PRACTICAL....AFFORDABLE….CONVENIENT

Call for further information about earning graduate credit through Plymouth State University’s Master of Education degree program!

The following sessions are appropriate for educators at all levels:

Instructional Strategies to Address the Needs of Diverse Learners

When it comes to teaching, it is important to remember that "one size doesn't fit all." Our students have assorted interests; they come to us with different levels of prior knowledge; and they possess varied learning styles. This workshop will introduce participants to the principles of differentiated instruction -an approach that allows us to design lessons that effectively address the needs of diverse learners. Emphasis will be placed on providing participants with practical resources and classroom-ready ideas.

Facilitator: Robyn H. Griswold, A.M., Ed.M. Dates offered: Saturday, October 27, 2012 10am-12pm Room 215 Thursday, February 28, 2013 6-8pm Room TBA Fee: $35.00

Positive Strategies to Use with Challenging Behaviors

Using the frameworks of positive behavioral supports this course will provide knowledge and skills to support children and others displaying challenging behaviors. Participants will be introduced to the process of Functional Behavioral Analysis(FBA). We will use this to gather and analyze information to determine the antecedents that predict or set the stage for a behavior problem, the consequences that maintain the behavior, and the purpose or function that the behavior serves.

By developing strategies to determine the functions of certain behaviors, participants will gain new and effective strategies for supporting children and others who demonstrate challenging behaviors in many different settings.

Faciliator: Jayne Barnes, Ph. D. Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 6-8pm Room 217 Fee: $50.00

Assessment of Student Learning

This workshop is designed to help faculty members determine the extent to which students are meeting expected learning outcomes of their courses. Participants will consider the rationale for assessment, will examine some assumptions about assessment, and will learn to select and create appropriate assessment methods. If available, it is strongly recommended that you bring a copy of your current course syllabus and any curriculum documents.

Facilitator: Jane Weber, M.A. Dates offered: Saturday, September 29, 2012 9-11am Room 215 Monday, January 28, 2013 5-7pm Room TBA Fee: $35.00

UbD: A Practical Approach to Instructional Design

Too many educators fall into what Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe have called the "coverage trap." In their diligent efforts to cover the curriculum, instructors find themselves presenting an extensive amount of information that is often disconnected and lacking in relevance for their students. As a result, facts are soon forgotten once the final exam is done. This workshop will introduce participants to Understanding by Design (UbD), an instructional planning tool developed by Wiggins and McTighe. Geared to help teachers create learning experiences that promote a depth of student understanding, the key to the UbD approach is "backwards planning." This workshop will also demonstrate how instructors can easily structure a course syllabus using the principles of UbD.

Facilitator: Robyn H. Griswold, A.M., Ed.M. Dates offered: Thursday, September 27, 2012 6-8 pm Room 311 Saturday, March 9, 2013 10am-12pm Room TBA Fee: $35.00

The following workshop is especially geared for teachers in grades 9-12 and college instructors:

Teaching with Technology

Integrating technology into our instruction can seem overwhelming, particularly for those of us who are not "digital natives." This workshop provides a new comfort zone, showing that online instruction is not a separate, foreign territory, but can be a tool of good teaching. Planning for the solitary student in front of a screen can actually clarify and enhance our face-to-face group instruction. Emphasis will be placed on transferring favorite, active, hands-on activities to the online format, with the use of readily accessible tools, such as Word documents and PowerPoint. Result: Better classroom lessons and online lessons for instruction, absences, snow days, pre- lesson homework units, etc.

Facilitator and Date: TBA Spring 2013 Room TBA Fee: $35.00 One graduate credit is available from Plymouth State University for individuals who complete the following workshops: UbD, Instructional Strategies, Assessment, and Teaching with Technology. Please contact Sally Bashalany [email protected] for more information.

The following workshop is appropriate for educators at the college level or anyone who would like to learn more about web-enhanced instruction:

Blackboard Basics

For users who are new to Blackboard and those who have some experience with Blackboard, this workshop will get you started and introduce you to learning opportunities and tools available in Blackboard 9.1. Whether you are using Blackboard (Bb) 9.1 in the classroom to enhance your face-to-face learning or to facilitate a 100% online or hybrid course, this 2-hour module will help you become familiar with Bb 9.1 and a far more confident Blackboard user. It is required that you have access to a Blackboard account prior to attending this session.

Facilitator: Jennifer Marcolongo, B.A. Dates offered: Monday, September 24, 2012 6-8pm Room 102 Saturday, January 19, 2013 9am-11am Room TBA Fee: $35.00

The following workshops are appropriate for educators of all levels, business and industry professionals, and employees of social service organizations:

Conflict Resolution 101: Building the Skills That Can Turn Conflicts into Opportunities

Conflict is not inherently destructive; indeed, it can present us with an opportunity to strengthen relationships and achieve personal growth. Our attitude and reaction to conflict is a critical factor: unresolved conflict is destructive; addressing, even welcoming, the conflict in our work and/or personal lives can transform an adversarial situation into something constructive.

