News2018March
News from the Graduate Program in Critical & Creative Thinking
University of Massachusetts Boston29 March 2018
Student Matters
Registration for summer 2018 courses opens on April 2nd. Current students may register through WISER. Courses are open to non-degree students, who may register here.
CRCRTH 611 Seminar in Critical Thinking (Theme: Design for Living Complexities); (hybrid; course meets Mon & Thurs 5:00-8:00pm EDT from July 16-Aug. 23; face-to-face #1272, online #1419). For more information on the theme, see the course descriptions.
CRCRTH 612 Seminar in Creativity (Theme: Overcoming Creative Blocks) (online only; register for class #1420; May 29-July 12)
CRCRTH 627 Issues and Controversies in Antiracist and Multicultural Education (online only; register for class #1421; July 16-Aug. 23)
Fall 2018 course offerings (all times Eastern). See full descriptions. Register for the class # corresponding to how you will attend.
Note course formats -- hybrid courses combine two section for weekly meetings, where face-to-face section comes to campus, and online students participate directly at the same times via web video conference:
CRCRTH 601, Critical Thinking (hybrid; Thursdays, 4:00-6:45pm). Face-to-face: register for class #9621. Online: register for class #9855.
CRCRTH 603, Foundations of Philosophical Thought (hybrid; Wednesdays, 7:00-9:45pm). Face-to-face: register for class #9622. Online: register for #9856.
CRCRTH 618, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, and Organizational Change (hybrid; Tuesdays, 4:00-6:45pm). Face-to-face: register for class #9623. Online: register for #9857.
CRCRTH 640, Environment, Science, and Society: Critical Thinking (subject to confirmation*) (hybrid; Wednesdays, 4:00-6:45pm). Face-to-face: register for class #9625. Online: register for #9865.
CRCRTH 655, Metacognition (synchronous online; Thursdays, 7:00-9:45pm). Register for #9866.
CRCRTH 692, Processes of Research & Engagement (hybrid; Tuesdays, 7:00-9:45pm). Face-to-face: register for class #9629. Online: register for #9867.
The Applied Linguistics graduate program announces that several fall courses that will be opened to students in other programs. Reply to applied.linguistics@umb.edu for more information, and see descriptions on WISER:
APLING 601: Linguistics (Wed. 4:00-6:45pm)
APLING 603: Language, Culture, and Identity (formerly Cross-Cultural Perspectives) (Mon. 4:00-6:45pm)
APLING 605: Theories and Principles of Language Teaching (Wed. 7:00-9:45pm)
APLING 614: Foundations of Bilingual/Multicultural Education (Thurs. 4:00-6:45pm)
APLING 623: Sociolinguistics (Thurs. 7:00-9:45pm)
APLING 643: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Issues in Critical Pedagogy and Critical Language Education (Thurs. 7:00-9:45pm)
CCT Community
Peter Taylor has added a set of working papers to ScholarWorks (topics in Science in a Changing World). Themes: epidemiology, nature-nurture science, heterogeneity.
CCT Faculty Nina Greenwald and David Martin offer their Thinking Matters special presentation to your organization, school, staff or personnel, on ways critical and creative thinking can assist everyone to become better problem-solvers. Increasingly, in this "beyond Google” age, standard thinking practices aren’t sufficient to avoid thinking traps and move us forward. In a fast-moving technological world, increasing interconnectedness, and new forms employment, learning new tools and techniques is essential for improving our thinking for life and work. Thinking effectiveness improves dramatically when practiced within relevant areas of focus and real-world contexts. It's why we like to talk with people internal to a group or an organization to understand important goals and objectives. From this, we can tailor presentations to incorporate relevant examples and exercises that address specific needs and interests. Our interactive sessions incorporate both learning and coaching in enjoyable formats that engage humor, and promote thinking agility and beneficial thinking attitudes in a climate of personal safety. As well, we are prepared to make presentations designed to engage localities or wider communities in problem-solving based on overarching matters of concern. Please share this announcement with others who might like to know about what we do. Currently, we are scheduling presentations for spring/summer/fall 2018 and can be reached at: nlgreenwald@comcast.net and davidmartindr@aol.com
CCT Events
CCT Community Open House Event: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Explore Challenging Times and Lives
Monday, April 2, 2018, 7:00-8:30pm ET
Participate online (Zoom conferencing) or on campus (Wheatley Hall, 4th floor, room W04-170).
RSVP to cct@umb.edu. See the event page for details. Free and open to all, including prospective students.
Appreciative Inquiry is a method that asks us to look at situations by examining the root causes of what is already working well, instead of emphasizing what is wrong or dysfunctional, or that we simply need to focus on isolating and solving problems. In doing so, we look to design the path ahead so that it is built around the strengths that exist now. A step relevant to reflective practice, then, is teaching ourselves to see in a way that leads to appreciation -- where focusing on what we/the organization/others are good at becomes the norm instead of the exception. This session will involve an activity that introduces participants to the main questions used Appreciative Inquiry and the experience of developing a vision for a positive future, and our discussion will help us to consider how to extend this approach into individual workplaces and lives.
Spring 2018 Online Collaborative Exploration (CE) Series: Teaching about scientific and political change in times of crisis
For more information about the series and planned upcoming monthly topics, see http://sicw.wikispaces.com/CE
CEs are free, non-credit learning experiences, based on a Project-Based Learning where participants explore a specific topic within the overall theme based on their own inquiry. Each four-week CE involves interaction through live web conferences once per week for an hour, and online written discussion in between to share ideas and questions. The schedules for the weekly conferences are set to accommodate as many people as possible once people apply.
Upcoming Topics:
Apr-May, Teach and engage others to participate in questioning and shaping the direction of scientific and social changes.
Alum and CCT associates Notes
Catherine Weber (CCT '99) is a new Annex artist at Fountain Street Gallery in the SOWA district of Boston. Her work can be found at a variety of places in the Boston area. Recent Exhibit: Lichen: Real and Imagined Series is part of Fountain Street Annex show at 460B Harrison Street in Boston. For details and directions, visit the web site.
Beginning in late-March on Thursdays, I will be teaching two sessions (morning and afternoon) of Encaustic Painting, All Levels at New Art Center in Newton, MA. The classes start with the demonstration of a technique and an opportunity to practice or use class for open studio and critique. If you have ever wanted to learn encaustic or want to learn some new techniques, these classes are designed for you. Registration is open now. For more information, see the full description.
CCT alums and associates are encouraged to send items of interest to the Critical and Creative Thinking community to be included in future newsletters. Please submit events, announcements, and opportunities through this form: http://bit.ly/CCTSICWi
Events
Higher Ed in the Era of #metoo
April 20, 2018 1:00-5:30PM
MIT - Building 3 Room 170
Join us for a free half day conference at MIT on how the recent #MeToo movement has impacted higher education, specifically at the graduate level. There will be a mix of panels and workshops to encourage dialogue and learning between graduate students, faculty, activists, and other experts. The #MeToo movement, started by Tarana Burke in 2006, has highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence within all aspects of our society - from Hollywood to college campuses. As more survivors share their experiences, we need more creative ways to support, prevent, innovate, and collaborate on this issue. Many marginalized communities have led the fight to end sexual violence, yet history has put their work and experiences on the margins. In order to truly focus on prevention and support, we must elevate these communities and their leaders. The conference will be followed by a cocktail reception to share what was learned and build upon the discussion! More information is available on the GCWS web site. Register here.
International Transformative Learning Conference 2018
November 7-10, 2018 at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City
"The intention of ITLC 2018 is to build a bigger and even more inclusive and transforming community, and to identify and build bridges between individual and community transformation."
For more information and to register, see the web site.
Opportunities
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) offers free two-day courses (PDPs available). To register and learn more, see the program web site.
