So, continual contact and research is underway. While doing the write-up for class on the CRAFT model, I was able to identify some informal and formal ways of making contact and conducting research. While hanging out in Mart and informally meeting people with Paula and other students, it was great to see how "research" can be done by just sitting and listening.
The action phase of CRAFT for us was probably making the design proposal for the library board. It will take some time for us to actually start the garden or artwork. A lot more needs to be done before that can happen like creating a feasibility and implementation plan. I think we have been getting feedback from community members (library board, high school students) about what kinds of changes they'd like to see in Mart and how involved they want to get. We were able to engage in some teaching (last phase of CRAFT) last Monday, when we presented a power point to the high school students regarding the Mart Community Project and how they could participate. This wasn't actually teaching skills we'd already learned from a completed project, but teaching at every and any phase of CRAFT is important, in my view. Plus, what community project is ever really complete?
I agree with you that teaching is important at every phase of the project. I like that you asked the question, "What community project is ever really complete?" I think that just shows how these projects are a process and that so much can come from the work that we do this semester.
ReplyDeleteSriju:
ReplyDeleteHow have your thoughts changed since seeing that the students may be better partners than the library board for the community garden? It's really a new ACTION--taking a new turn, synthesizing from all the experiences and feedback, and trying to reach a broader audience. I'm very happy you've had interest from the school and now Paula and I will be working to solidify the opportunity to place the garden at the school. We'll keep you posted after our meeting on the 18th.
Dr. G