The Tipping Point

Norm M · Member

Week 7 - Evaluation

LaDawne B · Member

1) What can we do to improve? (We want your input)

I really enjoy the set up of the book study and like many things about it. If I could improve the book study I could see the idea of letting us choose from a group of questions to answer, give all of the questions at once so we could work at our own unique pace, or let us make up questions for others to answer as part of the assignment.

2) What were the aspects of this book study that you found usesful?

The aspects of this book study that I found useful was the layout of the book with natural progression and real life situations along with the easy to understand cause and effect topics that were introduced.

3) Wouold you reccomend the Book Study to a colleague?

OF COURSE! I would recommend this book study because all of use need to re-certify, it is paced for our demanding time schedules, and is a great way to pick up new teaching techniques or lessons we can use in our classrooms.

Betty B · Member

Book Study Questions - Week 7 - Evaluation

While we certainly appreciate your patience while we worked through technical issues this semester, we would like your input on how we can make this better for the upcoming Fall Semester Book Study:

1) What can we do to improve? (We want your input)

I like the syllabus and the general plan of the book study. I certainly like the weekly schedule as it helped me to stay on track, even if I was late.

I would like to see “Morning Coffee with Norm” (or “Afternoon Tea with Norm”) to discuss what we have learned the past week in the book study.

2) What were the aspects of this book study that you found useful?

I took pleasure in the real life situational stories. This helped me to envision the cause and effect ideas that were covered in the book.

It helped me to understand why major changes in our society so often happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

This is definitely a book for anyone who cares about how society works and how we can make it better.

I had never heard of the particular personality types that Gladwell speaks about. They appear to be the ones who are natural propagators of new ideas and trends. One imaginative person employing a skillfully placed lever can move the world. It’s called palanca in Spanish. (leverage)

In fact, I have already found myself using some of the ideas from this book in recent speeches I have had to make.

3) Would you recommend the Book Study to a colleague?

Absolutely! I would recommend this book study to other teachers, because it is very educational. I’ve learn a lot about why things are the way they are. This is a great way to pick up credits for the Teacher License re-certification.

On the whole, I thought the book sparked contemplation and conversation. It will make me look at life and teaching a little differently. So to me, that’s a sign of a good book.

Penny I · Member

1. 1. I love the books that you have been choosing. I enjoy reading things that will improve my career and how I can teach students. What I would like to see different are more critical thinking questions that deal with how we can improve our classrooms, our teaching, and our union.

2. 2. Like always, I love the ending where we get a chance to mingle with the other participants. This is the social interaction part that I miss in the face to face book study. I want to hear what other people are doing and how they are making things work for their students and classrooms.

3. 3. I would definitely recommend this book study. I think that it is a great way for us to communicate, especially in our circumstance where distance is such a major factor. Thanks for offering this again. Oh and guess what….this book was mentioned in Chain Reaction by Darrell Scott; his daughter was killed in the Columbine shootings and he is caring on her promise of changing the world one act of kindness at a time. It was very interesting.

4. Norm I do have a question for you. I really feel that lately education is not getting a good rap from politicians and the public. I am not one to sit around and complain about the complaints….I am a connector, you might say, and I want to DO something about it. Where would you suggest that I start? I want my voice to be heard. Thanks again for this opportunity.

Greg L · Member

While we certainly appreciate your patience while we worked through technical issues this semester, we would like yout input on how we can make this better for the upcoming Fall Semester Book Study: 1) What can we do to improve? (We want your input) I think we need to have more testimonials at association meetings to discuss how these book studies are a useful and fairly painless way to earn credits for recertification. 2) What were the aspects of this book study that you found usesful? I thought that the book chosen was very interesting. It really got me thinking outside the box and looking at the world through a different lens. 3) Would you reccomend the Book Study to a colleague? Definitely. I just read an excellent book that provides great connections to teaching and education in general. It is called Brain Rules by John Medina, 2008 Pear Press

alan4444 · Member

1) What can we do to improve? (We want your input)

Nothing, this course allowed me lead way on responses and gave me the ability to reply to the questions in a open way. Thank you.

2) What were the aspects of this book study that you found usesful?

I liked the openness of the format.

3) Wouold you reccomend the Book Study to a colleague?

Yes, I must admit my Principle had a book study going on at the same time and I am very happy I did this one instead.

Patty O · Member

Foremost, the book was a good choice. It was easy to read and applicable, not only at school, but in everyday life. I frequently find reminders and applications from the book--so it has changed the way I think AND act.

The questions were thorough. I can retain them as a review and/or reminder as I think back through the processes over time.

As suggested by LaDawne, I prefer to have them all at the beginning of the class. Schools become very busy in April as we begin preparing calendars, schedules etc, for next school year while working extra hard to keep students engaged as they see the end of the year coming. It would help to have that extra flexibility.

I would reccommend it to friends: educational, applicable, functional, adaptable and it builds for the financial future--when salaries are no longer frozen and we can move up the pay scale.