In his classic treatise The Art of War, the Chinese general Sun Tzu commented that the best way to win a conflict is to stop it before it arises. This workshop will explain the five conflict resolution styles, when to use them effectively and techniques to de-escalate the conflict and diffuse anger.

Attendees are encouraged to bring in examples that will be used for discussion and role-playing exercises.

Facilitator: Jayne Barnes, Ph.D. Dates offered: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 6-8:30pm Room TBA Saturday, February 3, 2013 10am-12:30pm Room TBA Fee: $50.00

Achieving Balance: Take Back Your Life!

In this workshop we will explore the “hurry pattern” where we discuss ideas and strategies for recognizing and reducing stress. We will also talk about getting back in control and managing a change in your life. We will learn tools for identifying what is important, what you wish you had more time for, and for turning those wishes into realistic goals. “Following through” will lead us to talking about ideas for getting organized at home and at work, with tips on prioritizing, planning and organizing. “Time wasters” will focus on ideas for controlling wasted time and overcoming procrastination where you will learn how to minimize distractions and interruptions. Getting to “No” will focus on protecting your time and getting more help from those around you. Ideas for setting limits and delegating will be emphasized. Come interact with others and learn how to take back your life!

Facilitator: Jayne Barnes, Ph.D. Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 6-8pm Room TBA Fee: $50.00

Learning to be Happy

What does it take to be happy? Learn how to stop countless personal and societal stumbling blocks and obstacles from keeping you from experiencing happiness. Using the cognitive-behavioral approach that focuses on changing the cognitive activity or thought, you will be shown how to monitor and alter cognitive activity. In doing so, you can change those unhealthy behavioral patterns and start enjoying life…It’s really all right!

Facilitator: Jayne Barnes, Ph. D. Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 6-8pm Room TBA Fee: $50.00

Encore: Practical Strategies for Career Changers

“This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is it time for an encore? Maybe you have been working for the same company for years. Or maybe you have worked in the same industry doing the same thing for your whole career. It doesn't matter how old or how close to "retirement" you are. Studies show we are all working longer than we ever expected, so why not make a second career the best of all? Maybe it’s time for something new. Perhaps you are not sure what you want or just need inspiration and a place to explore. During this two hour presentation we will start the process of discovering work that matters and begin the steps that you can take to make a positive difference in your life whether you are thinking about job transition, retiring, volunteering, or simply changing direction.

No matter what path you are on – be it life or career direction - look for incentives to help guide you. Surround yourself with positive people and inspirational messages. Remember - You are not lost – you are exploring! Come explore with us and get a new lease on your professional or personal life.

Facilitator: Jayne Barnes, Ph. D. Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 6-8pm Room TBA

Fee: $50.00

About the Presenters

Jayne Barnes is a professor at Nashua Community College, where she also chairs the Applied and Behavioral Sciences Department and has over thirty years of teaching, counseling and training experience. With degrees from Boston University, Fitchburg State College and Columbia Pacific University, Dr. Barnes has combined her background in counseling psychology and special education to successfully teach courses in anger management and conflict resolution skills in a variety of settings. As a workshop leader, she has successfully shared her expertise to help others develop a no-nonsense approach to resolving conflict in a variety of settings.

Robyn Griswold earned master's degrees in history and education at Harvard University and taught social studies at Nashua High School for eleven years. While at Nashua High, she developed an interest in cooperative learning and began presenting teacher training workshops on this methodology. She co-authored a book on cooperative learning strategies in 1994. As an adjunct faculty member at Rivier College and Southern New Hampshire University, she taught graduate and undergraduate courses in social studies methods and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Currently a history professor at Nashua Community College, she serves as chairperson of the Social Sciences Department and continues to present workshops to a variety of audiences.

Jennifer Marcolongo has a bachelor's degree in communication arts from UNH-Manchester and she works as an online learning consultant to the CCSNH. In this role, she facilitates trainings and works with the CCSNH Distance Learning Collaborative to ensure CCSNH online courses meet current quality standards. She regularly facilitates Blackboard workshops to help faculty navigate through the Blackboard environment and select and implement Blackboard learning tools that enrich the learning experience of students. Jennifer strives to make online learning a valuable and successful experience for both the instructor and learner.

Jane Weber teaches social science courses at NCC and is an adjunct professor in the Education Department at Keene State College. She has been formally trained in item writing, and helped prepare assessments for the New York State Board of Regents and the Department of Education of New Hampshire. She was a history honors major at the University of Rochester, and also holds advanced degrees in Education and Administration. In addition, she was the researcher for Princetonians: A Biographical Dictionary, is an officer of the New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies, and continues to write for history publications.

For more information on EdGE, contact Sally Bashalany at [email protected] or (603)578-8900 extension 1440 or Robyn Griswold at [email protected] or (603) 578-8900 extension 1443.