On December 5, 2006, the Teacher As Researcher Bridge group met at Wilson Elementary. Here are some of the reflections from that evening. The reflection questions were “What have you learned?” and “What do you need?”

“I learned how important it is to really “savor” the small moments and slow down maybe I could go further and say digest it. If the moment is digested, the mechanisms might repeat themselves some where from the “inner well” of the teacher. Small moments are usually proceeded by something big.
I just need to hear more of what my co-horts have to share.”

“Critical thinking can be evaluated in different ways. What is role of teacher? What experiences make a good teacher? How do socio-economic issues affect student behavior and their ability to learn?
I think I need to hear teachers give testimonies of what works for them. I think less emphasis on educational theories. Collaboration is a good concept as long as everyone does work together well and respects each other.”

“This was my first session w/ the group, so I’ve learned the structure, pace, some expectations. Most importantly, it seems like a time and place to share serious thoughts about education from an educator’s perspective. I’m very excited to be part of the group and look forward to our next meeting.
What do we need? Bigger chairs J”

“Looking Forward—Learned will be doing this. Hearing writing from others on their research. Heard ideas that connect to research=> ah-ha moments when student thinks critically.
Need—nothing. What is happening with discussions very interesting.
=> Professional Development certificates that list what, date and 2.5 hours.”

“I need to slow down the moments working in a fast food/ drive through everything I have discovered besides showing, I have to show slowly. Describe, time, place and all five senses to get the feeling of the moment.
I love the location, food was good—love the readings=> love the new people.”

“Groups like my CFG, portfolio group & the TAR group help me to stay focused with my ongoing teacher research. Keeps my toes to the fire-so to speak.
I like the opportunity to share and receive feedback from other people also doing the same work or dilemmas.”

“What did I learn?
• Continue to focus on the finer point
• Illustrate thru narration
• Remembering that teachable moment or when time/teaching slowed [it’s like slipping a transmission into that certain gear that smoothes out the engine and eliminates the distracting rumble.”

“I learned that teachers have experiences to share and that they can write with relative ease about these experiences. However, when things become abstract (I don’t think they did tonight), eyes glaze over.
The new working environment worked well, although I think people are creatures of habit and desire the same surroundings.”