The American West

The American West
The American West Field Study Seminar

Monday, January 31, 2011

Questions on the Field Seminar



If you have questions regarding the seminar, what to bring, dates, homework, readings etc... you are probably not the only one. In that vein, please post your questions within this thread. Professor Ness and/or Professor Buckley will respond as soon as possible.

29 comments:

  1. So, here I am with the first questions. What are the hours of the pre-travel seminar? Are there any provided accommodations for overnights for us long distance travelers? Is there reimbursement for gas? When do we get our books? Is it as unusually cold in your part of the world as it is in ours? Moab with windchill of 15 below is not in my memory bank..(Okay, this question has no direct application to the seminar, just trying to make small talk...)

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  2. Love your email name, “Coyote Jean”; it makes my own “cinphardy”, extraordinarily boring and bland!

    Regarding your questions: 1) The pre-travel seminar will start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26th and will finish up around 4:00 p.m. We will meet in room 2258 at the BYU Conference Center, and spend a portion of the afternoon at the Museum of Peoples and Culture. Lunch will be provided, in fact, in keeping with the theme I believe it is a barbeque pork sandwich. You will receive your books, assignments, syllabus and paperwork at the seminar. Come ready to learn, Dr. Buckley will present a content lecture and you will learn & participate in some teaching strategies. Prior to attending we ask that you read the "Why History" article written by David McCullough and included in the hyperlink, in the side bar. I will send you each a copy of a Cornell note template, as well as a copy of the article. We ask that you read the article and take notes utilizing the template. Bring your notes to the seminar.

    2) Fuel reimbursement will be provided for those travelling more than 100 miles (one way). Craig LaRocco, the field seminar logistics coordinator from Weber State University, will have forms available for you at the seminar. Be sure to pick up the form and complete it for reimbursement. For the record Craig, will be contacting you within the next week with a number of online forms, he is asking that you complete them prior to the seminar. Included in these forms are Weber State registration, book allowance and per diem meal forms. In addition I believe he will be making a request from each of you for a digital photo.

    3) There is no room allowance provided for the pre-seminar. Those teachers who apply for the West field seminar are typically a friendly bunch, as such, there are often participants in the Wasatch area who are willing to open their home for one night for those who are driving in from outside the Wasatch front. If you are one of these let us know and we will forward your information to participants who are interested in saving the cost of a room for the night. On the other hand, rooms are generally fairly cheap in Utah County.

    4) Lastly, winter always seems too cold for me; however this one is no worse than usual. It may be warmer here than there, fancy that!

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  3. Thanks. Those are the same questions I had.

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  4. I tried to open up the Cornell Note Template link and couldn't. Don't know if this is because I'm using a mac, or if it just didn't link properly. No problem with the "Why History" link! Thanks for all the info on the pre-travel seminar, I look forward to meting you all and learning more about our trip this summer!

    Zach

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  5. Zach,
    The Cornell Notes were uploaded as a google doc. Elizabeth Robertson forwarded each of you a copy of the Cornell notes template this past week in a word document. I will forward a second copy in a PDF format, Unfortuntely blogger does not allow me to post pdf documents. Watch your e-mail for the document. Keep me updated if you have not received it. Thanks
    Prof. Ness (Cindy)

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  6. Prof. Ness,
    I also could not open the Cornell Note Template and have not received an e-mail with the PDF format. Perhaps I was too hasty on a delete button?

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  7. Prof. Ness,

    I am having difficulties understanding a portion of the Cornell notes. How do I develop the directed questions, or are they questions provided?

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Gichin, what a lovely name! Regarding your question, I'm sorry it wasn't clear, in the example provided. In the "Why History" Cornell note template the directed questions are posted in the left hand column of the template. They read:

    I. Why is the study of history essential?

    II. How can a better understanding of history help us better understand ourselves and the world we live in?

    III. What is the role of narrative in a successful history curriculum?

    For the record, there are no directed questions posted for the "Undaunted Courage" text. I have simply provided you with a theme appropriate to each section. When completing your summary, summarize the general content of the pages indicated in the space provided (generally the summary will run 2-4 paragraphs). You will be provided with more information regarding Cornell notes during the Saturday introductory seminar. I look forward to seeing you then!

