JJ

Phase J: Self Assessment

May 8, 2010

 

My submission shows that…

A.I can convey who I want to influence/affect concerning what (Subject, Audience, Purpose).

Did well:

I was able to choose a topic that was of interest to me and I was able to share that passion with my audience.

To be improved:

The initial topic could have been explored in many ways. I would like to consider some of the other avenues of potential research.

 

B. I know what others have done before, either in the form of writing or action, that informs and connects with my project, and I know what others are doing now.

Did well:

Through my conversations and research, I had a solid understanding of how technology is being used in education. I spent time with a UMASS faculty member and gained understanding about her work. I really enjoyed the research that I did and the articles that I read. I have continued to follow the work of some of the authors that were of interest to me.

To be improved:

I had a certain view of how my research would progress—in the future I would be more open to differing views or topics for research. I also realize I needed to be more deliberate in creating my annotated bibliography—it would have been helpful as I created the narrative outline.

C. I have teased out my vision, so as to expand my view of issues associated with the project, expose possible new directions, clarify direction/scope within the larger set of issues, and decide the most important direction.

Did well:

The mapping activity was extremely helpful as it informed my future research—it allowed me to brainstorm all of my ideas and present them in a format that was visually helpful.

To be improved:

I found that my topic was very broad and could have evolved into a number of research papers. At this point I had to limit the scope of my assignment in order to adequately research the topic.

 

D. I have identified the premises and propositions that my project depends on, and can state counter-propositions. I have taken stock of the thinking and research I need to do to counter those counter-propositions or to revise my own propositions.

Did well:

This assignment was critical to the formulation of my final argument. The exercise of challenging my own assumptions led to greater clarity in my work.

To be improved:

As I look back on this assignment, I chose propositions that were supportive of my proposed argument. It might have been helpful to chose statements that would have led to a shift in my thinking.

 

E. I have clear objectives with respect to product, both written and practice, and process, including personal development as a reflective practitioner. I have arranged my work in a sequence (with realistic deadlines) to realize these objectives.

Did well:

This assignment led to a major breakthrough in my own thinking and recognition of my progress. It was through the post-it note exercise, organization of thoughts, and my own reflection that I was able to appreciate the process in which I was engaged.

To be improved:

I needed to create more clarity about the work that needed to be done over the remaining weeks of the course. At this point, I was still reading and creating my annotated bibliography. While I was able to organize my time to complete the work, in the future I will dedicate more time to preparing a draft.

 

F. I have gained direct information, models, and experience not readily available from other sources.

Did well:

I feel that I gained a great deal from my two interviews although what I learned was not what I expected. Through this work, I was able to clarify my own thinking about the topic and it led me to look for additional resources.

To be improved:

After the first interview, I realized the questions were not as effective as they could have been. I found that I deviated from the initial guide in order to benefit from the experience. In the future I would put more thought into the questions and the information I want to glean.

 

G. I have clarified the overall progression or argument underlying my research and the written reports.

Did well:

I was able to use my map, propositions, and annotated bibliography to draft my narrative outline. I found my thoughts flowed well and I was able to make a smooth transition between topics.

To be improved:

Now that I have better understanding of the objective and process of creating a narrative outline, I will be able to do it better in the future. I found it did guide me in the writing of my draft although it was not as helpful as it might have been. I would try and get more feedback on this assignment earlier to make it more useful.

 

H. My writing and other products Grab the attention of the readers/audience, Orient them, move them along in Steps, so they appreciate the Position I've led them to.

Did well:

I felt comfortable with my assignments throughout the semester. While I did have some difficult with the draft, I believe I made the effort to improve my writing.

 

To be improved:

Based on the feedback I received on my draft, this is still an area that needs work. It is interesting because it certainly depends on the audience—with my topic it really depended on a person’s interest in the use of technology in education.

 

I. I have facilitated new avenues of classroom, workplace, and public participation.

Did well:

Throughout the semester, I have been able to convey the passion I have for the topic. I am comfortable being in the role of the facilitator and the learner—I expect this to continue as I learn more about the use of technology.

 

To be improved:

I need to consider additional ways to gain knowledge and insight about what others are doing in the field.

J. To feed into my future learning and other work, I have taken stock of what has been working well and what needs changing.
Did well:

I feel I am realistic about the progress I have made—I worked hard in this course and believe I put significant effort into each assignment.

To be improved: open to new

I need to solicit feedback from instructors on a regular basis. I want to continue to challenge my own assumptions.

 

II. Developing as a reflective practitioner, including taking initiative in and through relationships.

 

1.     I have integrated knowledge and perspectives from my current and past courses into my own inquiry and engagement in social and/or educational change.

Did well:

I feel that the work I have done in previous CCT courses prepared me for the challenges that I faced in this course. I allowed myself to be open to new thoughts, ideas, and ways of accomplishing a task.

