Day 2 Reflections

“I thought that the structure of the day led to incredible substance and learning. I appreciated, not only the input from the whole group on that structure, but your gentle reminders of the importance of taking our pulse and offering people the option of going to the session where either they would do their best learning or have the most to offer. It was very smooth. My only regret was that I couldn’t be in more places and experience all of the dilemmas, presenters and facilitators.
The quality of the facilitation in each of the sessions I participated in today was excellent. I loved that people with more experience with a given protocol would step in and support the facilitators, making great facilitation even better, because we were all in such a learning place.
Thanks for the wonderful day and opportunity to learn from one another!”

“Wheew!! What a day! I’ll go backwards. . .
Thank you for allowing space for us to present. I am so glad I did since no one in my CFG is ready to facilitate so that I can present. I learned that an optimistic attitude really does pay off; I am absorbing so much!
I also discovered that I’m a stickler for protocols and need to let that go at times; this is an interesting discovery since I’m a go-with-the-flow person normally.
Everyone makes room for each other, and I feel supported and that if I make a boo-boo, no one will hold it against me, and will take it as a learning experience.
I am reminded how important it is to remember my own practice & classroom as a coach and school-wide event organizing person go-to.
Thank you for facilitating this experience & thank you to the whole group. I am smarter now than I was yesterday.”

I enjoyed ALL our work sessions! The most powerful learning got to be the fishbowl that I observed. It is rare to be able to observe a protocol in action! The idea of using a microlab as a text-based protocol leaves me wondering if we sufficiently addressed the text. I don’t dislike it—just wondering.
The questions were powerful—thanks Phil.
One condition that helped accelerate my learning was the choice in protocol and dilemma for me to engage in=>I felt that I couldn’t lose! Great set up.
Again—we have such reflective and insightful people in our group. I am so grateful to have been sorted into this home group.”

“-Powerful Learning:
I really feel excited about the possibilities that exist using the Multiple Perspectives protocol with teens in high school. My service learning class can utilize this model to help increase compassion & empathy via role playing answers to complex cultural and social questions. I’ve been seeking a way to accomplish this for 2 years!
-Condition of Possibility: For me, the fish bowl model helped me see the value of this. Observing this protocol was more helpful to me than actively participating.
-I think the work we did today was some of the most valuable for me, on all levels of learning, than any work I’ve done in an outside group. The questions, commitment, desire for learning & engagement in this group is commendable & impressive.”

“1) The Microlab was perfect for the text-based discussion. It made us think!
2) We modified the Multiple Perspectives protocol, and I think we all learned something.
3) Marianne’s issue brought our focus in on equity issues. It was a tough but rewarding discussion.
4) The Futures Protocol with Brian made me eager to re-energize the CFG work in my district.
5) I liked having a CAC. It reminded me to suspend judgment and look for the ‘good intentions’ of the student.
6) Great level of trust, seriousness of purpose, desire to push ourselves.
7) Wonderful presenters & facilitators.”

“I’m exhausted, but it’s a ‘good tired’!
I’m tired from all the powerful experiences I’ve had today. Thank you for engineering a way for me to grow.
My colleagues’ wisdom & experience is one of the factors in my growth. Another is the amount of time cleared for the protocols to take place.
I was fascinated w/ using the Micro Lab for a reading text protocol & found myself venturing into the Risk Zone. That was a powerful experience because sometimes the first step toward growth is an honest recognition & evaluation of where you are.
I came to see that in certain instances, I prefer the Issaquah over the Consultancy because of the affirmation & emotional support built in for the presenter. Those steps really prepare the presenter to hear and attend to the following steps.
Taking time to write before speaking in the Futures protocol make a huge amount of difference in the quality of our discussion. I’m so glad Sara facilitated that & put that step in.
I was inspired by Kristen’s students’ poetry & appreciated so much her willingness to share it. She’s a great teacher! And her students are awesome—that’s what it’s all about!”

“It seems so much has happened today. I enjoyed the perspectives & learned (or was reminded) of how important it is to consider all perspectives of a situation. When I presented, I was thrilled to discover that many of my colleagues had/are experienced similar situations. It helped alleviate my feelings of isolation & confirmed my commitment to continue to push for substantive teaching. Their solutions were well-received & appropriate. I am thrilled that I now have a plan—although it will be hard work!
I enjoyed the CAC & felt our feedback helped Kristen & validated the fact that she is an excellent teacher.
Thank you for an awesome day!”

