Themes from Evaluations/Ideas

 

Jackie Robinson

n     Kids don’t always get the relevance to their own lives

n     Success with letter to mayor, less success with out-of-seat activities

n     Some kids dominate discussion while others are disengaged

n     Get basic concepts but may not be that interested always

n     High energy, but not always used in the most positive way

n     Sense that their culture/background needs a less “fluffy” curriculum

n     Better with role-play than discussion sometimes

 

Fair Haven

n     It seems like the kids need more structure/practicality than our curriculum allows

n     Classroom control issues in general

n     Classroom teachers generally helpful

n     Some kids don’t participate much

n     Large group games often don’t work as well as small group discussions

n     Some kids tend to want to get into conflicts a lot

 

Jepson

n     Some classroom control issues, but kids participate a lot/are enthusiastic

n     Kids have fun, but maybe not getting the objectives

n     Some kids have had PXP before & are bored

 

Hamden

n     Kids behave well but maybe don’t really think about the questions asked of them.

n     Gender Issues?

n     Teachers are supportive


Sacred Heart

n     Noise control issues (in class with substitute teacher)

n      

 

MAIN ISSUES W/ PROGRAM/CURRICULUM

 

·        Kids enjoy it but it doesn’t seem to be relevant to their real lives, one of the main things I hear from people is that the kids seem to be having fun, but not really getting the relevance of the issues/deeper themes behind the games

·        Kids may know the “right answers” but actually be skeptical of them/not apply them to real life

·        Curriculum doesn’t take kids’ culture/backgrounds into account

·        Lessons 2-4 not very effective

·        Curriculum needs more structure/practicality

·        Need less lecture & more games

·        Doesn’t benefit the kids who need it the most

·        Should have more cohesiveness between co-teachers before beginning!à more social events necessary??

·        Need some training that’s more New Haven-specific

·        GENDER ISSUES should be addressed

·        Some activities a little too “young” for the kids—i.e., PB & J orchestra: This complaint heard a lot

·        Situations we present often don’t seem very “real”

·        Curriculum needs more scenarios/how to apply concepts to real life

·        Fun stuff not well-integrated with serious stuff maybe?

·        Curriculum should have more advice on how to introduce lessons/lead discussions

·        Training should include presenting “mock lessons” & how to deal with specific situations of kids fighting

·        Kids tend to see PXP time as “playtime”

·        Dealing with “pro-conflict” messages kids receive in their own lives from the media/their parents

·        Talking to the kids on their own level/with language they understand

·        Everyone happy with the time commitment

 

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