Session - 9 March 2009

GOALS

The goal of our first extensive session was to have an understanding of the purpose of our collaboration, consider 'what is in it' for the participants, what we will be doing, and begin the process.

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY

The following outline provides an overview of the goals and purpose of the project, in addition to our specific focus for the day. 

—What is in it for you? 

It is important to consider why we are participating in the 'Student Engagement' project individually and for the school community.

     • one participant asked how this would support applying to colleges

     • it was noted by many participants the value in having all students 

Posing the idea of what is the purpose of being involved with this project. Especially in light of there is no class credit and limited meeting times.

—What is the value of the project?

• for the students
• for the Paul Harding High School community
• for National Urban Alliance

Students were introduced to some of the Thinking Maps as tools for our communication, storyboarding, and thinking. Many of the students were aware of the maps. The initial mapping exercise to form an understanding of the goals and purpose of the project had the students doing a circle and frame map in groups (initially modeled by Robert Price with a small group of students) on what is the message and to whom and how is it delivered:

• What is the value of the project?
• What is your message? 
• How will you find out what your message should be?

They explored this in their small groups. ‘Voicing’ (i.e. doing) one of your ‘messages’ together. In pairs. They presented in their small groups to the whole group. After sharing their ideas, the group protocol was positive observations and followed by questions.

Doing.... Robert Price then modeled taking one idea of a 'student message' as part of student engagement in the learning community. I used one message (all gathered 'fish bowl style' around one groups map) to model using the 'medium' of sticky notes and pen on implementing the message. Then all small groups did the process implementing their message(s) through the school. We reflected on the process after doing it.

What are our deliverables?

An ongoing question - examples shared include via school TV network, video, posters, and others. What should ‘This’ be called? Planted the seed to build ownership. Where and how do we share ideas? A wiki will be developed. Email. In person. How do we document what we are doing? 

More from the session:

What should ‘the student engagement project’ be called?

Use of ‘visual cognitive maps’ to share + see our thinking? 

Where and how do we share ideas?

How do we document what we are doing?

Equipment + material needs?

Our goals for the upcoming week(s)?

Photos + name of each person. 

Participants

STUDENTS:  Brianna Schemahorn, Christina Jimenez, De'Andre Harris, Dominique McElvene, Ema Craig, Evan Culpepper, Jamon Cheatem, Jerome Jacobs, Jessica Collins, Johanna Salgado, Jordan Fawcett, Lisa Foote, Markeesha Jordan, Mary Fitch, Patrick Hopson, Preonna Morgan, Quinn Price, RaShonda Jones, Rian North, Shyarra Sanders, Stephanie Sanchez, Tina Kiaosouvath

FACILITATOR:  Robert Price

PROJECT DIRECTOR: Arlene Cassello

PRINCIPAL:  Neal Brown

LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST:  Michelle Houser

GUIDANCE:  Shannon Nunley

ART TEACHER:  Bev Hindrichsen

TECH SPECIALIST:  Cindy Fritz

TITLE I COORDINATOR:  Jeanne Zehr