I find that each time out experiences from
the previous year are a perfect way to introduce students to their participation
in Learning Circles. I get some of my students from last year to visit
my classroom and show off their publication. The students are in awe of
what these older students accomplished. They are soo.. impressed! (I think
that a few of them are thinking about when they finish, how proud they
will be making this presentation next year.) Then we look at the kid pix
slide show they created while my experienced "teachers" explain what will
happen over the session. By then my students are all excited and can't
wait to find out who will be our partners and when we will be able to
get started.
Marilyn Wall
John Wayland Elementary
Bridgewater, Virginia
We couldn't find a more innovative project than Learning
Circles! We find that our students are constantly asking for computer
time to do more writing. What a change from years past when we had to
urge and cajole some of them into doing an assignment.
Caroline McCullen & the Dolphin Team
Maitland Middle School
Maitland, Florida
Each learning circle is different, because students are
encouraged to bring a part of themselves to the process. Learning Circles
reach out providing teachers and students new opportunities for discovery
and learning. The Learning Circles provide the forum for challenge.
They open the door for fabulous learning experiences. They do not tell
us what to do. They do not prescribe a task, or ask for simple answers
to a set of questions. They simply make it possible for people who have
never met, to work together constructively and to plan and finish challenges
that are centered around a common theme. They require a lot of thinking,
effort, planning, cooperation, and compromise. It is hard work, and
the expectations are high, but the results are worth it.
Phillip Clarenville
Newfoundland, Canada
Learning to use new technology helps me as a teacher be
more understanding to kids who might have difficulty learning new concepts.
Sometimes we as teachers can forget how challenging it is to master
new skills. In Learning Circles I have seen how the encouragement and
support from other teachers made a difference in helping me learn new
skills. For me, in turn, I am able to be more aware of the need for
kind, encouraging words to my students, because I received so may kind
and encouraging words from my Learning Circles partners as I get started
each time.
Clare Devine
Tom Rivers, NJ
Date: Thu Oct 24 13:09:00 EST 1991
From: !lafttntny001 (Wendy W DOYLE )
To: !core:one
Hi Gang!
I Love This Group!!!
Boy! Was I ever lucky to be put in with a group of professionals
who are not only creative, helpful, and intelligent, but also are a
bit mischievous and free-spirited. I feel so at ease talking and working
with you. I was so intimidated at first, but you have made me feel "right
at home" with this program and telecommunication in general.
Return
to Phase 1: GETTING READY Checklist.
Continue
with Phase 2: OPENING THE CIRCLE
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Back to Overview