TAM4 Education Workshop

[athon]

Most of you who have read any number of my posts know about my views on education and science. Being a science teacher, I'm determined to see education in leading nations evolving their science curriculums.

At TAM3, it was shown that there were a large number of educators present. It was also a common question; how can we make skepticism relevant to what we do.

In the education forum you can see the slow progress of a critical thinking unit a number of us are working on. It is still moving in an ebb and flow consistent with my free time, and should be largely finished by September (fingers crossed).

Anyway, I am yet undecided as to whether I'm going to TAM4. I'd love to, but with a view to commence a post grad degree next year back in Oz it might be financially tight. If I do go, I would love to orchestrate a workshop which would focus on bringing together educators and discussing where they can implement critical thinking and skepticism in their own work.

Any thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea?

Athon

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Any thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea?

Will beer be served? If so, then it is a good idea.

 

[athon]

Re: Re: TAM4 Education Workshop

Will beer be served? If so, then it is a good idea.

Yes. And free hats.

Free Hat!!

Athon
(warning; south park reference may go over some people's heads)

 

[Kiless]

Excellent idea! I'll be doing TAM5.... I may be able to contribute before (HA!!! JUST LOOK AT THESE REPORTS!!! I'M SUCH A LIAR LIAR LIAR.... ).... or how about around TAM5.... I could do 5. Yes. 5. Argh.

Okay. If anything gets pulled together before then, I'll see what I can do... but TAM5 gets my vote. See what happens by or before then?

 

[Jas]

While not an educator, I think it would be an excellent idea. How better to promote critical thinking than to teach educators around the country how to teach it?

 

[athon]

Ask and though shalt receive, Kiless.

I just received my application pack for this degree next year. It starts mid January -- if I get it, there'll be no TAM4 for me. If I don't get it, I'm going to stay here in the UK and save up some more to pay for the bloody degree. I'm getting it one way or another, damn it! Either way, it doesn't seem I'm doing TAM4.

So, TAM5 it will have to be. But, it will still be something to aim for.

Athon

 

[Kiless]

Ask and though shalt receive, Kiless.

I just received my application pack for this degree next year. It starts mid January -- if I get it, there'll be no TAM4 for me. If I don't get it, I'm going to stay here in the UK and save up some more to pay for the bloody degree. I'm getting it one way or another, damn it! Either way, it doesn't seem I'm doing TAM4.

So, TAM5 it will have to be. But, it will still be something to aim for.

Athon

I saw an advertisment for the program in the Australian a few weeks back and remembered that you were entering for it. Send word if there's anything I can do to help.

 

[Hal Bidlack]

very nice ideas, all. Just to give everyone a sense of the timing though, we schedule TAM content a bit farther a head of time than folks may think.

Due to how far in advance many speakers are scheduled (by booking agents, book tours, etc), and the time it takes to get things printed, mailed, and to have people have time to sign up, we begin the process of inviting people almost immediately after the last TAM. At this point in mid-June, TAM4 is essentially completely full, with about 95% of the time slots already locked in for particular speakers. There are some slight changes here and there if a particularly remarkable person suddenly becomes available, but for the most part, we are working 9 months in advance or so.

so, this suggestion may be a great thought for TAM5, and I'll make sure that it goes into the hopper of ideas for that event.

just trying to be helpful...

hal

 

[Kiless]

very nice ideas, all. Just to give everyone a sense of the timing though, we schedule TAM content a bit farther a head of time than folks may think.
...so, this suggestion may be a great thought for TAM5, and I'll make sure that it goes into the hopper of ideas for that event

You're not a coordinator, are you Hal? So, on the basis of this, best contact Linda, Athon. Thanks for the tipoff.

 

[athon]

Thanks for the heads-up, Hal. I had some inkling this might be the case, and as I've had no clear idea of where I'm heading next year I didn't want to plan anything until I had a clue. TAM5 might be better for an education workshop for a lot of reasons.

I'll definate put together a bit of a plan for a workshop and let Linda know at the end of the year. By then the 'education resources' project will be complete, as well, giving me something physical I can use to show how serious I am.

Once again Hal, cheers for the info'. Nice to know that when we talk here, it's not just hot air, but we can get some critical (and useful) conversation happening.

Athon

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Once again Hal, cheers for the info'. Nice to know that when we talk here, it's not just hot air, but we can get some critical (and useful) conversation happening.

Except my posts. They're mostly hot air. And drunken babbling.