There were two workshops at the ASCD conference that really impressed me. The first workshop was called “Integrating Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning” and was lead by CASEL (Illinois- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). They emphasized that without social and emotional development, academic learning will be hindered.  In Illinois, there are standards for the core classes along with standards for social and emotional learning.  The 3 main goals/standards are the following:

1. Self-awareness and self-management skills
2. Social awareness and interpersonal skills
3. Decision making and responsible behaviors

The CASEL web site goes into greater detail regarding these goals- www.casel.org.

            The second workshop was called “Motivation: Improving negative attitudes toward school and learning” and was presented by Robert Bowman from the University of South Carolina.  He emphasized that motivation in high school is by grabbing attention through props, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and gimmicks.  Apathy was the main reason why both students and teachers lack motivation.  In order to for a classroom to work, there has to be positive classroom management. There are 5 main characteristics to a positive classroom: caring, acceptance, understanding, trust, and playfulness.

            Foldables were being used in my classroom before attending the conference.  While at the conference, one of the workshops taught me how to make 2 more different types of foldables.  I have taught the students how to make both of the new varieties and they have taken notes with these new graphic organizers.  When we take notes, the students can personally choose which foldable they prefer.  As a result, the students are taking more ownership for their learning. 

            I have also implemented group note taking on overhead transparencies.  Each student is assigned a section and is responsible for presenting their notes to the remainder of the class.  This helps the students work on their interpersonal relationships within their groups.  It is amazing to watch how the students work together as an entire class to make sure that they complete the assignment.  I have seen students step up and help others during presentations, taking leadership roles, sharing responsibilities, asking questions, etc.

            There were several memorable moments that I shared with my colleagues while down in Florida.  The dinners that were spent as an entire group debriefing about our daily workshops were very informative and relaxing.  We were able to visit the Universal City Walk and see street entertainment, visit a dueling piano bar, and take in the lights of Orlando at night. The poolside was a favorite spot for most of us after we attended our daily workshops.  I was glad to get to know my colleagues on a personal basis- outside of the school environment.  I definitely would not have had as much fun if I had attended the ASCD conferences by myself!

            As David Letterman would say, “The Top 10 reasons why you should attend the ASCD conferences next year”:

10.   It is in Chicago-if there are flight or car problems, you are less than 250 miles     away.

9.  You are on Spring Break- relax and unwind.

8.     You don’t have to take any time off from school.

7.   The hotel stay and food are reimbursed

6.   Travel expenses are covered.

5.   Meeting new people from all over the US and the world.

4.   Get to know your colleagues.

3.   Exhibit= Great Freebees (bags, books, toys, pens, etc.)!!!

2.   Opportunity for professional development.

1.  You’ll have a great time!!