April 17 and 18, Springfield Education Association: Engagement Strategies to Reach and Teach All Students (Special Education)
April 19 and 20, Greater Lowell Technical High School: Supporting Students with Special Needs in Your Classroom (Special Education)
April 19 and 20, MTA Quincy Headquarters: Supporting ELLs in Your Classroom (ELL)
Also from the MTA, the Engaged Classrooms Four Day Institute at MTA Quincy Headquarters will be held April 17-20. This program for educators in grades 7 through 12 offers the opportunity develop and improve upon structures, protocols and practices used in the classroom. Participants will earn 28 PDPs for free or can earn 2 graduate credits from Fitchburg State University at a cost of $245. See the web site to register and see additional details.
Research papers are sought for submission to a Special Issue on Innovative Elicitation Methods in the International Journal of Qualitiative Methods. Submit papers here.
The past three decades have seen an exponential growth and uptake in the use of elicitation methods. Used in qualitative studies, mixed methods studies and PAR projects, the ways in which elicitation methods are used is diverse, spanning photographs, video, drawings, clay work, poetry and drama to mention just a few. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Participatory Video, Digital Storytelling, Performance Inquiry, Online Ethnography
International Journal of Qualitative Methods is the peer-reviewed interdisciplinary open access journal of the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM) at the University of Alberta, Canada.
Summer Campaign Job Opportunities
Want to spend your summer working on urgent issues you care about, gaining skills that will last you a lifetime, and make good money? The Fund for the Public Interest is seeking hard-working individuals with a passion for social change to fill citizen outreach and Field Manager positions across the country this summer. We are hiring full-time staff, with leadership opportunities available, with offices in over 25 cities across the country this summer, to work on issues like stopping global warming, or getting pesticides out of our food supply. Get experience with grassroots mobilization, fundraising and the skills and connections needed to launch a career in non-profit, political, or grassroots organizing! Educate and engage citizens on pressing issues, build membership and raise money for environmental and social change groups. While on staff, you will have the opportunity to organize press conferences, gain knowledge of pressing concerns facing our country, learn how to effectively generate public support, and obtain a firm understanding of the political process. Earn an average of $6,000-$8,000 this summer, working for something you believe in and build long-lasting relationships with a team of people from across the country who share your interests and concerns on important issues! To apply online, visit: www.summerjobsthatmatter.org or call us directly at 1-800-75-EARTH.
Resources
The Decision Makeover: An Intentional Approach to Living the Life You Want (Mike Whitaker) - book, blog, podcast, and other resources around practical issues of making the right choices.
PBS TeacherLine - Professional Development courses and instructional strategies for PreK-12 Educators around core subjects, instructional technology, and leadership
Food for Thought
(additional web links and posts can also be found on CCT's Diigo pages. General critical and creative thinking focus: https://groups.diigo.com/group/ccreflect; Science in a Changing World focus: https://groups.diigo.com/group/sicwumb)
Articles:
Want to crowdfund your science? New study hints at who is successful (Science Magazine)
The Testing Emperor Finally Has No Clothes (Modern Learners)
My advice after a year without tech: rewild yourself (Guardian/Mark Boyle)
Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century (Students at the Center Hub)
Wrapped in Cognitive Cotton Wool (Nigel Coutts)
What’s the best option? On attempts to choose the best life...(Aeon)
Reverse Career Fair: Where arts students showcase research, writing, critical thinking skills (University of Calgary)
Rachel Carson on Writing and the Loneliness of Creative Work (Brain Pickings)
People Matching Artworks (Stefan Draschan)
What does a scientist look like? Children are drawing women more than ever before (Science Magazine)
Slow Thought: A Manifesto (Aeon)
No, You're Not Left-Brained or Right-Brained (The Creativity Post)
When Activists Use Art: A Masterclass in Messaging from Bonnie Siegler (99u)
The Slow Death of Creativity in Sound (Utne Reader)
Humor
The 100 Jokes That Shaped Modern Comedy (Vulture)