Sylvia Martinez’s Reflections on CMK08
garystager on August 15th, 2008
Constructing Modern Knowledge faculty member, Sylvia Martinez, has written a great blog reflecting on her experiences at our recent event.
<blockquote>The introductions were amazing. People had come from all over the country, and two from Israel and Khartoum. We had kindergarten to high school teachers, math, science, art, administrators, public and private schools, tech coordinators, district — just about every combination of educators you could imagine. After some opening words, we brainstormed some ideas for projects - dancing clowns, musical sculptures, a video or simulation about the immigrant experience, a boat, a kaleidoscope and more. Then people grouped themselves on a project. My job was to float around and facilitate, connect people with resources, open boxes of stuff, find clay or eyeballs or pipe cleaners or debug programs or whatever.</blockquote>
Read Constructing Modern Knowledge by Sylvia Martinez.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Thanks Sylvia. I have thinking a lot about the whole CMK08 experience. As an artist, I think in images;( I drew a lot of wings during the “appointments”) so I appreciate your thoughtful verbal reflection on the synergy that is such an essential part of the process.
Two weeks later I am still thinking about what folks created, and more importantly, how we collaborated.
I have attended many conferences as a teacher, but never has one allowed for such interdependence between the participants. I learned so much from you and Gary and really, everyone in the room. Experts in their own right, teachers make great learners when given the chance.
And in that “ah-ha” moment as active problem-solvers, we bring another powerful perspective to our role as “educators”.
Thanks again. I am looking forward to CMK09!
August 15th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I’m really glad to hear that, Mary. It was important for me to document that this didn’t just “happen” - that constructivist learning environments can be thoughtfully planned and successfully implemented.
So many times constructivist teaching is either portrayed either as “doing nothing” or “too hard”. Neither one is correct!