In our first meetings with
parents and teachers we heard the interest and challenges parents had, as well
as their plans for them and their family. Based on this information, all
teachers organized in a team developed a program that served as our foundation.
Despite the fact that professionals and parents used to meet only on Fridays after
school, we all were a team in which the professionals were not the only ones
who knew everything; the parents’ stories allowed us to learn from them too,
and thus helped us to get more conscious about our students’ situations and
needs.
By the end of our school year,
each of us shared the most significant gain this experience provided to our
lives. It was rewarding to hear that our efforts had produced varied and positive
changes in the life of each person involved. Some parents shared they did not
think they would be able to even talk in public as they were doing it while expressing
their comments; being this one of the contributions we wanted to do: help parents
realize they all had everything they needed, they just needed to make extra
efforts in order to find support in themselves and those around them. Because I
had the opportunity to see parents not only as the students’ parents but also
as partners and friends, and my co-workers not only as professionals but as
friends, this has been one of the groups that I have participated in that was
hardest to leave.
Almost a year ago, I used to
thing about this on-line program as just interacting with my computer. Nowadays,
I am amazed with the continuous and varied interaction that has been possible
through this program. Keeping in mind this is the last course before each one starts
the specialization, I would like to maintain friendship with my colleagues, and
hopefully we all have the opportunity to meet one another in person… in our graduation
ceremony. J
Oh Caty I so agree. I was just thinking about that. I used to not want to go to graduation because I've allready been to two and they are kinda boring and blah blah blah...but now that i have gotten to know so many cool people I kinda want to go and meet the people. but because I've doubled up I don't know who will be at graduation...hmmm.... perhaps we should organize our own get together of Walden folks.
ReplyDeleteAdjourning in an online community will definitely be different from in person communities.
Like I said in my post, we have gone through this great thing together and struggled together at times, so leaving this online program will be hard. I think adjourning is always a hard thing although it can be good. I would like to think that now that you have had such a great experience working with parents in the program you did, you can now go elsewhere and start a similiar program or something you like and more good could be spread to those who need it. I love reading about everyone's very positive experiences with the various groups they have worked with.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great journey, I must say. I believe our relationships will grow stronger as wen enter into our specialization courses. I do think this will be easier than adjourning in person just because we all have not personally met. Great post !
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a great thing, having the parents collaborate and share their ideas. I find it amazing that you all were able to learn from the parents as well. Builing a relationship, helps builds trust. As you all ajourned (when the school year ended) everyone had so much to gain.
ReplyDeleteThe experience here at Walden has been a great one. I did not attend the Graduation for my Bachelors with Walden but hope to attend for my Masters. It would be great to meet everyone in person as we did over the internet.