Interpreting the Interpretative

Hi Catherine,
I feel much better this week with my discussion post because I think I am finally turning a corner with our course.  While I am still dependent on my textbook, I am actually beginning to see how my research questions could relate to my current practice.  I need to take this approach because I am much like the students I work with, things need to make sense before I can make them my own.  The one thing I find is that you can get bogged down in jargon, philosophy and terminology as a Masters student.  While I am a critical thinker, I remain a practioner and I really feel that Dr. Cranton's supports us as adult learners and wants us to see how this course fits into our everyday practice. 

I am excited to be able to share some of my schooling with the students I am coaching.  The Grade 3 class I am working have just begun their data analysis unit and it is amazing to watch them take on the role of researcher, organizer and interpreter of data.  At a young age, students are encouraged to think critically and make conclusions about their research.  Before this course, I would not have made these connections.

I tweaked my Interpretative design question to reflect problem solving strategies because I just felt that my original question on mental math was too narrow and I lacked expertise in this area.  I was pleased with my design and look forward to reading my classmates posts.

I am still slightly in awe of the people in my group that post late - I think they miss out on some valuable feedback because people tend to get into a mind set for the new discussion topic.  I find myself breezing over their posts because I am not in the moment.  Perhaps I will make this my learning goal for this week - must always strive to do better.

What was your design question?  How are the discussions in your section?  Do you notice any "hot" discussion topic areas?  I learned a lot last week about:

• PECS (communication disorders)
• sensory disorders and special rooms designed for students needing sensory breaks
•  fidgit kids 
•  EAL learners

There is so much out there in our field of education!

Looking forward to reading your thoughtful insights,
Sheila