To be improved:

This course challenged me in a way that I had not experienced in previous courses. I found I was initially frustrated by the lack of interaction I had with my classmates. Over the course of the semester, I was able to benefit from the group work and the peer share.

2. I have also integrated into my own inquiry and engagement the processes, experiences, and struggles of previous courses.
Did well:

I found the work that I did this semester to be a compilation of what I had been thinking about and considering over the past few semesters. I feel I have learned skills and strategies in each course and have been able to apply the lessons learned to 692

To be improved:
I need to take the time to connect the lessons and strategies from each course. Since I am challenged with the competing demands of full time work, family and graduate school, there are times when I felt I was just keeping up with the work and assignments.

3. I have developed efficient ways to organize my time, research materials, computer access, bibliographies, etc.
Did well:

I believe this has always been an area of strength for me—I am disciplined, well organized, and punctual with my work.

 

To be improved:
I will continue to be open to new ways of organization

4. I have experimented with new tools and experiences, even if not every one became part of my toolkit as a learner, teacher/facilitator of others, and reflective practitioner.
Did well:

I appreciated the exposure to many tools and experiences. While I may not employ them on an extensive basis, I see the benefit of having a number of tools in the kit.

To be improved:
As the demands of reading and note taking became greater, I found that I took less time for freewriting each day. When I did take the time, it was helpful and allowed me to organize my thoughts.

5. I have paid attention to the emotional dimensions of undertaking my own project but have found ways to clear away distractions from other sources (present & past) and not get blocked, turning apparent obstacles into opportunities to move into unfamiliar or uncomfortable territory.
Did well:

I find that I am very disciplined in my work—finding ways to balance my time and priorities. I did not become overwhelmed by any small setback or challenge that faced me. I am proud of the work I have accomplished—both the assignments and my ability to maintain a schedule for completing

To be improved:
Since I have to balance so much in my life, I do not allow to become sidetracked by any obstacle. In some ways this is to my detriment—if I were more open to being distracted, I may learn from the experience.

6. I have developed peer and other horizontal relationships. I have sought support and advice from peers, and have given support and advice to them when asked for.
Did well:

During this course, I developed stronger relationships with some members of the class. I have sought their feedback and wisdom and have tried to provide the same in return. I forged new connections with colleagues in my own school as I have shared ideas with them and sought their input.

To be improved:
I would like to try and get more involved with others in the CCT program. This has been an area of interest but I have not been able to take the time outside of life’s competing demands.

7. I have taken the lead, not dragged my feet, in dialogue with my advisor and other readers. I didn't wait for the them to tell me how to solve an expository problem, what must be read and covered in a literature review, or what was meant by some comment I didn't understand. I didn't put off giving my writing to my advisor and other readers or avoid talking to them because I thought that they didn't see things the same way as I do.
Did well:

I made the effort to complete all of my work on time, complete it in the required format, and have tried to comment on others work to help them. I appreciated the feedback from my peers and used it to inform my own growth.

To be improved:
I will not hesitate to seek appropriate help and guidance when needed.

8. I have revised seriously, which involved responding to the comments of others. I came to see this not as bowing down to the views of others, but taking them in and working them into my own reflective inquiry until I could convey more powerfully to others what I'm about (which may have changed as a result of the reflective inquiry).
Did well:

I feel I have respected the comments of my instructor and peers and have tried to incorporate them in my work. I am open and receptive to feedback, knowing that I will learn from the experience. The revisions I made in response to the comments on my draft reflect this commitment.

To be improved:
I would like to find new ways of receiving feedback on my work. As a person who is incredibly diligent about due-dates and timelines, it is frustrating for me feel delayed when I am waiting for someone to provide feedback.

9. I have inquired and negotiated about formal standards, but gone on to develop and internalize my own criteria for doing work--criteria other than jumping through hoops set by the professor so I get a good grade.
Did well:

As the course progressed, I became more comfortable with the juxtaposition of structure and freedom to complete my work. I believe I made significant progress in this area.

To be improved:
I need to consider ways to feel more comfortable with the ambiguity of assessment. I am challenged by my desire to be successful (both in terms of my own growth as a learner and meeting my own high expectations) and the need to be patient and open to ambiguity.

10. I have approached this course and the program as works-in-progress, which means that, instead of harboring criticisms to submit after the fact, I have found opportunities to affirm what is working well and to suggest directions for further development.

Did well:

In terms of the course, I found ways to share my thoughts about assignments and structures of the class. I believe I have been open and receptive to learning through the process of this course. In terms of the overall program, I did not hesitate to provide suggestions to the instructor when appropriate.

To be improved:
I am still on my journey in this program and am open to what lies ahead. While I am anxious to complete the program of study, I know I still have a lot to learn.