How many of you have downloaded and are using the program guide? Do you find it useful? Do you have any suggestions for improving it? 

Thank you, 

Dan 

For me, critical thinking is about developing the capacity to analyze information/content/experiences by using information that is already known.

Critical thinking is not about making conclusions based on assumptions, because you must have a foundation on which to begin making sound judgements (decisions/conclusions).

To me, the WHY questions give students the opportunity to explore a range of answers, think outside of the box, while working with information that has already been given. This guides them towards extending their thinking. WHY questions are probing questions, many times requiring that the student gives a justification for the answer. In this way we gain an invaluable insight into hows the student is thinking....the process that he used.

Great to know; thank you, Evelyn. Others?

I think the Program Guide is well organized and helps to know what to expect from the Episodes. On the other hand, based on the comments among the members of this group. I would like to suggest some aspects:

Indicate where to find the Podcasts (the episodes), for example: Once you have logged into the Inter-American Teacher Network, you can find the podcasts in the section E-Library/ Audio Program.

In the guide, for each Episode, there is a section called After the program, I think in addition to the information that already exists, it could be added some message to invite participants (if they have an opportunity to access the internet) to share your reflection on the forum of the group ( as suggested by Irvin Smith).

The program is interesting and helps improve teaching practices.

Regards.

Hi, can someone tell me please how can I download the other episodes. I am only seeing a download button for episode 1, but not for the others. Thank you.

Hello folks, I am using the Program Guide  helps a lot to know in advanced objectives and topics that we will check. it is well organized and clear.

i am catching up with the episodes due to my late start. i have listened to episodes 1&2 twice just to be sure i don't miss out. i just downloaded and printed out the Program Guide and it helps quite a bit. I have recognized a few shortcomings on my part when writing my objectives. Some of them are definitely to vague and i will change that by always incorporating SMART .   

Dear Shonella,

I am sorry to see that you are having problems with accessing the audios. I am not sure what is causing the problem, as for me the audios all do appear to be available. I'm not sure what path exactly you are taking to get to the files, but I suggest that you try this link:
http://www.oas.org/en/iten/Documents/Audio_Program.html
Click on the theme of the program you wish you listen to. Please let us know if this does not work.

Good luck,
Dan

Hi all,

This is a very simple sheet that lists levels of thinking and provides some verbs and prompts that are likely to generate each level of thinking. You may find it helpful as you think of questions and activities guided by the program.

Warm regards,
Dan

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vblibrary/4576825411/sizes/o/in/pool-...

Hi Everyone

I just have Episode 7 to listen to then I will listen to all of  episodes again. I find these audios are a pleasant reminder of what I learned in teacher training.  I spoke with the staff at my school and they concur that  students need to reason above the base levels.  We as teachers really need to engage students in the higher level skills of Bloom's Taxonomy - application, analysis, evaluation and creation.  Got to run.

This is the link that I was given to access the audios. 

http://www.oas.org/en/iten/Documents/Audio_Program.html

Hope this helps you Ms. Morgan

Thank you Daniel.

Gale

Episode 3.

This episode allow me to think of ways I can use various activities to promote students critical thinking skills as I utilize the latter three levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. Questioning in all levels are important, however these  questions must cause students the ability to analyse their ideas. 

I particularly appreciated the activity of having to formulate my own questions at the various levels.

Hi Daniel,

Regarding to the questions on the Program Guide, another idea: For each page in the program guide, a QR Code (Quick Response) could be added. Then, when participants scan it using a QR reader from a Smartphone or PC, it would automatically display the web link to the corresponding podcast for the episode.

Regards.

As an English Teacher, I would have never thought of using the Scientific Method in my classes. However, Episode 5 was an eye opener and it certainly had me thinking critically about how to incorporate this method in my English Classes. 

Dear Lourdes,

That's a great idea. I will find out how to embed QR codes.

Thanks Daniel, I was able gain access to the audios.

Episod 7. I am working on my lesson plan following the 5 critica thinking steps. Everything is connected, it is not easy to connect with the topic and learning objectives but I am almost there.

Dear colleagues,

For those of you participating in the OAS ITEN/PAEC training opportunity, you should have received an email asking you to submit a 'vendor form'. No, you are not a vendor selling anything to the OAS, but this is the form used to make any payment. Please submit the form promptly so that the program is able to make a timely payment once you have submitted your documentation, as there is an end-of-year period during which payments cannot be made.

I am very happy to read the comments and recognize the appreciation you have for the audio program and the level to which you are engaging with the material. Your students are fortunate.

Warm regards,

Dan Pier

Dear Daniel,

Dear Shonella,

Thank  you for alerting me to not receiving a vendor form. Yes, this does relate to the training of five or more teachers; without the form, OAS cannot pay you the stipend for your completion of the program. The ITEN team will make sure you receive one. Sorry about the inconvenience.

Warm regards,

Dan

Thank you Daniel, I received the form.

my form would not allow me to fill it it in even when my computer's security was set at the medium setting. I went ahead and fill and sign in Adobe... is that ok? 

