At long last we come to the finale.  I’m so grateful for all the help I got from peers. I got fabulous direct feedback and constructive suggestions.  Some papers were very impressive.  I appreciated being able to look at the  work of others and see such impressive examples.  Where else can you find a group of people who are so dedicated to their work and to helping others?  Teachers are like that!

What I learned:
     I got great help from Barbra who took the time to look up and the recommend articles on “time-on-task”.  Her finds were really helpful.  I was able to use  the information to add a comparison component to my section on “time-on-task”.  The was able to see if my kids "time-on-task" was comparable to other students.  I was anxious to find out that information so that I could see if The Daily Five program we have been using has been effective.  This comparison is really important to me since I am planning to continue using it in my classroom.  I want to have some data that can justify the use of it.  Barbra really saved the day for me in this regard.
     Carrollea was very generous with her time.  She gave me great feedback. She and I got into an interesting discussion on an APA issue.  Although it was an insignificant issue, a comma placement in the name, University of Alaska Southeast.  Carrollea was persistent in going to a source until we got an answer from the school administration.  Although the comma wasn't an important issue, it was fun to see how collaboration can work.  
     I also got some great feedback from Tracie and Jamie.  They both agreed that I needed to make some changes to my paper. 
     Lee and Ann were both super helpful with answering questions.  I had a lot to learn and appreciated their patience.

   
What I was able to share:
     Jamie's paper was one of the great ones that I read.  It was both impressive and important.  I found myself reflecting on my how I interact with the Native Alaskan students in my class.  I was impressed with her comment on the "rate of dialogue" used in classrooms.  I was able to make suggestions on APA issues.   I also offered support for her premise.  I appreciated that she incorporated the new common core standards.  I thought that presented another compelling reason for considering what we can do in the classroom to meet the needs of students with diverse dialogues. 
    I also enjoyed Lenore's paper.  Her paper was an amazing example.  I found very little to advise on hers.  Instead, hers was the example I shared with others.  "Just check-out Lenore's paper.  She knows how to do this!"  I felt lucky to be in class with someone who is so professional about her work.

Overall I have found this experience to be both frustrating and rewarding.  I think most important learning is like that!


Carrollea Hubbard
11/24/2013 12:05:53 pm

Lisa,
Thank you for the beautiful reflection. I agree with you on all points, especially the comments you made about Jamie's paper. Not to be supporting favoritism because everyone in this class worked their you know what off but Jamie's paper is like you said, "impressive and important." Respect and honor for the traditional Alaska Native heritage must not be lost. To honor language and tradition is imperative for teachers teaching in the remote regions of Alaska. Jamie's paper can be used as a quick reference guide to this endeavor. After following Barbra's blog about Point Hope, I am sure she has insight to offer also as do many of the people enrolled in this course. I live and teach in Anchorage but am intrigued with what opportunity lies in all of Alaska.
What a wonderful semester.
Nice getting to know and chat with you,
Carrollea

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