ENGAGING & EMPOWERING LEARNERS 3-DAY WORKSHOP (ON COURSE I)

We are thrilled with the feedback from our [3-day] workshop participants. Truthfully, I have been at BCC for many years, and this is the best feedback that I have ever seen! We did a great deal of faculty and staff professional development when I was BCC’s Title III Director, but never have I seen any feedback with 100% in any area, let alone 5 areas. The comments are glowing as well. I do want you to know that the excitement continues with the faculty, even three weeks later. They are emailing back and forth. The faculty are creating products to use within their classrooms and copying each other–sharing–and talking about results. These results are the signs of an effective workshop… I do want to thank you for inspiring our faculty, many of whom had become cynical over the years. They are re-invigorated!–Patricia Hare, Academic Dean, Brevard Community College, (FL)

The workshop last week was a resounding success, and everyone appreciated [the facilitator’s] expertise, willingness to hear and work with varying points of view, and great sense of humor. I’m sure our college will want to host another workshop in a year or so, and we’re already working on identifying people to attend the On Course II Workshops, as well as the On Course National Conference. Everyone who was there wants to be subscribed to the On Course Newsletter–that says it all, doesn’t it?–Diana Babayan, Chair and Faculty, ESL, Santiago Canyon College (CA)

During my nine years at College of the Mainland, I have not witnessed such a successful workshop, embraced with abundant enthusiasm by participants. During the past eighteen months, our College has been through some difficult transitional times, and I believe the 3-day On Course I Workshop made a significant contribution to creating a positive environment for our faculty and staff who participated. College of the Mainland is completing our third year as an Achieving the Dream institution. In my opinion, the workshop succeeded in a significant way by elevating the awareness of AtD concepts fostered in this national initiative.–Katherine Moser, Dean, College of the Mainland (TX)

Message to the Director of Professional Development and the Academic Vice President: Thank you, thank you for offering the 3-day On Course I Workshop to Sierra College educators. What a fabulous experience! Not only did it provide faculty with many meaningful, interactive activities to use in our classrooms, but it also showed us how to empower students in ways that will make them more responsible and productive learners. I hope that this same workshop can be offered again, so that more Sierra College staff can have the opportunity to profoundly change the way they teach, work with colleagues, and–more importantly– live their lives.–Janet Quinlan, Faculty and Co-Chair, Department of Human Development, Sierra College (CA)

Thank you very much for the work that you have done for the Holomua [developmental education] unit at KCC. I cannot tell you how great your impact has been on the faculty. You’ve energized and revitalized even those that I thought would never be able to change. Personally, it’s been a pleasure to work with you. You set a high standard for us all! –Mona Lee, Dean, Kapiolani Community College (HI)

It is incredible to me how we can all be so rejuvenated after three days that seem so short and packed with such fun, inspiring, enriching information about ourselves and our teaching and not be totally exhausted. I hear nothing but glowing statements from all involved and from many of the staff that are hearing the faculty’s excitement about the event. I personally am again inspired and have made many personal commitments based on the experience. Thank you again for the amazing experience.–Rob Jenkins, Professional Development Coordinator, Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education, Santa Ana College (CA)

Since first attending one of the summer workshops, I’ve held nine 3-day On Course staff development trainings for our college, and I plan to offer more. They are invaluable! I strongly recommend this workshop for all faculty, counselors, and administrators. –Philip Rodriguez, Dean, Cerritos College (CA)