NLA Discussion: Respecting by listening

[Sue Barton]

Andrea writes:

"What I plead for here is some sort of critical attention to the thinking
process and an avoidance of using words and their concepts which overlook or
paint out a careful construction of  complex  realities.  A good place to
start with students is their own lives and the difficulties they encounter."

I would like to say that one of the good things about the EFF concepts is
that they allow the instructor and policy makers to either focus narrowly or
see the big picture.  The performance indicators (name has since changed)
and standards are designed to guide the reader through a thought process
toward a greater understanding of the task ahead.

For example, I used the Reflect and Evaluate Standard to walk myself through
the process of trying to figure out why my students were unable to
articulate short term goals.  I ended up with an activity that worked and it
was adopted by my whole program.

Listening Actively is another Standard developed to encompass the listening
process.  I used that procedure/ thought process to heighten my student's
awareness of what our visiting speaker was presenting.

EFF is not just another set of vocabulary that restricts.  It is a
vocabulary that sets us as teachers, administrators, policy makers, and
students free to explore the world around us.

Sue Barton
Dublin, VA