CCTNetwork10Jun08

=Dialogue session on "Critical & Creative Thinking in Practice: Where have we come and what lies ahead?"= toc

Pre-circulated description
The theme is intended to allow for general thoughts about the field as well as for specific perspectives from graduates and students about the impact of the CCT Program. To seed the dialogue, but not to dictate the direction it takes, consider the following excerpt from the Overview of the CCT Program. >> "Critical thinking, creative thinking, and reflective practice are valued, of course, in all fields. In critical thinking we seek to scrutinize the assumptions, reasoning, and evidence brought to bear on an issue-by others and by oneself; such scrutiny is enhanced by placing ideas and practices in tension with alternatives. Key functions of creative thinking include generating alternative ideas, practices, and solutions that are unique and effective, and exploring ways to confront complex, messy, ambiguous problems, make new connections, and see how things could be otherwise. In reflective practice we take risks and experiment in putting ideas into practice, then take stock of the outcomes and revise our approaches accordingly. >> The rationale for a distinct Masters and Certificate program of study in CCT is that an explicit and sustained focus on learning and applying ideas and tools in critical thinking, creative thinking, and reflective practice allows students involved in a wide array of professions and endeavors to develop clarity and confidence to make deep changes in their learning, teaching, work, activism, research, and artistry. By the time CCT students finish their studies they are prepared to teach or guide others in ways that often depart markedly from their previous schooling and experience."

>> **Technical matters** Two practice sessions are scheduled so everyone can check their connectability beforehand. Please RSVP to cct@umb.edu or consult these details.

Content
(A compilation of comments) 1. Theme: CCT studies are about taking yourself seriously, changing yourself. Not the same as having a definite project. Instead about paying attention to my own interests/aspirations. 2. Theme: Support. People need support, response, sharing, feedback, connectedness in order to make change. People need to be reminded of this need. Q: What draws people to stay in touch? 2a. Theme: Addressing discouragement. NoChildLeftBehind and children's black-and-white thinking is discouraging. Need to reconnect with CCT. Q: What can CCT offer to acknowledge discsouragement and keep discouraged people connected? 3. Theme: Tools. Need to be reminded of the tools introduced during my studies. 4. Theme: Distinctive message about CCT. We need to articulate what is distinctive here. But describing the program doesn't capture the __experience__. But saying that can make outsiders feel like they are outside "the club," or something mysterious, jedi warrior-like is being claimed by CCT.

Technical lessons
1. Talkshoe has some kind of bug that makes it difficult for hosts to use TalkShoeLivePro and be able to monitor who is on the call. No response has been received to the query on this matter. Workaround = the host aks who wants to talk and keeps a list of the queue. 2. If participants use their computer as their phone, they must have earphones or else everyone gets an echo. 3. Host's ability to mute callers disappeared at one point. Had to hang up and reconnect. 4. Connection via telephone faded for one participant -- better to use earplugs and a computer-based connection 9e.g., skype)?

Logistical lessons
1. Schedule on a weekend so people can use weekend rates to may free or cheap call to the talkshoe number (which is not toll free). 2. Send out personal invitations as well as the usual broadcast messages. 3. Send out confirmations with technical details and recommendation to check equipment beforehand. 4. Schedule regular conference call dialogues to accommodate interest from those who missed the first dialogue.

Things that can get in the way of participating (a collage)
Power went out so I had to switch from skype to my phone. / Sorry, I dropped my phone / no excuse, I completely forgot / a pipe taking the water out of the air conditioning unit broke in my attic and flooded the ceiling in one of my bedrooms.. / I couldn't find the email with the call ID / very busy in preparing the final exam and presentation of my PhD which takes place next Monday / heading out now to a farewell retirement dinner for one of my colleagues / on the west coast at a conference and can't change my schedule to join the call.. / sorry I hung up, but... I realized it would cost me too much. I’ll practice w/doing it online and try to get a new headset that doesn’t feed back for next time / During the heat wave, [my computer] just got so hot and I didn't have AC working / I'll be camping; not sure if my cell phone will have coverage...

Regrets as Appreciations
last night was really great... Thanks for including me. / I do so appreciate your efforts to include alumni. >> The CCT program was truly transformative for me – although it is hard for me to articulate how and why. When I entered the program, I was taking a sabbatical... and had a specific goal in mind. By the time I finished, my original goal seemed so flat compared to the compelling, thought-provoking, earnest challenges I took with me back to my work. The program re-invigorated qualities that I always had and has made me a much more effective educator and manager. The critical and creative thinking processes are ever-present in every aspect of how I make decisions, approach problems and challenges, collaborate, work with students and colleagues. My career has gone in several different directions as a result. I regret I missed another opportunity to recharge my CCT batteries last night! I am sorry to be responding just now, and sorrier still not to be participating tonight... I hope the call went well, and I hope you’ll think to include me in the future. I am very interested in participating and in staying connected to the CCT program. / Hope you have another one. Please keep me on the list and keep me informed about things like this. /