Group items tagged

This reminded me of discussions we had in the Research Practices class about how to use notebooks to capture ideas, and I thought it might be useful to folks. "Why I Keep an Idea Notebook October 26, 2010, 8:00 am By Natalie Houston The simple practice of keeping an idea notebook has been absolutely essential to my research and writing over the years, and it's something I often recommend to thesis students and others who are starting a large complex project. I designate a small spiral notebook as my idea catcher. It's not for writing notes from texts or critical sources that I'm using, or for writing formal drafts. Instead, it's for capturing my own ideas, which sometimes can seem elusive at certain stages of the writing process. I teach students several forms for distinguishing their own ideas from those of others in the note-taking process (such as writing a precis or using Cornell-style notes), and I use similar strategies myself. But the idea notebook is for those ideas that occur to you at odd moments of the day - usually when you're not at your desk. Of course, your cell phone, smartphone, netbook, tablet, or other mobile device undoubtedly has one or more notepad or notetaking functions. You could also use Evernote to create an always-with-you "notebook." But personally, I find that that the analog notebook works better for me for this purpose, both for quickly capturing my thoughts (I can scribble faster than I can Swype) and for skimming through old entries. Some specific ways I use my idea notebook include: * Jotting down questions, thoughts, and ideas that relate to my current research or possible future projects. I typically get better ideas while I'm cooking or exercising than I do when I sit down at my desk to think about something. * Noting problems, questions, and doubts I have during the research process. Often I find my way to a solution while writing about the problem in just a few minutes. It's also helpful

checklist on resistance to change "The top reason for resistance by managers in the 2005 study [Prosci's 2005 Best Practices in Change Management] was loss of power and control, followed by an overload of current responsibilities and a lack of awareness of the need for change. Notice that none of the top reasons for resistance by managers or employees are related to the particular solution, rather they are tied to how the change is introduced and managed into these groups. "

"My own thinking is often unsettled by the dialogue process used in classroom discussions-issues get raised that I have not positioned in some framework that I would be able to convey to others."

This article functions as a Press Release of sorts, providing news about important alliances with science and "Rock Stars" for the purpose of informing and funding important science and research programs. This joining of forces with the entertainment industry's foundation provides Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. with a tremendous opportunity to addressw "critical concerns for those affected by ASD including, diagnosis, biology, risk factors, treatment, services and outcomes for the future". The foundation seeks to promote science: "We need to tap into the psyche of a younger generation that is turning away from careers in science," says RSOS™ Executive Producer, Meryl Comer. "If it takes music and rock stars to connect kids to the 'cool' in science, and make researchers the new 'heroes' to emulate.

In recent years, Action Learning has gained currency as an approach to developing people by using work-based or problem-based learning. This book introduces theory, research, and practice of the two authors and colleagues (O'Neil & Marsick) who have both researched and applied Action Learning.

e-book designed to help people who think in pictures-a segment of learners that by some estimates includes almost 30 percent of the population-gain skills and confidence in their writing abilities. this beautifully designed e-book takes full advantage of its rich media format with a wealth of images and links to articles, books, websites, blogs, wikis, video, and audio podcasts.Both experimental and pragmatic, Marks's methods will result in stronger, more verbally confident artists and designers

This is an interesting podcast about a program that engages veterans in art.  After seeing Michael's presentation I thought I'd share it with the class. Wounded Warriors and Art Tuesday, October 26 2010 | Send to a friend WOUNDED WARRIORS AND ART Ivan Pineiro and Craig Bone  <s Paintings here. Learn more about the Art from the Heart program.

This is another look at some stages of action research that overlap with PT, Calhoun and Shmuck. He further describes some current types of action research including traditional, contextual, radical and educational. He also includes some project examples that might be helpful when constructing our own plans and organization.

By: Rory O'Brien

This is actually a chapter out the book Social Work with Groups that I found eventually through EBSCO. I'm hoping some of the overall concepts will be beneficial or relatable for some of the group dynamics and communications people are addressing. The article discusses how co-facilitation can be effective if it is well planned and characterized by close communication among co-workers of equal status. The authors of this article describe their experience co-teaching a group work course. They examine the potential of co-facilitation in a classroom setting for role modeling an effective group co-leadership relationship to students and for contributing to the professional development of teachers.

This article discusses the use of large-scale randomized trials to evaluate social policy. For decades, policy makers have rolled out changes without taking the time to conduct research to determine if the idea would be effective. One reason policy makers shun trials is the reality that the trials and experiments do not always support the ideas or policies. Rather than taking the time to conduct trials, policy makers prefer to "act swiftly" and propose policy. The article references the efforts of abstinence education, Scared straight programs, drug testing in prison populations, and school driving programs as examples of policies that have not worked--the research and data suggest the programs are not effective, yet policy makers continue to support the efforts.

Julie's point about not taking the time is a good one. This article was somewhat shocking in that it highlighted just how poor the research is behind many of our public policies and programs. Policy makers and politicians rush to gain political capital by moving decisively when they have only a kernel of research in support of their claims, without taking the time or making an effort to test the findings or dig deeper. After a policy or program is in place, it is not in their best interests to support research which may disprove the efficacy of what they have put in place. This could all tie back to our educational system, to whether or not we teach solid critical thinking and research skills.

I found this article to be very interesting. My favorite part was the study done in schools that polled the most influential peers, informed them on dangers of smoking, and attempted to decrease smoking by reverse peer pressure. I think this was a great idea!!!

randomized control trials used in medicine to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs are now being used to evaluate policies -- some people get assistance; others don't.\nthis can be read in conjunction with the course reading by Muir, Hazel. 2008. Science rules OK: Running societies the rational way. New Scientist (24 May):40-43.

A range of approaches loosely linked by the value of getting people to tell stories about their lives. Some influence from White and Epston's narrative therapy in some chapters. A chapter of autobiographical narratives of people in the field (incl. Sternberg) mostly emphasizes who helped them on their paths; not much insight into how we address challenges.

SInce my project involves getting art educators together to show their work publicly, I am checking into other groups who have done this. I am also interested in looking at how these events are advertised and how they are received by the public and news media.

This web site talks about the personal reactions to change in a variety of professional positions and how resistance can effect it. Clear outlines are provided on why people resist change, understanding the process a person might naturally take and how to foster appropriate attitudes toward resistance to changes. Professionals may often resist change initially until they are able to recognize the benefits of the change will outweigh the costs of keeping things the same. This is an important barrier to consider when proposing an action plan.

By: Garrison Wynn Other sources within the site include other relevant articles, change management techniques, definitions etc.

This web source provides a multitude of professional growth opportunities for educators. Resources include teaching skills, articles, lesson plans, behavior management strategies and resources from notable publishers and experts in the field.

By: Pearson Education Inc. 2000-2010

This article has helped further define the principles of action research that we have visited throughout the semester. It provides several visual aids that overlap with our cycles and epicycles design. Information here provide important key aspects of the research process with relevance to an area of interest, in this case education. Many valuable works cited throughout help gain a better understanding of the bones of action research as well as its evolution.

By: Dr. Stephen Waters-Adams 2006

This 8 minute video was helpful in breaking down the pieces that go into action research. It also help further define why we do all of the necessary steps while keeping a positive and encouraging attitude throughout the process. By: Jackie Gerstein