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  10. Just a thank you for the seminar today (Saturday 26 Feb.). I am impressed with the group, enjoyed the overview, love the books, and I am looking forward to the adventure. Kudos to our leaders for today's wonderful experience.

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  11. I can't seem to remember who we are supposed to send a photo of ourself to. Could someone point me in the right direction, thanks

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  12. Thanks Jean,
    I enjoyed getting to meet with you. I spent most the day running around, as such I didn't get the time to meet everyone like I would like to have. That said, the group looks like they are going to be great.
    Zach,
    Regarding the photo send it to Craig at Weber State University. Craig is great at making sure we get a photo directory we can use on the trip to ensure we get to know one another. Craig has sent you previous e-mails, as such you should have something from him in your inbox.

    Any other questions please feel free to ask.

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  13. So worth it. It took us 6 hours to make the 4 hour drive home. Neither of us regretted it. The historical content was so interesting. We read Naya Nuki aloud rather than listening to the radio. We are so excited for the journey.

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  14. What photo are we supposed to send Craig? I didn't receive any emails other than an invitation and the template from Libby?

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  15. Hi I have submitted two Teach like a Champion entries...feeback, are they what you expected? I like the book very much; I am sharing the techniques with my colleagues at school. they bought into "Opt out"...it is very effective.

    Wendy Vdek

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  16. Wendy,
    So glad to hear you are enjoying the text. As you have noticed it's packed with simple practical tips. Regarding your posts they are spot on. You will notice I moved them within the 49 techniques thread. As a general rule if a post is outside of the thread bearing it's name I will move it to the correct thread. Keep up the good work.

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  17. Hi all, the West seminar promises to be one of the best yet! Please continue to work on your assignments for the seminar. You will remember your assignments include:


    * Geoffrey C. Ward: The West: An Illustrated History
    Prior to the trip, participants will read preface to the text on page xvii. The text will serve as the primary resource for participant presentations. The West book should be brought on the bus as presenters will be asked to reference primary documents available in the book. Please see below for more information on the presentation.

    * Stephen E. Ambrose: Undaunted Courage
    Prior to the trip participants should read the entire text. Participants are required to complete fifteen Cornell Notes) in the bound notebook (supplied) from the text. For more information regarding Cornell Notes review the grading rubric and Cornell notes templates, included in the bound notebook.

    * Doug Lemov, Teach Like A Champion
    Prior to the travel seminar participants should view, read about and practice a minimum of five of the techniques presented in Doug Lemov's Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College. Reactions, responses, and experiences with each of the techniques, should be posted on the blog. Participants should include 1) the technique that was used, 2) their reaction (and student's reaction) to the technique and 3) additional insights to the practice of the technique.

    Participants will receive one of three books:
    * John D. W. Guice, James J. Holmberg, and Jay H. Buckley. By His Own Hand?: The Mysterious Death of Meriwether Lewis. Secondary School Teachers
    Participants who receive this book will participate in a mock trial. Prior to the field seminar, those participating in the trial should read the entire text. Please see participant requirements below for a detailed explanation of responsibilities.
    * Kenneth Thomasma, “Naya Nuki” Elementary education teachers.
    Participants should read the entire text prior to the field seminar. During the seminar time will be provided to complete and model a “book in a day” strategy.
    * Kenneth Thomasma, Sacajawea” Middle school teachers.
    Participants should read the entire text prior to the field seminar. During the seminar time will be provided to complete and model a “book in a day” strategy.

    * Reflective Journal
    Participants will keep a journal (supplied by Miller Education Seminars) of their personal reflections, learning and experiences during the travel seminar.

