eJournal Entry 1

1. First briefly describe your intended project. You can copy and paste it from your introduction if you wish. Then state the problem your design project will address. If you’re designing a new course or workshop, the problem might simply be that the course or training doesn’t exist. If you’re modifying instruction, state why. This is your first why.

My intended project is to create a professional development for practicum teachers to better prepare seniors in this course for their internship experience.  Many students in industry internships are not successful in their interviews with companies, communication with their practicum teacher, evaluations from their companies, and transportation to and from their experience.  This professional development will give teachers a tool kit for better communication and high achievement in the program.

2.     Then determine and state why the problem you’ve identified is occurring or why that problem is a problem—your second why.

Much of the issue is from teachers not reading the internship handbook on expectations and policies of our internship.  Teachers are also not reading their emails and communicating with students on changes in transportation times.  Also, teachers forget to follow through on normal paperwork and procedures dealing with the practicum course.

3.     Now explain why that’s occurring (the cause) or why that’s a problem (unintended or undesirable effects)—your third why.

I don’t believe teachers truly understand how the course is supposed to operate.  Therefore, they don’t know or understand the big picture.  Many of the teachers are overwhelmed with other duties they’ve not made it a priority.

4.     Then identify a fourth and fifth why if you can.

I don’t think they get enough support and feedback from administration on what needs to happen.

5.     Now reflect on your process. Did this technique reveal any new insights for your project? Has it changed the scope, purpose, or focus of the project? Explain how or why. 

This “why” process really does help.  It has giving me a few things to think about or consider for my project.  Something I think it reveals is that there needs to be some sort of accountability at the campus level on expectation.  Myself and my team are trying to coordinate this process from the central office level and there is not understanding or support from the campus level.  This is possibly why teachers that teach this practicum don’t’ see the importance of it.  I think my project will be to have a professional development with campus administrators to get their by in, support and understanding so they know what questions to ask to hold teachers more accountable.