Institute+Core+Practices+Group+-+Classroom+Exchanges


 * EXERCISE #1: "I USED TO THINK.../NOW I THINK..."**

Institute attendees were asked to reflect and comment on areas of concern that would foster future collaboration and support soft evaluation steps. Reflective statements were submitted by team members in response to the following question:

"I used to think...now I think" about each of the core practices (classroom assessments, classroom exchanges, and faculty inquiry)


 * **CLASSROOM ASSESSMENTS** ||  ||   || **CLASSROOM EXCHANGES** ||   ||   || **FACULTY INQUIRY** ||   ||   ||
 * Classroom Exchanges:**
 * 1) I used to think...will everyone buy into this? Now I think...with protocol and guidance, several will want to participate within the department.
 * 2) I used to think...that Classroom Exchanges meant evaluation and judgment. Now I think...Classroom Exchanges is about getting support for my BIG TEACHING practice questions.
 * 3) I used to think...that having someone come to my classroom was always evaluative. Now I think...it can be a friendly and informative exchange.
 * 4) I used to think...classroom exchanges were about TEACHING STRATEGIES. Now I think...they're about STUDENT LEARNING.
 * 5) I used to think...exchanges were for a whole class period. Now I think...that when they are focused they can be short.
 * 6) I used to think...it might be too risky/scary to try involve all faculty in observations. Now I think...we have a good plan that focuses on __comfort__ and non evaluation.
 * 7) I used to think...there was no way to get some of our faculty to participate. Now I think...I have ideas that will be less threatening and could get them involved.
 * 8) I used to think...that my campus situation would not allow for them. Now I think...that this is not the case.
 * 9) I used to think...only the very highly motivated would risk inviting another faculty in for a visit. Now I think...if we can normalize the practice, then those who are less confident or motivated will engage.
 * 10) I used to think...classroom exchanges would be intimidating. Now I think...I can look forward and value classroom exchange.
 * 11) I used to think...Classroom exchanges were intimidating and stressful. Now I think...I am looking forward to having this opportunity to visit and share classrooms with my colleagues.
 * 12) I used to think...you needed to have a colleague you could really trust to work in collaboration. Now I think...we can work toward trust and an environment of shared instructional ideas to bring about change.
 * 13) I used to think...this was a __great__ idea. Now I think...it's still a __great__ idea.
 * 14) I used to think...it is like invading someone's place (privacy). now I think...it is fun.
 * 15) I used to think...faculty exchanges were a good idea but I never got to do it. Now I think...I'm glad to be part of a project that values and uses them.
 * 16) I used to think...that exchanges would be threatening and evaluative. Now I think...that the way the protocols are framed will help faculty see observations as helpful.
 * 17) I used to think...they sounded like a political nightmare. Now I think...they could be useful if done correctly.
 * 18) I used to think...classroom exchanges was a good idea. Now I think...they are still a good idea. In the past have done them focusing on the teacher & teaching not on the student. Look forward to doing one.
 * 19) I used to think...C.Es were just visits made by teachers in other classes. Now I think...that these are experiences that can be highly focused on creating a collaboration between teachers.
 * 20) I used to think...always evaluative. Now I think...can be targeted and non-evaluative.
 * 21) I used to think...that I wouldn't even have time for this in my class. Now I think...there are ways to do it and that to not do it would be detrimental to student learning.
 * 22) I used to think...there wasn't enough time to schedule classroom exchanges. Now i think...we have a plan.
 * 23) I used to think...classroom observations were one-way and for one class period. Now I think...classroom exchanges are shorter in length and two/three/four-way (reciprocal). I still think classroom observation is critically important to dialogue and I'm excited that we have a plan in place. I worry how we'll get observers in the right place at the right time.
 * 24) I used to think...classroom observation was about teacher behavior. Now I think...classroom observation is about student learning/behavior.
 * 25) I used to think...I would like to do this same day. Now I think...I __really__ want to participate (as a visitor and as a host).
 * 26) I used to think...that classroom observations (exchanges) were only summative. Now I think...they are powerful formative tools.
 * 27) I used to think...having other faculty visit my classroom is threatening, and I already know what I'm doing "wrong" anyway. Now I think...maybe I'll find out what I'm doing "right".
 * 28) I used to think...it needed to be very formal and serious (and exhaustive). Now I think...it can be fun and informative.
 * 29) I used to think...these were hard to organize for a large # of faculty. Now I think...I've found it is easier with excellent structure & planning.
 * 30) I used to think...scary. Now I think..I'm becoming more open to the idea.
 * 31) I used to think...that classroom exchanges were only for faculty members with a strong working relationship. Now I think...classroom exchanges would be a great way to develop those relationships.
 * 32) I used to think...classroom exchanges were only to evaluate teaching. Now I think...that they can be a great learning tool for the instructor, the observer and the dept.
 * 33) I used to think...classroom exchanges would simply mean I visit another class. Now I think...I would learn more if the visit had a specific focus.
 * 34) I used to think...classroom exchanges were intimidating. Now I think...they will help me to be a better instructor.
 * 1) I used to think...classroom exchanges were intimidating. Now I think...they will help me to be a better instructor.