.
We started with our CSRD grant and since it ended we were glad to have another year to sustain for a year. Lots of ways to get information.
Because we got a lot of work done and also met with other teams to share information.
A lot of work was accomplished.
Practice, usable information
I accomplished much more than I anticipated!
Our team accomplished its goal. We feel confident about returning to school in September ready to use what we developed.
Networking with colleagues/ Presentations worthwhile
Our team was able to work on a k-4 curriculum that was in need of revision.
Working with dedicated people who care about kids.
I participated in the conference from an observer’s perspective (student EDAD) and found the process to be very exciting. The energy of the conference was motivating.

The one person who found the week “Not Worthwhile”, had this observation:

The presentations were intended for k-12 teachers only. Some of the “required” activities were not purposeful for our team given our level of collegiality and experience. Specific activities include journal writing and rubric development. Also, groups should be able to specify the type and amount of facilitation that is needed.

At what moment during this week did you feel most engaged in what was happening?

Working with colleagues.
From the very beginning.
Work sessions
Tuesday work time for project focus, Wednesday presentation appreciation—I can really use this stuff and improve my classroom and self-performance.
When we did critical friends our project really came together.
Several times: critical review and team discussion.
Critical friend’s presentation and preparing for the presentation.
Tuesday
I felt most engaged during teamwork time as I was sitting in front of my computer.
Time with team
Monday: during the opening activity and Tuesday during our work session
Most engaged on the 3rd day.
When we were designing the lesson plans.
Every moment that I was working with my wonderful team members.
During the presentation on motivation by Mike Smith and while we were conversing with others via dance cards.
When we were working together, talking to people on our dance card and attending presentations.
During the work process.
Tuesday afternoon when we finally got down to business and trusted the chaos.
Our work sessions: great teammates this year!
The 2nd and 3rd day = most productive.
I felt really engaged in the Thursday night banquet. I really felt involved and it made a difference when I performed in the skit. I also felt involved when we would just work.
I felt most engaged at the banquet at the Glass Onion.
Taking pictures
After we did the shoot at St. Lawrence.
Monday p.m. as we sat down to establish our agenda for the week.
When in my team we had created artifacts that will be utilized.
Seeing our ideas evolve into a concrete plan for the upcoming year.
Monday was somewhat scattered, however, Tuesday and Wednesday were the days we seemed most engaged.
Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday and Thursday
When we were given time with our group to work and during the critical friends process.
Developing rubrics
This morning (Friday)
When I was typing the group’s posters and making them ‘concrete’ and ‘real’: brainstorming and ‘finals’.
Working on Tuesday: overview
I felt very engaged (as a facilitator) as my group was beginning their task on Mon and Tues, and then they needed me less and less as the week went on.
Thursday: during a conference call.
Thursday morning: my group’s key to future success.
When our superintendent accepted our proposal and validated our work.
Thursday morning
Critical friends
Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday: we were in deep.
Once the dust settled from the “chaos” Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were very productive.
Wednesday
During each session
At the presentation, especially Paul’s.
The second day when we had our task in mind and wanted to do the work.
Wednesday, Thursday things started to come together.
All week
Throughout the entire week.
I feel that Wednesday was the time we were all focused on our task and each group was fully engaged.
During a workshop session on special education.
Wednesday was the turning point for the task and me personally. We had determined what the final product was going to look like and who would be the user group; everything fell into place after this.
When we were creating our rubric and with my talks with Pat Flynn and Paul Vermette.
During our panel with diverse groups on Wednesday and thereafter—I felt that what we were doing served a purpose.
All times
When we were all together as a team, working on our rubric.
Tuesday to Thursday we were immersed.
At the presentations and work with group.
Tuesday and Wednesday
By the third day I felt I understood the focus of the group and our purpose for being at the conference.
When I was working with my team and we started to get down to work and to do the ‘what we want’ list, I felt he most engaged. Along with when we were coming up with our strategies.
I felt engaged from Monday afternoon when we brainstormed what we wanted (needed) and what obstacles we felt kept us from getting those wanted ‘things’ all through the process of creating ‘solutions’ (building plans activities)
Wednesday
During the Tuesday session our group had our most significant breakthrough and we diligently worked on it.
Wednesday
Wednesday
During some of the presentations—thinking how I could apply them.
Researching the data- going into depth.
When I had access to a computer, all participants should bring a laptop.
During our task on the first day I was very involved in how we were going to carry out our task for the betterment of all kids.
On Tuesday—we finally ‘dove in’ and got started on what we came to do.
Thursday when I finally completed what I set out to do.
In the brainstorming process and in the creative, artistic designer phases.
Wednesday and Thursday
The last couple of days I felt the most engaged because we were finally starting to see the final product.
When I was taking pictures.
Wednesday: we had to really trust the chaos.
From the start, attending the past 3 years set us ahead of the game.
When I met with various dance partners I developed more ideas.
Yesterday as I was closing in on finishing my major task.
During our team’s biggest argument.
Day 3—we accomplished a tremendous amount of work.
While we were brainstorming.
Tuesday morning I knew my purpose.
After we had difficulty working out our actual task and rubric we were able to focus on our task.
When I was working on my task.
Team actually produced a product.
Critical friends
On Wednesday, we created our FCA’s for Collins Writing, which was a huge undertaking.
Wednesday and Thursday
When we were discussing our plan for the next school year.
Always engaged
During the team’s on task time.
I felt most engaged during the presentations.
Wednesday
Monday afternoon and thereafter.
I felt most engaged when we were discussing ways to make everyone in our building feel respected.
During critical friends and during some of the group’s brainstorming.
The second day
Monday to Wednesday—critical friends was very beneficial.
I felt most engaged on the third day of deliberations when my team finally did something worthwhile.
Tuesday afternoon our team really started to spark and everyone was excited.
Wednesday after we got our computers working and we knew what we had to do.
Tuesday: this day I felt I had an understanding on what was going to be going on throughout the week.
Wednesday—when we were all focused on our task, speeding towards completion.
The presentations: I neglected presentations last year to work on team task; this year I attended 5 and they were awesome. I’ll never miss another opportunity; the presentations modeled the process of so many valuable constructivist strategies. They helped me make connections and solidify my understanding of how effective these strategies are.
All the time, even when I ‘stepped away’.
The banquet: not only group activities, but also as a student I enjoyed being asked to perform-- thanks for including us.
When we were typing and creating the rubric from scratch.
When we were working on our matrices and during critical friends, I was really thinking and doing.
As we prepared for critical friends, when it was quiet enough to focus on us to just tune in to our individual tasks.
Every day
Researching deep info on the actual ELA test after researching the data.
Analyzing what the data told us.
When we broke things down and got to match individual research and production with time to meet together.
When I looked around and everyone was working. More so, it really helped to validate our project and all of the hard work that went into it.
I love going to the presentations, because they are based on constructivism and I can get my ideas across and evaluate my teaching.
1st day when we had a clear vision by developing rubric and organizer.
I think on Thursday I felt the most engaged. We seemed to get the most accomplished that day as a team, as well as, in smaller groups
Wednesday
All week
Discussing our final product with our administrator.
On the first day when we were deciding what we were going to be doing and how. Dr. Vermette came in and out of the room, we were excited and put together a great task, rubric, and goals for the week, which has helped us get everything put together.
When talking with everyone at the Thursday banquet.
Wednesday when the work began to gel.
When our k-4 team was working to establish FCA (focus corrections area) for our building.
Wednesday: group worked together well.
Wednesday there were too many to name just one.
Wednesday connecting cross-curricula ideas.
During group work and dance cards.
Tuesday and Wednesday
Wednesday: discussion with administrator about the need for change.
When we had to go to our critical friends’ share time and present in a coherent manner what we worked on as a group.
Thursday presentations
I feel that Wednesday and Thursday were the most productive days.

