After attending a conference presentation at Enriching Scholarship, I was motivated to stop talking about key educational theory and to start demonstrating the practices. One of my greatest complaints in grad school was sitting in classes where something new and innovative was being taught, but the faculty member wasn't actually applying what they were teaching. So, despite the risk involved in change and doing things in a different way, I expect the authenticity of my teaching and learning within the class to be worth the terror, risk, and unexpected adverse events that might occur. One student described this passed week's class as 'organized chaos'--I can deal with that. Out of chaos will come the transformation in perspectives, ownership of learning, and change in classroom practices (my own and hopefully in the future classes of the students). It is easy to do what has been done before, I decided to not let easy drive my growth.
I like the class. The hands-on use of the techniques which we are meant to implement later is really crucial in allowing for familiarity and confidence on the part of the student. In addition, I truly appreciate all of the assistance that you and Mike have given me in learning about this technology. I am very interested in it, but I do need assistance in learning. Many thanks, Susan.
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