CCT698 Fall 2006

Write out neatly a synthetic statement (1 or 2 paragraphs) evaluating this course. (You might build on/build in your comments from the other side.) Please make comments both to help the instructor develop the course in the future and to enable some third party appreciate the course’s strengths and weaknesses. (Imagine a reader who may not be willing to wade through all the notes on the other side, but is willing to do more than look at numerical averages.) Among other things you might comment on the overall content and progression of classes, the phases of research & engagement, and the in-class activities.

Evaluation 1

For starters. The course will do for each individual whatever they want it to do for them. The effectiveness of this course for me was not about figuring everything out write now. Instead I focused on how I would put the various pieces together. This course offers a strategy that can be re-vised over and over again as new situations emerge. CCT 698 is an initiation and I imagine that with practice and repetition what comes from future endeavors will open greater possibilities.

Evaluation 2

You will identify a issue of concern. An invitation to engage in research of topic of interest and concern is offered to all who attend. The research tools that are require but are somewhat unfamiliar are all taught and practiced. The phases of engagement, initially, seemed so distant but gradually took shape with understanding.

I struggle with process but gradually find my way. P. Taylor is always available and makes every effort to modify schedules to meet [?] time issues. I appreciate the manner in which you assist in the process – much like a mid wife – attentive, resourceful, patient and encouraging – very QQQ, helpful activities – writing assignments, presentations and the work with my fellow students.

Evaluation 3

Upon entering CCT 698 I was extremely delighted for several reasons. First, I had Peter Taylor as an instructor in CCT693. I was enthralled with that class because of the great impact it had on my life. I do not know if it was the readings, Peter’s intensity or a bright and more prodigious way of thinking. I thought he was the smartest instructor I had ever experienced. Of course, I did not think twice about entering the CCT program as a full time student.

My 698 experience did not disappoint me. The second greatest experience was Peter Taylor allowing me to work as a Graduate Assistant in which I was not only privileged to teach socio-cultural perspectives and blessed to receive a tuition waiver. I praised God and gave thanks for Peter! He will never know how his thoughtfulness enhanced the quality of my life. Finally, through the research required in the course (698) I was able to define and explore the direction my doctoral research would take. While Peter is very structured, he is also [flexible?] and allows autonomy. I love the CCT program.

Evaluation 4

One thing that is readily appreciated is that this course offers alternative avenues that more traditional courses do not. I mean, the in-class and out of class assignments had a range of interesting assignments speaking to different learning styles. While I struggled at times with the introspective nature of the some assignments, it ultimately did bring me around to greater clarity on my goals, current paper and next steps.

There needs to be more community building early on. This course is packed, but I can see ways to gel the group quicker – and that was needed – not absent – but could have been done more. The support I fostered with 2 students was useful, but it was based on pre-existing relationships.

The syllabus was a weakness – just could be better organized (concise and clear). But overall, this course propelled me forward and I will continue to use some of the tools I’ve learned here.

Student signed it and wrote “I don’t believe in anonymous feedback.” but the name was unclear.

Evaluation 5

The class structure works well in the workshop setting. The interaction between students is indeed crucial. Keeping an ongoing dialogue between students outside of the classroom is also important. The planned meetings outside of class with our professor are extremely valuable.

I have truly come to enjoy and appreciate the learning that 698 has brought about. The ability to trust each other is so important. The weekly check-ins are quite valuable to the progress of the class. The value of a true support group is crucial to learning. 698 creates an encouraging atmosphere.

Evaluation 6

I think the course is designed with everyone in mind. I found the amount of material given before the first class simply confused me. Perhaps pre-made binders with an organization that everyone can follow, then people can change the org around as desired. The flexibility is very helpful when it comes to the learning process. A lot of my time in class is spent trying to figure out what we are trying to accomplish. A bigger orientation the syllabus would be helpful. An explanation of dates and required items. The importance of keeping materials together and the checklist evaluated would help as well. A required draft report should be asked for around mid-semester, even if it is weak, so that we have something to build off of as well as room/time for pers/PT review. That’s all.

Evaluation 7

Earlier today I was asked by another CCT student what this class was like and would she do well in it. It was easy for me to recommend this class as a worthwhile endeavor but harder for me to explain why. I was able to say that this class has taught me a great deal about myself and about believing in a process. It was more difficult to give her examples of that process and my progress. I have greatly appreciated all of the feedback that I have received both from Peter and my classmates. This class is set up well to allow students to learn from one another throughout the semester.

Evaluation 8

The course works well if you explore a passion that you have. You need to set your own goals and will develop skills to work without the support of the teacher.

Some of the phases require investigation on your own to complete them. If you are looking to be told what to do, this will be a challenging course.

Evaluation 9 (David Frias)

This course was very challenging yet rewarding. It was a great way to learn how to research in logical steps and to be more cognaive(???) of the process and your work. Most importantly, it teaches you to work on your own and figure out some tings on your own as not all is told to you by the professor.

The course if difficult as the website has many hidden links and you always end up missing something. If it was made easier to follow and the professor gave a specific assignment at the end, some of the stress of the course would be eliminated.

Evaluation 10 (Kathleen Leavitt)

During the initial classes, I felt extremely overwhelmed and unable to grasp the format of the class and understand the expectations. Every week I read and reread the syllabus, goals, tasks and dates. This process helped me to become more comfortable with the format and for me to think about what tasks and writings would be more helpful for the direction I wanted to with my project. eventually, I felt that I could identify what would or would not be of benefit for me such as starting the interview tool and ten deciding that this tool would not be of any help and this was also the time when I was able to more clearly see, with the assistance of Peter, the direction I wanted to move in. There was much time spent on retrieving literature and doing lit review and I do not see this as wasted time but rather as time needed to come to a point of revelation. This was coming up with a clear picture of what I wanted to do and how I was going to move in that direction.

Towards to the end of the semester, I found that I was more confident in my writing and in understanding what was expect of me for completion and mastering of the course. I looked forward to each task with eagerness once my project had a direction. The subject I initially brought up in the first class was one that I had not even thought of tackling. As the semester progressed, I acknowledged that I was happy I had made the initial statement about a problem. The semester and class allowed me to have a more positive outlook on the problem and what I am able to do in relation to it. I feel that my thinking skills and ability to move in the direction of research were engaged and that I experienced personal growth and development in this area over the period of the semester.

Evaluation 11

I can’t imagine getting as far as I have without this course. It has helped me visualize the sequence and processes I need to utilize to do something more than a small scale project, and to begin to synthesize enormous amounts of thinking and reading that I have done over the past few years, step by step, into something substantive, and perhaps even modestly effective.