    Short Paper & Research Requirements for Presentations

    A. Using The West: An Illustrated History research and write a one page, front & back, informational paper on your assigned theme. (participants will chose an individual during the pre-seminar meeting). Those participating in the mock trial will use the Buckley text.
    B. Informational papers should include, references to primary sources (texts & photos).
    C. Print and three-hole punch 32 copies of your informational paper.
    D. Readings will be collected and distributed upon arrival at the travel seminar
    E. Those participants assigned 12-30 will be asked to present their research while on the seminar. Those participants assigned 1-11 will participate as witnesses in the mock trial. Those assigned the roles of defense and prosecuting attorneys will identify questions and possible answers that would best help their argument.

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  18. Questions:

    I have had a couple of questions regarding our return time on Monday, June 27th.

    We plan on leaving Great Falls, Mont. at 7:00 a.m. En route we will need to stop for lunch and to stretch our legs, the drive is approx. 650 miles. Barring unforeseen circumstances (traffic, weather, illness etc...) we should be back in Provo between 4:00-5:00 p.m.

    We are aware one of you will be leaving us in Great Falls and/or in Butte. Should you need a schedule, check out google maps for an idea of the approximate time.

    If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to ask.

    Looking forward to June!

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  19. After having read the last post, I was wondering if I could pay for my own airline ticket home rather than riding the bus to Provo and then another 4 hour car trip to St. George. Would I risk missing valuable discussions if I opted to travel home by air?

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  20. Will the bus then go straight on to the Davis campus for a drop off? Or, is Provo the final stop?

    Tiffany

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  21. Two questions, two answers:
    Regarding the former. No. For the record we were in Provo @ 4:00 last year, no guarantees this year. The drive up is crucial,(and I should add both fun and interesting) the drive back is a marathon, were you able to get a one way ticket, and had a way to pick up your car at the drop off spot a flight would be fine. It did seem like the drive went relatively quickly last year, we watched silly movies, laughed, listened to Bill Cosby etc... Those of you moving on from our last stop in Provo, may wish to stay on the Wasatch front for a night. Perhaps some of us involved can put you up for the night?

    Regarding the latter, Provo is the last stop, the Davis campus is approximately an hour away.

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  22. I found the paddling gloves!! I'd been looking and some of the sporting stores had never heard of them and I was a little frustrated. But then I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and they have them! They had to order my size but they shipped it free to my house. One more thing to check off my list!

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  23. Good for you, I'm delighted to see you are planning ahead. For the record I found mine at Walmart, I'm guessing yours are far better and much nicer. Mine met my greatest criteria, they were cheap. I look forward to seeing you all in three weeks. Cindy

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  24. Cindi, did I read that right the last stop is Provo not Davis? I need to find a ride from Provo to home?

    Also what is the deal with the sleeping bag? We can rent one? What is the cost and how good are they?

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  25. With all the flooding occurring in Montana, is that going to be an issue with the canoe trip? I've heard that many of the campgrounds along the river are closed.

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  26. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Shelley we will stop in Davis before Provo (driving southbound on I-15, Davis comes first). Regarding the sleeping bags, the river outfitters will have some available for you to rent, I do not know the cost and/or the quality. You can contact Montana River Outfitters (talk to Craig Madsen) directly to ask. Last year everyone brought their own. That might be easiest. There will be room for you to haul it on the bus and leave it at the hotel, when not in use.

    Justin, the river guide will ensure we have suitable camping sites, the majority of the sites we will be staying in are far of the beaten track. The guide typically arranges with the BLM or local land owners to use off site camping, as a result we generally are on our own (as opposed to sharing a camp with other campers); in that vein, the flooding will not impact our ability to use the campgrounds. What the flooding will do is make for a faster trip than usual down the river (less rowing ;-), that is of course we if are not fighting the wind. Pray for windless days.

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  27. Thank you Cindy, I realized the bus stop after I had written the note to you. I am looking forward to the trip and praying for some windless sunny days on the river.

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  28. I had originally planned to meet the group at BYU, but am now going to need to catch the bus at Weber State Davis Campus in Layton (since my babysitter lives in Bountiful). Who should I contact to relay this information?

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  29. Thanks for such a delightful time. Heidi and I made it home before 10:15. Hope you all are enjoying a relaxing evening at home.

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