What action that anyone took during the week did you find most affirming and helpful?

Jack putting us on track to what we were suppose to accomplish.
The most helpful thing was when we were directed to figure out what we wanted/ obstacles/ process of how to get results.
The facilitator’s guidance in dealing directly with issues.
Rance Davis coming to visit on Monday and again on Thursday was most helpful.
Paul Vermette’s speech
People recognizing me and calling me by name.
The presenters
When I was reminded –I can make a difference.
Our facilitator was extremely helpful. She was great at managing many different attitudes and personalities but was willing to ‘dig in’ and help us complete our task, too.
The critical friends’ session was definitely most helpful—great feedback!
My facilitator brought me back to the rubric throughout the week to help me realize that I was moving in the right direction.
The times when Drs. Vermette and Basko came to help us through our group’s problems as well as when the middle school teacher came by to read our work.
All the dance card resources we used; everyone was very enthusiastic about helping.
The other facilitator I worked with was so helpful and informative. Also, I attended a presentation on interviews and the presenter was very personable and helpful before and after. And, of course, all the work Don and Susan did beforehand to help me.
Explaining to me how the digital camera works.
Being able to talk to other professionals.
Everyone was great.
Working well together in our group to complete our task.
Our facilitator trusted us to take off—her editing of my work was helpful.
The facilitators at all times.
Lockport M.S. asking to meet with us.
Paul Vermette spoke with our group!
Many times, awesome group, regular encouragement and support through words, cards, etc.
Our facilitator, Christy, was very positive as well as provided us information to begin our task.
Our facilitator was very helpful in finding resources for us.
Two individuals in my group shared collegial confrontation with rest of group.
Having the resource people come and talk to the team.
Using the dance card to bring people that could help me was so helpful.
Monday, our facilitator led us through the 5 types of writing, FCAs, and how Collins works. After that, I felt truly ready to move on.
There was a point at which the whole team seemed to become very enthused about what we were doing; this improved our final outcome.
Each person took it upon themselves to work on a project.
Dance cards—all of them
When 2 facilitators came over to review our work.
The willingness for one team to offer their findings to other teams, this has not always been my experience with educators.
We had a department member show up who we did not expect.
Facilitator was able to guide us where we needed it and add an outside perspective as well.
I think our meeting with our principal was a major step. The conversation was to the point, and I hope this brings about change in our building.
Again, the critical friends.
Those that recognized what we do everyday in our jobs.
Critical friends was excellent. I wish it wasn’t referred to as ‘critical’ though.
The most helpful action this week was when we decided to move to a quiet location. It was at this point that we were able to progress in our task.
As a team we all put our ideas out and went with them; it was helpful that we all participated and communicated.
Suzanne Miller’s and Paul Vermette’s presentations.
The entire team—each member contributed to the cohesiveness of the group—task oriented and fun-loving!
Some members whose teams were working with tasks that we could learn from came and spoke with us.
When we could all work together.
The Lockport team wanted to meet with us right away after the Opening Ceremony to discuss our project. (Thanks to Don for inviting us to speak at the ceremony.)
Our facilitator kept us from making our task too much to accomplish.
Giving praise to the web pages and discussing their use.
Our facilitator
Critical friends and presentations
Our facilitator was very helpful. Christy was able to help guide us and teach us. Knowing she was volunteering and really wanted us to accomplish our goal was amazing. Her willingness to dive into research and work with us was very affirming.
When my teammates didn’t wait to be told what they needed to do and they just began working—it affirmed “Learning by Doing”.
Don and Pat’s workshop: how I can improve my teaching. Also, getting suggestions from other facilitators on how I can improve my skills and engage my team.
Everyone was helpful and very supportive.
The action that was most helpful was that 2 of our members explained a ‘collegial confrontation/ communication’ they had which was a true ‘ a-ha!’ for them and for the work of our team.
Two team members addressed a problem they were experiencing and progressed through it successfully. My building team turned a major corner.
Our facilitator was an excellent resource to assist with moving our group from community to collegiality.
Listening to what others are doing and expectations from other teachers in our building.
When Dr. Vermette came on the first day, he really helped us get started and to understand what our part in the conference was going to be. Sonia had great ideas for us, too! Response journals
When the 7th grade social studies teacher came in, as well as Sonia Basko.
Parking lot, the group chose to use it and did not divert from the task.
When we were able to put our hands on some actual writing samples, rubrics, and helpful writing papers, I felt most comfortable.
It was very helpful having our facilitator guide us and keep us on task.
Our group worked beautifully together and we were able to find out about what each other does which is very helpful.
Technological support and dance cards.
Dance cards, individual contact with facilitator to discuss lesson planning.
Our facilitator provided behind the scenes planned ‘interventions’ to give needed information and resources that we didn’t think of, or know about.
My facilitator, Beth Konkoski Bates, helped me work though a lot of confusion about how to improve my teaching practices. In the process, she pointed out the good things I already do.
Placing our plan on a power point presentation for our faculty and staff.
I liked the whole process. It was great having a facilitator to help us work though the process.
My resource person took time every day to speak individually and together with all of us.
I think that meetings with our team and the resources really helped us to start thinking in a new direction and gave us great ideas. Also, the feedback we received at the end of the week really validated all of our hard work.
When our superintendent validated our work and agreed to back us financially and educationally in embedding the successful components of our CSR initiative.
Presentations
Peg, for giving multiple strategies and ideas as well as keeping us on task.
Steve Abelson’s head band activity.
Encouragement and compliments from colleagues/ facilitators were very uplifting.
Discussion among all our team members.
Sandy began with the rubric
The facilitators were excellent.
The ability to step away when the group was working.
I think all worked hard to help facilitate our group and help us understand and look for the answers within ourselves.
Each member of the group added his/her strengths for the benefit of all!
The helpful activity was Jack’s leadership in getting us focused and headed in the right direction.
It was helpful to have a facilitator.
Pat Remmer: extremely knowledgeable and task oriented; excellent organizational and computer skills. Nikki: very helpful with computer, copying, paper, etc. Kellie Williamson: getting resources, completing forms, keeping us on tasks, brought lunch!
The giving of personal knowledge and resources (books, etc.), such a free-flowing knowledge based conversation and sharing doesn’t always happen so naturally, as it showed!
Rance Davis’ visits to our group to help and guide us.
I felt that there were several presenters: Jack Drury, Steve Abelson, and Paul Vermette/ Matt Vermette, that really made me feel what this conference was about.
When Vermette and Mesibov came and gave us positive feedback and constructive criticism.
When Don and others came to our project and gave feedback.
Team reflections
Just listening to other groups and finding out that others were struggling as well as our team! A sense of identity and connection to others was established.
Our facilitator really worked to provide us with needed materials and resources (computer, articles, tech. Support).
Don’s periodic insights, everyone’s comments about the success of our key task Thursday.
Participating in the critical friends' process was very affirming and gave the team some ‘food for thought’.
Peer review/ critical friends.
Journal reflection brought our groups’ individual tasks back together to team focus.
Getting the website put up.
Our facilitator was a ‘true’ facilitator without an agenda pushed upon us.
Sharing of ideas among our group to come up with our end product, it never would have happened by myself!
Critical friends
We had a wonderful facilitator. She allowed us to work and was available as we needed her.
Critical friends’ time
When I had a conversation with my assistant superintendent about my team’s work at the conference.
The cooperation of everyone and all of us working together helped me the most this week.
When Siobhan (our facilitator) didn’t and when we did and stayed to finish typing lesson plans.
When various teachers from other teams networked and connected with ours, providing us with further knowledge to help us with the tasks at hand.
The dances we scheduled were very helpful because we could bounce our ideas off someone not involved in our process and get ideas from them.
Joan took our suggestions and became exactly what we needed—a facilitator.
The first day—when one of my co-workers said, “let us work”, to the facilitator.
Speaking with the 3 principals was very helpful, Ron from Alexandra Central, Dan from Lowville, and Don from Vermont.
Moving us to an AC room helped with the heat all experienced this week.
Any section that the facilitators took really helped to motivate us. During the presentations when the presenters would talk about engaging their audience, they helped to engage me as well.
When our classmates helped each other, for example, when they helped each other take pictures.
When she showed us how to crop pictures.
We are self-motivated and goal-oriented.
Everything that our facilitator did to promote our progress.
Facilitator and resource people and computer support.
Talking to other people and looking at information from other schools.
The feedback during the critical friends’ process.
Many small incidents of enlightenment.
Pat Baldauf’s Glasser refresher
My group’s members always strive to work together and promote each other. Excellent facilitation: Pam Horton. Mr. Mesibov’s gracious invitations to his home! And his diligence in trying to speak personally with all participants.
Wednesday: standstill
In general, the support of the facilitator was helpful.
Many of the facilitators were so interested in how my group was going and really listened to my challenges, offered suggestions, and really affirmed me—amazing support.

What about these this week surprised you the most?

That we actually got everything together and were really reaffirmed by our Superintendent. (Pleasantly surprised!)
How open everyone was at the conference and willing to share materials.
How much work it is.
Something I said during a presentation was ‘printable’!
That our task ‘perception’ was way off base.
Collaboration
The task we had to accomplish.
The amount that we accomplished with the lack of structure.
How damn exhausted I was at the end of the day.
How everything came together so quickly and so well.
The amount of work accomplished. We were very successful in doing our tasks.
I was not expecting to be asked to produce a product. The time pressure was intense with 12-15 hour workdays.
I was surprised at the broad knowledge of Pat regarding so many educational issues, curriculum, programs, books, etc. The completed handbook will be a very helpful tool for many people.
Went by so quickly.
That not only did we accomplish our goal, but also our final product was flexible and we created more than one presentation.
How we worked, laughed, and kept each other going.
That our team bonded and worked so well together. I really got to know these ladies; it was a great experience.
How well the 5 members of out team got along and worked as a whole.
The amount of work accomplished.
The relationship the team members developed with each other.
The strength of the team to take on a task that seemed impossible at first but with time and discovery we were able to move forward in a positive way.
I found that almost everyone here was ‘committed’ to the process, and those that weren’t probably didn’t get much out of the conference.
The noise
The “trusting the process”—it works, wow!
Enthusiasm of everyone.
How quickly it went.
Flexible schedule, time for us to work; I loved it!
I was surprised at how this week was much work but much fun!
Number of people in such a remote location.
That my assistant superintendent visited.
I was most surprised about how much work and time goes into making lessons plans.
The amount of work we got done.
That we finished/ completed all of our tasks.
I was surprised to find the dance cards.
The extra activities (casino, dinners) were a nice touch!
I didn’t want to stop.
Actually finishing!
Having been here before, not too surprised, but I have to say that Don and Susan accommodating us when we asked to be moved made me feel like we were all here together, not us separate from them.
I thought I would be distracted by all the noise and work going on around us but as the days progressed the ability to focus sharpens and work gets accomplished.
What surprised me most was finding out just how wide spread constructivism is.
It surprised me that we had to answer these questions.
That I took pictures, printed them, and got to the end of the week.
How well I do with computers and digital cameras.
The lack of AC in some large group meetings.
That some of the individuals from last year behaved as “tight assess” (excuse my French!) as last year—with no real basis for such behavior. Teach my children—noooo way! I’d like to provide a book of ‘Miss Manners’ for many!
Locations, it was sometimes hard to concentrate with noise at the Best Western, also rooms on campus were very hot.
How people attend this year after year.
I enjoyed the “Treat Everyone Differently…” workshop very much as a reminder of not falling into easy teacher habits that block student learning.
The location was horrible! I’ve been to the conference when it was in Lee Dining Hall and the space/ atmosphere was much more conducive to learning and work. It was cramped, noisy, and too far from campus and the hotel. In addition, you placed us in the oldest buildings on campus. As an alum I would think that SLU would want to show case and promote the school itself.
Quality of performances!
It was fun!
Poor quality of AC in my room! (Did not take out moisture/ humidity! Awful!) Also, room smelled of bad room deodorizer. Wonderful staff in hotel! Everyone kind, helpful (even if room was poor quality).
Our facilitator was excellent.
How quickly you make friends here – I came here Saturday night not knowing a soul. I never felt apart from the group the whole time I was here, great group of people.
We were able to accomplish our task.
How much work we accomplished and how open and honest we were about our obstacles (even though we know some administrators would see/hear our concerns).
That with the chaos of the environment we were able to get our work done.
The sheer number of participants was almost overwhelming.
How much could be accomplished in such a short amount of time.
That I did do ‘lesson plans’ the right way.
That we made so much progress on what we thought was just follow-up.
How our team coming with a very vague idea of how to attack our task, came up with useful information in such an organized form.
Learning about all of the different people/ personalities in our group/ school and how they interact.
How many of my team members do not see eye to eye on a lot of things.
Being a team of one, I missed the arguing with other teammates and the growth from dialogue.
How much I’ll miss working with these people.
The food could be way better.
The lack of motivation from students and parents
I learned a lot!
That we accomplished what we wanted to and then some!
Positive attitude of professionals.
How fast it went.
The discussion after the talk on Tuesday with Seneca Falls speaker—I was expecting the typical “are there any questions?” follow-up. The discussion continued in my mind.
The argument
How much work we accomplished—I thought we had done a lot last year and I didn’t realize we could revise so much.
How Canadian I felt at times, that there were some differences in thought, also how much was the same.
The difficult time ‘ trusting the chaos’.
I wasn’t really surprised about anything because I’ve been here before.
How much I knew.
How everyone is so helpful and caring about how we are doing.
We accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. Collins encompasses what we all currently do, simply giving it a name and providing consistency though the grade levels.
What about these this week surprised you the most? (cont.)
I was pleasantly pleased that the enthusiasm of the group improved as we got more into developing the program.
How quickly we got into the groove.
Information from dance cards.
How friendly everyone was.
The energy
The dedication of everyone.
How we were able to accomplish everything.
I was surprised that there were people from California and NYC. I didn’t realize that constructivism was this popular.
That people were willing to stay on own time to finish tasks. The enthusiasm/ energy generated at times.
The dedication and work everyone did.
The dynamics, the movement of the chaos throughout all the teams and the wrap-up, that things really did fall in place, everyone was really involved and devoted to this planning.
That we did not spend a lot of time in lecture halls; instead we spent time in teams.
I was surprised at the frustration I first felt because I thought I came into the week ‘with a head start’. This was not the case. Our product didn’t take shape until Wednesday morning.
How much could be accomplished once we figured out what to do!
How much work can actually get done in one week.
I was surprised at how much we actually accomplished once we decided what to do.
I never get tired of learning about learning.
The first day descriptions of the team understanding of the theme of the conference—they quickly ‘turned it around’ and proceeded with task!
How fast it went!
I was surprised how much we got done.
Although I consider myself a traditional teacher, I am surprised to see that I actually do practice a lot of constructivist strategies, tasks, and activities. (However, that Catholic school upbringing / mentality is hard to break!)
The SLU underground?!
The amount of positive feedback given.
The intense amount of work actually accomplished (what a think tank!)
I was surprised about how open and helpful everyone was.
The dynamics of my team itself, and my willingness to return next year!
How awesome my team worked together even though there was conflict now and then.
The great success of whole conference with such large numbers and many new people.
How quickly the week passed.
That we really can be a cohesive team.
That we did not have a laptop from our district.
Everyone was always engaged and actively involved. The energy was high!
The amount of action/ thinking taking place all the time.
The size of the conference.
I was a bit surprised that we didn’t have access to a person who has had experience with Collins writing at the K-4 level. The facilitator did have Collins experience, but no K-4.
Completing our unit and then more!
The amount of good things that were accomplished.
How much easier it gets each year.
The sheer number of participants this year
Information at seminars and from dance cards
I’ve studied constructivism all through college since I am a recent grad, but there’s always so much to learn.
Amazed at the amount of people fully involved, engaged and committed to their task/ project.
I’m shocked that I turned into a constructivist. Got me!
How much I reflected on the task.
How committed people were to working on the task.
How uncomfortable I was. I found the chaos almost unbearable.
I was surprised by the amount of work that could really be accomplished. Also, I was surprised by the motivation demonstrated by the group.

What, if any, changes will you make in your own day-to-day work, as a result of what occurred this week?
Not being a teacher, I won’t directly implement some of the constructivist theory. However, the work we did in our group on diversity will affect my perceptions of people and making judgments. In addition, the way I treat and respond to future students will be changed as well.
I’m going to make use of Vernon’s approach for a course I’m teaching this fall at university level.
I will document my day more efficiently. I see kids, call and talk with parents, consult with teachers, etc. This will help to prove to the board the importance of PPS.
I have a framework to help me consistently use teaching methods to make my students more strategic readers.
‘Trust the chaos’, let more exploratory stage happen (classroom, working with peers, and personal).
Look at more resources and engage in meeting other teachers using these strategies.
Incorporate ideas into all of my lessons.
Thinking more outside the box.
Some, but not a lot because our group works hard everyday.
Lots—I will implement the Collins writing program the first day of school.
Incorporating type 1-4 writing especially types 1 and 2.
I intend to begin using the Collins writing program this year. I also plan to check on myself to evaluate my changed writing program.
Team chose to come at 10, leave by 4. 2 of 7 members came early and left late.
Try to ignore some interruptions and get down to work at a faster pace. Using time more wisely—we always seemed to be in a rush.
Keep on searching for the answers—always collaborating to get more ideas.
More writing, and to do more without focusing on mechanics- more content.
I will address my colleagues in a more candid and open way.
Work more at creating collegiality with my team.
I may have suggested that our group move it’s location but we did get a lot accomplished.
Go into greater detail with my classes regarding two-step.
Use Bloom’s taxonomy and focus on the 2-step strategy model.
When preparing lessons, being sure to think about what students are doing, not what I will be doing.
I will try to incorporate parts of the 6 traits of writing as well as authentic tasks whenever I can.
Better attention to posting work on website.
The handbook we developed will be used daily to remind myself to do what I worked on. In general, more student- student activities.
I will appreciate the lessons my teachers give because I know the time and the work put into them.
Unsure as a student, but I have plenty of ideas for teaching opportunities.
Would only keep adjusting to needs of the group as I listen and observe.
I have a better working knowledge of how strategies drive instruction and learning.
I feel more confident that I will be meeting the NYS ELA standards.
Leaving the ELA curriculum and standards in my grade book and referring to it daily.
I would allow for more brain storming on Monday so at the end of the day we at least grasped our task.
As a leader on campus, I will try to incorporate constructivist strategies in all I do.
Little more down time with team.
I will document my tasks more efficiently.
Better, consistent documentation of what I do.
I will try even harder to keep others finding the positive. We often don’t like change, but we might as well make the best of it.
We will be able to make a more positive impact on our school. I have a group of people now that I can rely on and not feel so isolated.
I will document my contacts and justification; I now have new ideas.
Quite a few!
More lessons with more on the 2 step model.
Focus more on parent involvement.
I would make sure that everyone was committed to the workshop times from the beginning. I also think that we could have been ‘on-task’ more than we were.
I will use Collins writing as my writing program. I am armed with FCAs appropriated for my grade level, where my students are going next (FCAs) and a plan for implementation.
I would have taken more breaks during the day.
With this group I was less structured than previous groups and not knowing it was a good thing.
More integration and labeling of constructivist practice.
Increase student involvement.
I will try to implement the constructivist model and the 6+1 traits writing strategies with my special needs students.
Starting to encourage others to join in.
Lesson planning!
More awareness of the types of tasks I ask my students to accomplish. More thought to connecting students’ prior knowledge.
I can better communicate with people.
I’ll use the differentiated instruction lessons we created and will do more.
Add more constructivist lessons and continue to improve my classroom environment.
Nothing, as we have just worked to sustain what we have done in the past.
Take more pictures
Take advantage of the resources around you.
I saw what parts of my teaching are still traditional, so those will change.
Working more with colleagues.
I will be looking at lessons with a critical eye toward making them more constructivist.
I would like to do more reflection on my teaching and student learning as well.
I will think more about how to engage students in critical thinking and questioning and how to use our work/ task daily in our room.
I wish that I had not retired and am glad that I will be tutoring.
Give students the task first then let them ask for the knowledge.
To refer to the standards each day with each lesson.
I feel that this week confirmed the fact that I understand the concepts of constructivism.
Spread out the groups—way too much work and distractions.
I liked our quality conversations and plan to use this in my classroom (and personal life) and to use the full value contract.
I might try the ‘critical friends’ in my social studies class.
Many! I will change the way I work with my staff, making my dealings with them much more constructivist and have many plans with my students to follow the 2 step intentionally.
Awareness of common Voc writing process
Will try for more constructivist activities in classroom.
Constantly remind myself to consider each LE value to my students.
I will be making more of an attempt to use cooperative learning strategies daily.
What resources are available, having computer rooms open if you are sent there to work in another building. A supply list.
I will continue to help my students form valuable conclusions and construct their own learning.
More effort in lesson plans to be more constructivist.
I’d make no changes.
More advance and challenging objectives.
I would have more cameras so more people can take pictures.
Definitely outlining what needs to be done and checking it off as we go is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.
I think perhaps giving us the option of using the chart paper ourselves instead of the facilitator—our ideas were flowing and it caused us to be a little interrupted to have to explain what everything was and meant during brainstorming.
Much more group oriented, student driven work.
Keep track of students not succeeding more often!
I will be creating more projects for 8th graders, I will conference with at-risk students more.
I’ll appreciate my teachers more, now that I know how much preparation they go through.
Trust my students more.
Rely more on my team.
All the morning presentations gave me at least one idea each to use. I will definitely use lecture more effectively and with rigor and relevance. I plan to use more collaborative grouping strategies.
I will incorporate more analysis and synthesis and evaluation activities in my classroom.
My classroom will become more student-centered.
I am not use to working in front of a computer all day. It helped when the day was broken up with dance cards, presentations, etc.
Awareness to student needs is constant with NYS testing demands. 2- brain research- powerful to get real.
More student engagement.
My activities as a professional developer will be much more ‘constructivist’.
Continue work with colleagues.
Utilization of some 2-step philosophies.
Be more aware of how I cheat others. Respect for peoples’ opinions, ideas, and differences.
Be more student-centered, more rubrics
Use more constructivist methods in classroom.
Be more student-centered.
I will try to incorporate everything that I learned this week into my classroom teaching.
Take a break for myself.
When I become a teacher I will add choices to the curriculum, allowing students flexibility and a chance to show what they have learned.
I don’t know where to begin. I want to take time to make a strategic plan of my own to make my changes sustainable. I know I will find people back at home to share my knowledge.
I will make sure that I read an article/ book section/ email…etc. everyday to become more knowledgeable about more educational issues that affect my job ministry, board, school).
I feel this will help all our school community because the activities will help create a positive attitude.
I will continue to refine my teaching of reading.
Continue to work/ reflect upon work frequently.
Think about my lessons more carefully and check for knowledge in the beginning and understanding.
Stop trying to get everything done so quickly and take the time.
Use the children to facilitate the learning environment.
Conscious effort towards respect.
Be more conscious of how respect is shown.
More exploration and discovery among my students.
More journal writing and positive feedback.
Implement a constructivist view into my lesson.
Plan lessons according to our data driven review process.
Not day-to-day, more overall and conceptual, a holistic, philosophical approach to teaching/ learning.

What would you like to see as the next steps to ensure follow through on your team’s work this week?

Continued meeting and planning.
Continued buy-in by the faculty and staff/ continued support by the superintendent, and confirmation by the BOE.
Meetings throughout the year to get feedback.
Monthly brainstorm sessions/ planning with team.
Meetings throughout the year, journals/ write-ups of things that can be improved
District support is followed through!
Further meetings with team.
The evidence of our plan within the school building.
We need to work collaboratively and get this action plan in place.
Regrouping with my team to see how the unit we worked on flowed and what changes need to be made.
We will work in August on our Reading Task Force using all aspects of what we thought/ created this week.
We need to further develop our goals and perhaps develop a timeline for implementation.
I am looking forward to implementation at school. Our team will continue to meet and update during the school year.
There are several voices of people whose editing comments and advice we look forward to solidify.
Fill in any missing sections once we get home, have superintendent/ Donna at EOSDN read it over to make suggestions, and figure out a way to get it in-serviced or out to schools.
That my team keep in contact with one another and come next year to evaluate the product they created and to update the product to include a parent-school piece.
Assign people to follow through on the action plan (certain parts of it)
Time to do it
Meeting when the school year starts to see what’s working, what’s not, and to make suggestions.
Monthly meetings with group to discuss progress.
Meeting up to recap, get on same page, or continue with lessons. Meeting to present/ share with colleagues.
Turn-key drawing and provide time for continuing lesson plan development.
Meetings upon our return
Our team has identified the necessary ‘next steps’.
We’ve developed a complete plan for ‘what comes next’.
To continue
I would like to be able to visit this team in the coming school year to see the ‘fruits of their labor’.
Continue to build on the concepts.
Continue to update sites and WebPages.
Time to update our resources
Use information in the classroom.
As a team we will be in contact with each other to continue our technology that we worked on this week. I would be interested in meeting mid-year with other teams to discuss progress of project.
I would like to put what I worked on into practice and ‘test it out’—I can’t wait.
Holding each other accountable.
Our work on the website and piloting the lessons in my classes this fall.
I hope that our lessons will be both fun and successful for the students.
The next step would be that the lesson plans get used.
Someone putting the material we came up with on the web.
We meet again each quarter to review the process and check the status of the implementation.
Bringing to high school and being followed through on there!
I will meet and speak with team members about how we are using these things (ideas, concepts) in our classroom.
We will meet and discuss how effective the product was in class.
I want the 9th grade teachers to appreciate our hard work and implement these changes—it has our students’ best interest at heart.
We need to continue to meet and see how we are progressing. Also, feedback from others (school personnel) would be helpful.
More responses to the ‘This I Believe” essays and lesson plans, more people participating in them.
Actually, we developed our next steps prior to departure.
I can’t determine this because I must first put what I created into practice.
Supportive administration and faculty support.
Having an opportunity to meet with the major stakeholders of our plan.
Continue meeting and sticking to action plan.
Continue to work on another parent plan and to revise this one.
Faculty buy-in
That others pick up where we left off and that a disclaimer about original work be writing and posted in each—works in progress needing much more polish!
Collaborative planning to define specific lesson plans.
Work during August with team members—daily/weekly meetings with team members who will teach new course designed this week—parent newsletter about new course and 6th grade activities.
Develop a handbook of resource material.
Our next steps are in place.
I am hoping my team has a lot of success implementing this course and make decisions to incorporate more steps that will improve student learning in the content areas.
This committee needs to meet during the year to see if we are following the plan. Also we can look ahead to see what else we can do for the children.
Evaluations- team meetings to ensure ‘thinks’ are happening.
That commitments we agreed to are followed through—facilitator (Barb) comes to our school and meets with us after a few months to ensure.
It would make sense for the team to meet at the beginning of the fall semester.
Help each other be accountable to do the thing we agreed upon.
Chris and I will meet during staff day in December.
Meet together during the year.
Our team administrator to take our findings back to the district administration. Then each school forms a committee to develop questions, gather and review materials to implement findings in their building. Collect work from buildings to be combined and put on computers to be use by districts.
Email communication with the team.
We need a facilitator/ teacher to better explain the 6+1 traits and model them four us to better be able to use them.
Show proposal to principal and set up meeting with Linda Hughes.
Me, myself and I will get together and write more lessons.
When our unit gets put upon the institute’s website.
Practice
Use the camera and printer more.
We have an implementation plan for the ‘05-’06 year already in place.
Come back again
Meet periodically to see how each of us is doing.
Use/ evaluate/ revise lessons.
Posting of our lesson plans on the website.
An email (?? another one??) to ask/ remind teams of the hard work done this week and to encourage teams to keep using their product. (Gentle, yet quick reminder can be effective)
Administrator follow-through.
Break, then emails checking on how we are doing.
Discussion to ‘pitch’ the 6+1 idea to our principal.
School wide adoptions of program we worked on.
Them to have more time to finish their project.
Practice
The meetings scheduled for our team throughout the year are vital for sharking and re-assessment.
I think we have a good implementation plan in place for the team, and the administrator is in full support and will help with implementation.
Time to work together throughout the year.
Vermette visits Broad Run H.S. in Ashburn, VA!
Not sure yet.
Present to our team and further develop what we have started.
Implementation plan
I hope that this committee can meet from time to time to see “how we are doing?!” If we feel things aren’t going well—we need to spend some time to fix it.
Time to share the information, develop it further.
A meeting with those not involved back at school.
Re-group throughout year with team and administrators to ensure that we are making necessary changes.
A finalized and workable action plan on how we are going to implement the task.
We need to inform the public that our product exists so that we can see it in use. We will have our action plan to aid us in this.
Meet with the team again to discuss the next steps that need to be done. Meet with my 3 colleagues to discuss what was accomplished this week.
Bring the rest of the fifth grade team on board, along with the non-ELA 6th, 7th, 8th grade teachers.
I feel we have this piece in place.
They have begun and I would only like to see success and ongoing success!
Our website updated with this week’s work, contact with NPR.
Keep track of use of lesson plans.
That is a question we’ve pondered. How do we measure student achievement without doing formal pre/post test measures that are quantitative?
Meet with building administration, prepare faculty for buy in, parent progress and feedback.
Training
Interacting with other districts to collaborate and ensure steps are being taken after the conference.
After we present the information, we need to develop a broader, better representational of district team to take this information and continue on with the action plan.
Maybe meeting to get an idea of where we need to go next. Possible reading more going to the training on 6+1 and constructivist work.
I dialogued with our principal about where we would like to go—more training/conferencing on the topic we focused on.
I would like my team to get trained in the 6+1 writing traits.
Just continue to write more lesson plans/ I will get her resource materials, if she can’t download the information.
We have an implementation plan and our facilitator has offered continuing contact if we need to.
Following team meetings—we’ve already scheduled some.
We have made a plan to sustain the process throughout the year.
That we follow our plan and that our administrator does the same.
Our unit plan is placed on the website.
Putting our work online.
We wrote an implementation plan, now to work the plan.
We did set up a plan for the 2005-2006 school year. It involves visits to other districts, meetings with the team, and meetings with the administration. We will need to evaluate follow through at these meetings and make revisions as necessary.
A team meeting
More opportunities to meet like this throughout the year.
More workshops during the school year, longer periods of time to work.
Conferencing with others for ideas, encouragement, and support.
Follow-up with group members, contact principal, follow-up with facilitator.
Keeping contact with group members, brief announcement in faculty meeting, further conferences.
Time to: finish putting all information together, implementation, and assess project/ students’ work.
I need to use what we created, read Tovani’s book and use it, and reflect regularly on my teaching.
Another constructivist conference
To meet with the administrative team to discuss what we came up with and items that need further clarification.
Presentation to the Director of Multi-Cultural Affairs at both SLU and Potsdam.
The next steps that I’d like to see are mainly included in the action plan. Advertising and getting the word out to other colleges is our next plan.

Has your understanding of the word “constructivism” changed as a result of your work this week?

YES: 100

Please Amplify:

I have a little better idea of what “constructivism” is.
Had no idea before.
More internalized now that I have been through 2 conferences.
No idea what it was when I signed up.
The workshops being held using the constructivist model was the most helpful to make it real for me and useable.
I know that we had to be engaged and interested in what we wanted to come away with this week before we could accomplish anything.
Using it, be engulfed in it, surrounded by it, everyone talking the talk and walking the walk has been great!
I have been exposed to it before but not I feel that I have a greater more accurate understanding.
Reinforcement of what I learned in Professor Mesibov’s class.
I didn’t know what it meant before I came to the convention.
Working together and being flexible can make a huge difference!
Refined—saw differences in ideas between presenters.
I have an even better grasp of the definition of it. The orange sheet given out at the opening session was especially helpful.
We ‘construct’ our own meaning.
Didn’t know much before as far as theory but found out how much I knew and how much it was already a part of me.
I have become more familiar with constructivist practices.
“Flushed” our more
I have a much better understanding now that I put constructivism into play…I was engaged!
I have a slightly better understanding of constructivism.
“Trust the chaos” I have to be reminded at least once a year.
2 step clarified
I am more sure of what it means in a classroom environment.
It’s great to attend a conference where we can work on what we want to with expertise available when we need it.
A little! I know there is much more to learn. Perhaps a conference just on “constructivism” would be helpful.
I appreciated the format or (loose format). I enjoyed the phases our team went through. Greatly appreciated the critical friends’ component.
I did not know the word at all before the workshop.
One really must trust the chaos.
I now know the definition of constructivism.
Before this week I really had no idea what constructivism was and how it was used in the classroom.
Further understanding, validates what I already know.
Reiterated my understanding of how important it is for the learner to enjoy.
Because it’s learning in a fun and hands on way!
opening ceremony activity with accompanying orange sheet and 2. Vermette’s 2- step
Made me more aware how much I’m already doing and how large results are.
I’ve done constructivism for 32 years—now I know I’m doing the right things—and I’m not alone.
I understand more of how and why it works. I have also seen how you can implement the strategies in the classroom.
2-step was new to me, the philosophy I learned in college was reaffirmed and illustrated more clearly!
I realized I still need to learn more and ask more questions about how I can use constructivist theory when I am teaching “skills”.
I experienced first hand that meaning and learning are changed as the group work evolves. I found the critical friends and dance card/resource people helpful to our group’s tasks.
Really couldn’t put my head around what happened at the conference. Now I know, and now I’m hooked.
We all construct knowledge in our own way. This is why it is important for a teacher to use a variety of strategies to meet multiple intelligences and a teacher must plan so that the students can see and make connections with the overall meaning of the unit. A teacher must always also activate prior knowledge and make work relevant to the kids.
I already understood it, however, it was enhanced and I obtained a lot of concrete strategies that can be used in a classroom.
Because it is ever-changing.
Helping students to construct or create their own meaning to subject areas.
There’s so much to learn and absorb.
One team member didn’t know what it meant and two team members knew somewhat about the term. Have the experience of the approach helped all of us to truly understand the meaning and theory.
I really “got” constructivism and how I can use this philosophy as a reading teacher. Last year, I left with questions; this year I left with answers.
Constructivism is a process that needs to be taken one step at a time.
I didn’t understand the words at all and know I do.
I feel as though my understanding has increased.
I know have a better understanding how to implement constructivist views into my everyday lessons.
Not changed—a better understanding of how to implement.
A work in progress!
More information, more modeling, etc.
It was helpful to see constructivism in action and apply it to different areas.
It gives us a different way to look at learning that will help the students.
Building on the foundation of knowledge and providing real life scenarios “which I do!” is best.
I know realize that many of the teaching techniques I use would follow the constructivism design.
We were not given any direction before we attended the conference. We didn’t know what direction we were headed.
Yes. I know very little about constructivism prior to the conference but I now have a much better understanding of the theory/process. The kindness and hospitality of the people at the conference was greatly appreciated; the presentations were enlightening and the ideas awesome. Thank you!
I now am able to speak with experience attached to my knowledge. Also, I can (hopefully with practice) implement with greater success, constructivism in my classroom.
I understood constructivism before, but this made me engage with it on a ‘real-world’ level.
I can see I all ready do it.
I feel I have a better understanding provided by the experiences I’ve had this week; the presentations, the network and attempting to complete our task.
Wasn’t sure what it was. I always related it to brain based research. I have a stronger understanding of what exactly constructivism is and more importantly how to use it.
Creation/ thinking on own
You put into practice what I read on paper.
I’m still not sure I can understand it fully but I believe it matches my current moral, values and ethics as it relates to teaching.
I have become particularly discouraged about the collective misunderstanding which has been observed—which is a facet of constructivism—nothing can be transferred completely from one to another—the constructing understanding piece. Yet, I think, therefore I construct and I am encouraged in so doing.
I have learned a lot more about cooperative collaboration and that I am not so far off in what I have done as a teacher and, more recently, as a professional developer!
I get it better now.
As already stated—“trust the process”, but now I feel I really understand the process ‘step’ more.
I just never gave the label to my teaching.
It hasn’t changed, it became more clear to me what it really was, “allowing students”.
We actually put it into progress.
Yes—seems to me constructivism is just the combination of several good ideas—the idea of getting a group together to accomplish a task and providing the time and environment to do that is the real draw of the week. Would probably get must more participation in a larger, more central location.
I always learn more about it as I see it in action here are the conference.
Before I came to this conference I didn’t know exactly what constructivism was, but by attending the conference this week I now have a much better understanding of it.
I used to not know what it was, then this year now I think it is the teacher and the student would be working together and would both be involved.
I did not know what it meant and now I understand the process.
It is good to review this philosophy to review your techniques.
I know what it means now, because I’ve lived it all week.
I realize this it is more about what ‘the children’ are doing and less about what ‘the teacher’ is doing.
I think it means to be able to work with people you don’t know.
I learned to work with people who I didn’t even know and to pay attention.
Constructivism is/ can be applied in many ways both in and outside of the classroom.
I really wasn’t sure what it was.
I attended 2 previous conferences a number of years ago and loved them. This year was an affirmation and a renewal.
Review lesson plans to incorporate constructivism.
I was pleased to be able to learn more about the 2 step.
I knew basics before I came –as I went through the week I really began to understand the exploratory/ discovery process and how to work in the process while planning the process.

NO: 40

Has your understanding of the word “constructivism” changed as a result of your work this week?

Please Amplify:

I already had a good understanding of the concept.
I believe I had a pretty good grasp of it—always using this model in my work.
I understood better the intense process that scaffolds constructivist learning, though I do not believe that what I experienced was constructivist in nature, for a variety of reasons.
I love to teach this way. This conference helps give us ways to do it within the ‘system’.
No, but reminded me about practices that are not always practiced in my classroom.
It simply reaffirmed everything I already knew about constructivism and reminded me why I come here year after year.
My understanding is the student constructs his/her own knowledge based on the objective and environment and the teacher/facilitator supporting that. This is still my understanding.
I understood the concept of constructivism prior to the conference. However, becoming a participant has been a wonderful hands-on experience. Going through the process is a great eye-opening experience. I would welcome the opportunity to come and work again.
I understood what it was since last year and I’m glad to see that is still has the same meaning to me.
My understanding in the terminology is well founded and grounded.
It remains strong and reinforced.
I’m constructivist form and bred.
I think I had a clear understanding when I arrived.
Just confirmed.
I was pretty much comfortable with the concept to begin with.
Worked with Paul and Don all year and just gave us a time to work on putting it to use.
This is my third trip here. I think I have a pretty good understanding.
Seemed to fit the readings. Doesn’t seem like anything ‘new’! Experiential learning with multi-modality and cooperative learning and differentiated learning/ intelligences thrown in.
I’m still not comfortable with the term.
I would like to see debriefing be just that, it seemed we were talking about getting leads not what was going on among the teams.
I have clarified my definition of constructivism.
I was already aware of it from prior conferences, thanks Don and company.
Been here so many times—we knew.
Not really—need a bit more understanding of this philosophy.
I already know quite a lot about it-- that to the outstanding education team of professors at Niagara University.
Never having been part of this group, I just assumed from the word constructivism that is stood for the methodology of hands on and much more organizational.
Being privileged enough to take classes at SLU with Don Mesibov, Donna Kennedy, and Esther Oey has already made me fully aware of the term and how to apply it.
The terms that define the process are clearer—yet the word definition is still ‘foggy’ as to being different than building on our current knowledge.
I don’t think I truly understand the constructivism philosophy- language used or steps taken to carry out the philosophy. I look forward to learning more and understanding how this philosophy truly helped us through this week.

Suggestions/ Notes/ Concerns Added:

There was a major problem with the lack of Internet access, which impeded our progress on our task.
The set-up of our work area (along with all others) made communication difficult. The (noise) volume of so many teams in one area busily working made it difficult to converse and share information.
Could participants attend 2 workshops a day? I believe we did this in the past.
The setting was too cramped and noisy.
It felt like too many days; we were so tired. I would like to see shorter days; 8:15- 5 is longer than our school day and we just aren’t used to it. Technology issues were a problem, especially needing more printers.

Representative Comments that brought smiles to the faces of conference planners:

I was surprised at how this week was much work but much fun!
The “trusting the process”—it works, wow
I’m shocked that I turned into a constructivist. Got me!