Hi Dan,

There are certain sections on the form that I am not sure how to fill.  The different bank codes ,ect.  Can you help or do I need to go to my bankers for this information?

Glenda,

I share your sentiments about the challenge of the process.  I have found myself needing to be very systematic so that the connections are clear, but it is taking time and I find myself making adjustments along the way, particularly to the objectives.

I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this audio programme, because I think that this puts us in the same place as our students when we deliver a critical thinking based, lesson plan.  I also was happy to note that the scientific method could be used when planning for my remedial students in the visualizing/verbalizing programme.  One of the learning challenges that many of them have is formulating personal opinions/making predictions based on information that is given to them.

Cheers to this ITEN Audio Programme.

Hello everyone.

Was AWOL for a few days, Life happens sometimes :). Will try to get going again.

What did I miss?

Thank you Daniel.....

Irvin you are not alone.... I was MIA for a while too!

Dear Evelyn,

I presume you found the answer, because we have already received yours.Thank you! We will be in touch to confirm that it is complete or request any missing information.

Warm regards,

Dan

Dear Joann Neaves, 

Yes, your bank should be able to supply you with the needed information. Please contact them directly.

Warm regards,

Dan

Dear Kathleen Edward,

Yes, it is okay to fill and submit the form in Adobe. Thank you for checking.

Warm regards,

Dan

Dear Tracey,

Thank you very much for your kind comments regarding the audio program. I am glad you found it helpful!

Warm regards,

Dan

Dear Colleagues,

We have begun receiving observation forms. Thank you for getting right to work on completing the project.

A few important tips:

1. Please note that the observation form asks you to attach the lesson plan for the lesson observed. This will help us note how you incorporated the critical thinking principles in the programme into your work.

2. Please ask your supervisor or other observer to include at least one comment in the comment section of the form. If the person does not have a specific comment about one of the eight observable items, he or she may comment generally about how well you incorporated critical thinking into the lesson. 

Both of these steps will help us get a better understanding of how you are using the programme. Thank you for helping us by providing it.

Dan

Dear Colleagues,

There have been a few questions regarding the timing of your responsibilities for the programme. The sequence is:

1. By November 28, have a supervisor observe you during a class in which you apply the critical thinking principles explored in the audio programme. Also recruit five or more colleagues with whom you will facilitate use of the programme and complete your training plan. Submit the observation form (with one or more comments; see my note below) and the training plan by November 28. This makes you eligible for the $250 stipend if you have been accepted to the program.

2. Complete the training of your colleagues and submit a report on the same by March 1, 2017. OAS will provide a template for the report by November 30. The report will make you eligible to receive your certificate of completion. The submitters of the top three reports will be featured in posts here in the ITEN Virtual Community and on ITEN social media. 

Thanks again for your participation,

Dan

Dear Colleagues,

URGENT. If you have not yet sent your vendor form with bank information, please do so today or by noon tomorrow. Due to internal procedures and the upcoming end-of-year holiday season, if we do not have the forms by then, payment may be delayed until mid- to late January. Thank you!!

Warm regards,

Dan

Blessings Daniel,
I inadvertently submitted my form without including some valid information - like account number. Is there anyway I can get back the form to complete it?
Much thanks
Joann

Daniel,

The Word Document is not editing enabled. I am unable to fill the information into the downloaded file.

Please advise as I received a time sensitive email about posting the document.

Thank you in advance.

Gale

I have not received a vendor form where I have to include  bank information. Where can I find one?

can someone send one to me, thanks

Dear Imogene,

I am sorry that you did not receive a vendor form previously. I received your email indicating perhaps the problem is with an email address; we will send you the form to the new email you specified within the next few hours. Please fill it out and return it as quickly as possible so that we can process your payment when you have submitted your work.

Warm regards,

Dan Pier

Dear Gale,

Thank you for alerting us to the problem with the Word form. At least one participant solved this problem by filling and signing the form in Adobe, which is perfectly acceptable. I will inquire as to whether there are other possible solutions and post here in a few hours.

Dan

Daniel,

I received another email saying that adobe is not acceptable. It must be in word format.

Gale

Daniel,

I mentioned the audio program to a colleague in St. Vincent and she is interested in the program. Can I add her and her educational center with my other groups for follow up?

Gale

Hi Daniel, 

I have some questions in relation to the training of the 5 or more  teachers.

1. Would these teachers whom I will be training, be given a certificate at the end of the program as we who are doing it now?

2.  Are the requirements for the certificate for them the same as us, to write a plan, be observed and do a report?

Some of the teachers whom I have invited want to know. these answers. Please guide me accordingly so that I can respond to them. Thank you.

Wow!

Dear All, especially Daniel I believe,

I've certainly been MIA. My life was spinning top in mud as soon as I started the programme and I've been unable to participate as I would have liked to. I've read some comments and share many of your sentiments.

I too appreciate what this programme is offering. It has opened my eyes in many ways.

However, I do have a concern as I didn't receive a 'Vendor For'. I did a search for the attachment, but I received nothing.

Can I get some help with this please Daniel!!!