“What powerful learning occurred for you today?
The powerful learning that occurred for me today was the realization that no matter what protocol is being used, when you focus on the central issue tidbits emerge to answer your questions and direct your thinking when you least expect.
What conditions made it possible?
There was always safe space to think and share. The norms were the guideposts. Great day.”

“The opportunity to broaden my horizons/skills with new & powerful protocols nourished me! I believe in heterogeneous ability groups—but our experiences today would not have been possible w/out our group being in somewhat similar places w/ our experience & risk zones. I guess what is powerful for me is that these issues are never easy & require continuous thoughts & reflections toward planning powerful learning experiences. And this is what is imp=>learning!
I will not be here tomorrow (and I am very sad about this, as I have loved this group & our work together!) So, I just wanted to offer a piece of “cool” feedback overall. . .I am disappointed that there was no opportunity (in or out of our home groups) to discuss the “discourse” article. There are few, precious other people I can discuss those ideas with & I would love for the dialogue on critical theory, etc. to be a part of these meetings.
Thank you both for a renewing, invigorating, expanding 2 days!!”

“Powerful Learning
-Matching of work to dilemmas
-Facilitating a new protocol and adjustments to make others more successful.
-New strategies of facilitation.
Conditions
-Safe environment
-Group’s openness and willingness to let others learn.
-Encouragement and support of group.
Comments
Thanks for a great 2 days! See you tonight @ the Fiesta!!
Loved your facilitation style and ideas for use of protocols.”

“1) We are all dealing with similar challenges and benefit from structured conversation.
Issaquah is a powerful protocol. Flexible facilitation is essential.
My colleagues are talented and remarkable people.
2) Structured, respectful conversation among caring professionals facilitated by skillful people.
3) A terrific day! Thank you.”

“What worked—I really enjoyed all protocols. I was a little leery about the Future—but w/ more practice, maybe I will feel more comfortable. I enjoyed learning about other problems, questions, concerns.
What didn’t work—facilitating a protocol w/out a pre-conference, make me question my ability. Forced me to use ‘transparent facilitation skills.’ The protocol went well, but I (think) know it could have run smoother.”

“I had the spectrum of powerful learning experiences today. In my dilemma, I clarified my ideas about the steps I need to take to solve or try to move forward in my department. The Issaquah worked for my dilemma and [the facilitator] was a great facilitator. It was a very powerful—positive—learning experience.
My facilitation experience was—for me—not as positive. It was my 2nd time facilitating the “Futures” protocol and I did not like it yet again. I felt rushed, and I was rushing my group. Julia’s comment helped me realize that I was trying to do too many things, so I should have passed on some of the tasks. I got in the middle of it and just wanted to ‘rewind.’ It did not click for me & it did not feel good. I talked to [the presenter], and she felt her needs had been met—which is what matters, but I did not feel I did a very good job in my facilitation & that was important to me. So, my day ran the gamut—up and then down—but highlights the intensity that this work pulls out of us.
I am working on my skills—I care very deeply about this work, and I need to learn to step back & consider the ups and the downs as all learning—“

“1) Today was full of new protocols & many facilitators. I have many new ideas from the multiple facilitation styles that I observed.
2) It was great to self select protocols to participate in & where to host our session.
3) I would have liked to know who & why people were in & out of our meeting. Today was really full & time was tight so I am leaving with much more to say I just didn’t have the time to share.
Overall I really appreciate the group pushing one another to use new protocols. Very productive day! Busy day.”

“1) Powerful learnings—
*With our ‘Futures’ timing was so impt. We ran out of time. Also, it is important to front load with as much info as possible. . .esp. concerns/the unknown/neg possible implications
*Liked Multiple Perspectives—Never did before but it can be very powerful.
*Micro Lab—great questions. I liked the 2 minute time. Not too much & not too little exposing veins & opinions on a highly charged topic. Smart facilitator moves in the debriefing—leaving us a few minutes to talk w/ each other.
Can you send us these questions as well? Thanks.
2) Conditions—
•Good facilitation all the way around
•trust
•People caring about others’ needs/desires=careful listening
•Norms—people pay attention to these
3) Big thanks!”