The Last Daily Log

We have arrived at the end of our time together on campus, but the plans have already been made to reconvene soon.

Here's a recap of our final day:

Morning Pages: Jason’s prompt asked us to reflect on the AI experience. What worked? What didn’t work? What needs to be revised/tweaked/omitted?

Overall the group discussed the need for more direction in some aspects (goals, final products, researcher's chair, open activity), yet praised the individual focus that the schedule allowed through independent study, researcher's chair, blogging, and inquiry groups.

Some of the highlights of our discussion:

Renee accurately assessed that we rock. I believe her words were, "We're the coolest!"

Natalie compared the pre-institute meeting to whole life insurance. “Whole life insurance makes sense when you’re talking to the insurance guy, but when you walk out of his office you wonder why you need it.”

Researcher’s Chair: Natalie

Natalie, as always, began with a handout of her time line for next year to focus our attention. She then went on to ask for our feedback concerning her study of pre-service art teachers completing a writing assignment focusing on the critique of a piece of art.

One can only wonder how many times were we answering the wrong question for Natalie.

Natalie has taught the group two important lessons.

1. It is what it is.

2. You don’t know, what you don’t know because you don’t know.


BROWN BAG LUNCH:

During our working lunch we covered several important topics.

1. Staying Connected
A. Blogging:

We will blog a minimum of 2 times a month by posting on our blog and commenting on others’ blogs. (see deadline draft questions below for ideas for posts)

Blog schedule: July 16, July 30, Aug. 13, Aug. 27, Sept. 10
On Sept. 10 post demo outline + 50 word session description

Blogging Buddies will be Inquiry Groups.
(Steph, Stacey, Jason M., Jason C.)
(Renee, Natalie, Rebecca, Cindy)
* Remember you aren’t limited to your blogging buddies! *

B. Inquiry Groups
Meeting face to face is optional, but Cindy’s suggestion is to meet at least once before Sept. 15.

2. Post-Institute Meeting: Saturday, September 15 from 9am-2:30pm at Mugs
Remember to bring:
A. a deadline draft that answers these questions: (bring 8 copies for others to read)
DEADLINE DRAFT ?s
- here’s where I am now
- this is what I think now
- these are the questions I still have
B. outline of demo + session description (8 copies--you posted these on your blog Sept. 10)
(Remember that your demo is a slice of your research. Focus on best practices or strategies for the attendees to take to their classroom. Remember Natalie’s frazzled, fast-talking, canvas bag toting performance).

3. CSUWP Conference
We brainstormed ideas for a focus and title for the conference and discussed the plan for the day. The conference is planned for Saturday, January 26.