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This photos on this page refer to in-class activities from the eighth day of class.

Contents 1 Feedback to Steph 1.1 on being confused 1.2 on grading 1.3 peer evaluations 1.4 on structure 1.5 in general 2 The Best Parts of Class #8

Feedback to Steph

4. Now that we are a third of the way into the course, I'd like to give the following feedback to Steph:

on being confused

"I find myself feeling a little antsy when we spend time in class confused trying to figure out what's going on."

"Thank god [a peer] was willing to mediate. We were completely backtracking as soon as we thought we moved on."

"I was intrigued by one thing you said today: "like for us to understand lectures, but not my top priority." ...I've been mildly frustrated about understanding information and being able to master concepts. I think what you said today made me relax a little bit."

"The communication with the class needs work. Expectations must be clear and unambiguous regarding assignments or failure can be expected (of the group)."

"I wish we were at times more informed. I would have liked to know certain things, not just grading but also direction. Concepts like content & process, or Schein's categories seemed like they were unnecessarily murky when they were introduced. Sometimes it can make me frustrated.....if our class were more informed there might be less resistance to certain activities."

"I wish we could have clearer definitions of key phrases, words & concepts (maybe compiled into a wikipage), examples of usage in context (i.e., sample post about blogger framing) would be super helpful."

"Sometimes I feel lost and need to figure things out like a puzzle, which I often like but others may not."

"Steph, I know the framework for this class is different but I really think some better clarifications on assignments and exercises would only help with creating the new frame rather than hinder."

"Even though I do feel the nature of this class is to feel things out and get ahold of things on our own I think a little help on exactly what we are supposed to do for HW would help."

on grading

"...a little more clarity would help all of us, especially when dealing with what is expected of us with the website/blogging."

"I feel as though you have some hidden meaning behind most of the things you do. I'm ok with being something of a 'guinea pig' as long as I don't feel like there's no way to succeed in class."

"The only thing people are confused about is the grading. I honestly think that is a good thing because then grading isn't everyone's primary concern, it makes them focus on the issues at hand."

"I wish I had an idea of grading b/c I don't know where I stand and what I'm being graded on. It would help to understand where I need improvement."

"I have ZERO idea what my grade/progress is....Class is fun...I am working really hard to try and obtain an A in this class so I guess my feedback to you is to give us some 1/3 of the way through the class Feedback on us."

"When it comes time for a test, you better have one hell of a study guide! I mean that in regards to the fact that this class is broad and a little out-there BUT don't get me wrong, that's what I like about it! My only concern is the grading aspect. What will be tested on? Are the slides available online? Should I be taking notes on anything in particular?"

peer evaluations

"Sometimes I feel I am not qualified to give people feedback and may times I find myself using blanket feedback because team members didn't do anything that stood out either positively or negative outside of what is expected or common so I cannot give something of value."

on structure

"Sometimes the switch between letting us flop around like fish out of water and then at other times having rigid structure and expectations is difficult to deal with."

in general

"It's a tough course...It is sometimes hard to understand everything because there is so much going on."

"This is an exciting place to be as a final-semester senior."

"I know a lot of students are upset with never knowing what is going on.....I agree with this, but...I enjoy being put in different situations that I am not used to, or always comfortable with, because it keeps me thinking."

"Very interesting to learn about group dynamics by actually being in a group dynamic!"

"I feel I am learning a lot of things that will be useful in the real world...she is forcing me to break down barriers & learn in a different setting."

The Best Parts of Class #8

Instead of doing the Peer Evaluations, I opted for general feedback. The results are exciting, pedagogically, because at least one person highlighted each distinct activity. I asked for the feedback because I was worried the day was boring! (Maybe it was, and you're all still too polite to tell me?!) ;-)

~ Steph^(talk) 14:48, 30 March 2008 (EDT)

• I enjoyed the small class setting due to all the people who were absent. Communication between Steph and the class was continuous. It was beneficial and 'chill.'
• I learned a lot today - now I know intra is within a group while inter is between. The best example you gave of an intergroup is Schein Teams. Also the fact that collaborative intelligence is not highly esteemed within our Western culture, we are focused on the individual. It was also helpful to go over symbolic/representational analysis.
• The best thing about class was how small it was! I enjoyed everyone a lot more and felt more engaged! Plus Steph was able to laugh and joke around more! :-)
• The best thing we did in class was the peer review of our proposals. It was good to communicate concerns over our wiki projects. Also I got to know somebody I hadn't met. He had helpful input on my proposal. He said it might be a bit much for one person to tackle.
• The best part of the day was losing in arm wrestling 4 times in a row. And they were decisive losses. Very humbling experience.
• The best thing that happened in class was pairing up and going over our ideas for the wiki. So we actually are going to have other suggestions for the project. Another good thing was a lot of people participated in class today whether it was reading or commenting on the paragraphs.
• I didn't talk alot. Seriously. I took time to listen. I feel like I talk too much sometimes.
• I enjoyed the peer evaluation/discussion we did today, it allowed for a good discussion and ideas. It allowed for me to talk to someone outside my Schein Team.
• The best thing that we did in class was arm wrestle with our peers. I was interested in the lesson we were supposed to learn. Actually it wasn't a lesson but more so a tool that we can use to help enhance our interpersonal skills. Lastly, I enjoyed the popcorn reading even though I did not participate.
• I thought the review of Steph's post was the best thing we did today. It allowed us to benefit from both our own work as well as Steph's conceptual connection of all the various posts.
• The best thing was the arm wrestling groups. I like how you made us see that it is not all about winning or losing but working together and seeing other perceptions of a cultural game: "armwrestling."
• I enjoyed our many discussions we had in class during Steph's presentation: since our class was much smaller today I feel that everyone was able to participate. There was a good conversational tone which was comfortable and interesting.
• The best thing was when Steph used the 3 words together in funny ways, like "this queer class is wicked bitching"!