Reflections

“I learned that stating opinions as neutral questions will benefit more than just stating the opinion. I learned that offering my opinion instead of just stating it will make the other party feel more comfortable. When going back to people who watched your class, ask specific questions.
-Logistics
Each person having their time to talk without feedback.
-Longevity
When I approach colleagues, I will try to use neutral questions and ask my observers about what they saw with specific questions.”

“Logistics--I liked having a quiet classroom to work in instead of a noisy restaurant.
I loved working in the smaller group.
It was a little confusing finding the classroom and getting started.
Longevity—I need to be really diligent about getting reflections on the blog and having timely communications. I want this group to develop into a true community—not just a monthly meeting.”

“Learning
Learning how to form ground rules was quite refreshing. I enjoyed listening to everyone’s needs and then going over the list for clarification.
The small group discussion and analysis of the critical response article allowed me to refreshen my listening skills. I wanted so badly to reply or question my group members, but the protocol wouldn’t allow it. Although it was difficult, I believe it is beneficial.
Logistics
The location is far from my job and home. The traffic is terrible on 59 at 5:00 p.m. I hold tutorials until 5:00pm. I would appreciate a location closer to the northside on some nights. (Please alternate).
Longevity
I will continue to keep an open mind and clear conscious.”

“Learning
During this session I learned a lot about how to constructively think about self criticism and expressing criticism with others. The article we read was incredibly insightful and helpful because it stimulated so much thought and conversation about general human interaction.
Logistics
Though our group did not adhere to strict time rules and ‘silence is okay’ norms, I see no point in sitting in silence so that we can try to fill it with more. I loved our group’s discussion because we were respectful, enlightened, and to the point without trying too hard to fill the allotted time just because it was allotted!
Longevity
I can see myself applying this new information about criticism in my interaction with colleagues, family members and friends as well as students.”

“Learning—During this process, I learned that a group can come together and get positive output in discussion. I learned how to take an article and really dive into its meaning.
Logistics—I like the location—easily [accessible?] and we were able to eat and nibble if we were hungry. I like that it also gave space to move within bigger location. It was also very quiet which made this session productive.
Longevity—I will use this new learning in my everyday life. Especially in my classroom when I am working with my students.”

“Tonight was very rewarding. I enjoyed the article ‘Toward a process for Critical Response.’ Not only did it address giving my opinion but receiving the opinion of others. This is an article that I will re-read and will use the information to communicate with students and fellow colleagues.
Learning—Giving your opinion is a neutral statement can garner a more honest response from the respondent.
Logistics—Everything worked for me in this second meeting. The round table discussions were informative and thought provoking.
This was a ‘perfect’ location. I would love to continue meeting at this location. Access to the freeway is extremely important.”

“Lrng
I found the article thought provoking and a viable tool to use w/in grade level or colleague group. It was reflective, evaluative and informative. it also allowed for engagement of all the group members.
Log: I like this facility. It was easy to get to, appeared to be a safe environment which was clean and user friendly. I also enjoyed the large & small group sharing times.
Long: I want to share this article w/ my sister who works in an administrative dept of HISD.
Thank you for an enjoyable first meeting of the CFG group.
also: the grouping of professionals seems perfect!”

“Learning
I liked discussing ways to critically respond to others (both students & other adults such as co-workers). It was interesting to hear how others responded to parts of the article. Everyone has something to offer. I really thought about my students running the classroom tonight. This is something I have really been trying to do more and a lot of our discussion brought me back to thinking this is the best way to teach.
Logistics
The school is centrally located, but bad traffic to get here. I wouldn’t mind coming here again. I know where it is now & how to het here. I really liked having an excellent administrator in our group. She was very open to hearing what we, as teachers, have to say.
Longevity
I will be most likely to use the first ‘metaphor’ activity in my classroom. It was a great way to get to know others.”

“Learning
•I learned that a critical friends group establishes its own ground rules.
•I learned that the ‘Save the Last Word for Me’ exercise promotes and engages participants’ listening skills.
•I learned about Challenge!
Logistics
•The smaller discussion groups work well; they ensure that all participants have opportunities to reflect/share.
•As for the venue, the University of St. Thomas’ library would be a great place to meet.
Longevity
•I like the idea of having participants create the ground rules—a strategy that would love to employ more often in my classroom.
•I plan on using the ‘Save the Last Word for Me’ exercise in my class to promote critical listening/speaking.”

“Learning
Enjoyed the article & the process.
[Affirmed?] the power of reflection and allowing the student or teacher to discover possible solutions/ways to improve.—or what questions they should ask to get the feedback they want.
Logistics
Place was very convenient. I would be all for meeting here if it works for others.
Would like all to be on time & stay for the duration if that is our commitment.
Longevity
--Make an effort to take responsibility to get the feedback I need through my questions.
--Allow my students an opportunity to reflect on their work & questions.”

“I really liked our article tonight ‘Critical Response.’ I found the Save the Last Word for Me very different than anything else I had done before. I was trying to actively listen instead of formulating responses while others talked. So much of it could be applied to myself and my students. The group felt safe and welcoming to its members and it made me excited about things to come.
The location this time was good for as [it’s on my way home]. Other locations such as UST would also work for me. I think if we start a little earlier (perhaps at 4:30) it would help end the session at a better time.”

“Learning: The ‘Dance’ article was a ‘highly relevant, safe’ foundation piece that provided a context for the CFG work—the performer/artist/teacher controlling the feedback through highly specific questions.
Logistics: Other than the snafu of being the only ‘adult’ on duty—the location worked well.
Longevity—The literacy coach network will be visiting my campus so I plan to work on emphasizing. . .”