10 August, 2002

Finally, the end of the TEA orientation is upon us.  Today was 
largely lecture and discussion oriented, with talks about the 
mechanics of the mentor bookkeeping process.  So, it was a little 
on the dull side, but at least we know exactly what is expected 
of us - so that's good.


We also shared some resources and discussed the inquiry method 
of teaching.  It came as no surprise that all of us were intimately 
familiar with this philosophy of teaching, though the semantics of 
hands-on versus inquiry may still be up for debate among our group.  
It was clear that all of us care deeply about how our students best 
learn science.  But then, that's why we're here.


So at the end of the week, am I convinced that this is for me?  
That is a big question, and one that we all must think about.  
I'd be lying if I said that I was ready to jump in with both feet.  
We spent as much time talking about the requirements of the program 
as we did learning about projects in the Arctic.  Clearly, the 
field experience is a very small part of the TEA endeavor; that 
has been made eminently clear.  It is a large commitment, to be 
sure, but also a great opportunity.  It will be interesting to 
see what happens to all of us, won't it?