Capstone EOP Feedback
I had four reviewers for my End of the Year presentation. Here are the links to view it if you would like:
Voice recording
Here is the slide that goes with the presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mWPK4E32K_TvfJCIHRFzvsWnGazd5VU5bdqV5VpXqwU/edit?usp=docslist_api
This following excerpt is a compilation of feedback I received from each reviewer (please note that two of them are attachments that you must open separately).
Aric D:
Firstly, thank you for sharing, gives me an interesting window into your perspectives, ideas, and values. I can be a bit harsh in my critiques, but know I appreciated the experiences you shared.
I think the one aspect that stands out most is the lack of a concise overview of the project at the beginning. As a listener without any back-round understanding of your project or course, I was largely unclear what content you were covering or what I was about to listen to even as I moved into the presentation. Many of the terms and projects you mention are not explained to outsiders (ppl within the program likely know the project/requirement/program) but as an outsider I was quite lost. I gleaned your projects were a requirement for a program, and that they followed some personal development or lifestyle changes and intentions, but simply giving a brief skeleton of what you are about to cover is invaluable for an outsider.
That said, your content is great, manner sincere and light. It is quite clear your content touches the closest and dearest aspects of your life, which you approach without hesitation, and this is to be much admired.
However your delivery was somewhat scattered and something else. More conversational than presentational, or more like a debrief to a superior than……. You mentioned monotone which comes close but it was more a noting the lack of… not quite/just passion but the selling persuasion of someone who really wants to convey the significance of something, like explaining a great concert to someone or what being in love feels like…. Later on after about half an hour you warm up in your subjects, but the beginning is half the whole, and you might consider opening with a story or anecdote that conveys your passion or excitement, or something to put some meet on the boneJ It can be hard to manage this speaking remotely, but tricks like smiling before talking or standing while talking go some distance toward this end.
Playing soft music in the back-round would be neat.
Anyway, you executed some super sweet projects, and your tidbits on autism or were tiptop. These are my initial thoughts, and I wanted to get them off to you before I delayed any longer in my response. Take or leave them with a grain of salt. I will forever be a believer in leaning on content and substance over appearance and looks, and it is clear you delivered in the ways that matter mostJ
-Aric
- Might include more explanation regarding what about your past, present, and future, you were going to summarize, as in what particular field or emphasis.
- Could have used more clarification regarding what Gaia and capstone are.
- What is the design method? What work with Gaia? Learning intentions and pathway design, might include a brief description.
- You wander a bit during the past, in the 8 min area, you might consider explaining some of your terminology
Benjamin Vidmar:
Jensen's discussion well organized and very interesting. I thought she kept things flowing and had a great pace to how she presented the topic. The slides were relevant as well, but he only thing I could see being improved would be the deliver system for doing these presentation. It can get a bit tricky when each individual has to turn press to the next slide. I wish there was a way when the presenter could have total control and go to the next slide a once. Then I would not have to worry if I am on the right slide or not. It is a minor issue, but I just don't see the point of everyone having to turn to the next slide. Would be great for future presentations to perhaps invest in another alternative that gives the presenter more control.
Gaia Radio
All of the Gaia Radio calls I attended during my Capstone year.
Completion date: 27 Dec 2014
Completion date: 16 Jan 2015
Completion date: 24 Jan 2015
Completion date: 9 Feb 2015
Completion date: 20 Feb 2015
Completion date: 20 Feb 2015
Completion date: 17 Mar 2015
Completion date: 3 Apr 2015
Completion date: 21 Apr 2015
Completion date: 18 May 2015
Learning Support Budget
I hired on Gabriel Bridges to support me during my mushroom output packet (OP 2). He chatted with me about developing a small-scale system by giving me specific step-by-step instructions in designing one with the correct amount of resources. Gabe also went into detail about wild harvesting and went over some tips and tricks to mushroom hunting with the seasons. He was able to offer a lot of support and suggestions that contributed to my work throughout the creation of that output packet.
Content Workshop
A few months ago I attended the Radical Mycology convergence in Illinois. It was a five day convergence but I was only able to attend for three days. The convergence had a sliding scale so it was made to be affordable for everyone. It was a very intimate setting with camping, cooks, and small class sizes. There were about 10 classes being held at the same time. The event attracted a variety of people from all over the midwest. The event was held at someone's land in Illinois and it was very private.
The classes I attended were...
1 hour Spore prints/ the science and the art
2.5 hours Fungal biology, taxonomy/ecology 101: I think this course was the most informative and I took the most away from it. I learned about the fungi kingdom and mushrooms that are in the specific kingdoms and I thought that was pretty neat because I hadn't ever looked at mushrooms in that perspective. The teacher was also really mellow and fluid with her lecture that even though the information was heady and intense, I absorbed it really well because of how she taught it.
2 hours Starting a small scale mushroom farm: I am happy that I went to this course because it is something I have thought long and hard about and have wanted to incorporate into my life. I really just connected with some folks who were local small-scale mushroom producers and got a better feel for if it is really something I wanted to invest my time, energy and money into. I learned the specifics of how to do it although they didn't get really too far into the amount needed and pricing. I found a former Gaia Student that helped me take this knowledge a little further.
2 hours Foraging five fool proof fungi: which I have shared with you in my core report section.
2 hour discussion
2 hours Myco and bioremediation
Check out the website here
Skill-flex Sessions
I had a lovely skill-flex session with Ava. We talked over and reviewed my Cover Letter. This is because of my up and coming job searches after I finish Gaia. I want to learn how to promote myself in a positive, eye-catching way so I don't come off as one of the many but rather as one of the few. She gave insight on trying to avoid passive voice and that using a present voice is more powerful. Also, she stated that it would be good to make the reader start with a smile, for example: something a kid said that was funny, or, opening with a story. We also then went over writing as a metaphor and she guided me through a writing activity. This helped break down some of the barriers I had been having on certain areas that I need to write about or process in general. Ava also was helpful and kind of inspired me on my next output, but I don't want to give away too many of the details!
I had a session with Ava for an hour. She went over how to screen share as I will be preparing my EoY presentation for my capstone year. Ava also helped me find some outputs to gain insight from for using images and media as an inspiration. I felt lost because I thought my output was too many words but after the skill-flex I was able to narrow it down and keep it short and to the point. Ava also encouraged me to use my creativity and draw.
I had a session with Ariane Burgess where we talked in detail about sensory gardens for kids and disabilities. She also went over specific sizing and materials she saw as a requirement in developing an sensory garden. We went over items to use and avoid using. Ariane also went into detail over empty city lots and how to utilize them to their best ability and who to contact to get involved in the process of acquiring a lot.
CUMULATIVE ANNOTATED RESOURCE REVIEW
This is a compilation of resources used throughout each OP that were powerful for my overall learning journey with Gaia:
Hawkins, Stella (Starhawk). "Thirteen Principles of Social Permaculture." Permaculture Design Course/Earth Activist Training. Black Mountain Retreat Center, