Day 3 - June 6

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I had homework!

On Tuesday, our day started answering questions about philosophical shift. They mostly dealt with figuring out when our ideas/paths changed and what events shaped us most. I would share those questions here but there are some things that you should experience on your own. We then took notes and had great discussions about the ways in which we gather information and worked on our philosophical mapping ideas.

Of course, we also worked more on our ideas for our research models. I think most of us were worried about having something to show for today because we had to take these giant Post-it sheets home and brainstorm our ideas there. No one wanted to look like they had no idea on what they were doing. I was scared that my ideas were too "out there". They were though! ha ha

Now for what we did today. Today we each went around the room and shared the general idea for what type of research we were focusing on. I tried to write some brief notes on each person's presentation and got most of them; but a few were interrupted by computer fixing issues.

Kelly's focus was on Math through Literature; self-efficacy issues of boys and girls with math and math identity; teacher self-efficacy in math; and student learning styles.

Vicky's target was on Autism. She mentioned that she had met with Dr. Boutot and that Autism research was something the good doctor was interested in as well. I believe she has invited Vicky to participate in some of the studies she is working on.

Melanie's focus was on Elementary attitudes toward Math. She had these questions on her Post-It: How do perceptions change and/or differ? What is the relationship between attitude and achievement?

Stacey's topic was "Frenemies" (a name from Sex & the City for a Friend/Enemy merge). Her topic involves social groupings about how preteens/elementary age students develop social networks over time. She wants to look into how cliques and bullying form in early elementary and perhaps carry it over several years of following a class.

Norman's topic was about his interactive white board movies. He had notes about subject areas using them; that they are self-directed; and developing a measure for finding success.

Dana's topics included talented readers, phonics (the "f-word", she called it!), spelling, fluency, and she mentioned she was really into Multiple Intelligences.

Jamie's topic got the most gold stars!! I jotted down some info but then had to help fix a laptop so I hope she posts more about hers in the comments section.

Erin's topic was about GT programs. She focused in on parent attitudes and teachers's attitude for qualifying students. Also focused on elementary vs middle school GT programs.

Joel's topics ran the gamut of administration, teachers, and students assessing their attitudes towards use of technology in the schools.

Pam's topics were focused on 21st century technology skills in the science classroom. She had questions about student-based vs. teacher-based instruction on certain topics. Discussion brought about info on studying product vs. process technology use in the classroom.

After we each presented; I believe we all felt relieved that our topics seemed similar in some areas. Some of us have formed groups to design topics to share between multiple members. This is gonna be great!

We then moved into our philosophical course work and had some really good fun. Our job was to observe different situations of interaction between friends, teachers, and students. Several volunteers were given the task of acting in front of the class while the rest observed non-verbal communication.

The real fun to be had came about when some of us were tasked with observing the rest of the group in timed-intervals. We observed a discussion about tragedy turn into a melt-down as Vicky quickly turned from inquisitive student to possible head-case! Her journal writings and drawings turned the role-play skit into a hilarious melt-down.

We learned about observational techniques in a real and hands-on situation today. I think many of us left today with a great appreciation for our teacher Dr. Summers for introducting these concepts in such a fun atmosphere. We really learned a lot and had fun doing so! I know we all are looking forward to more role-play. Keep an eye on that Vicky though.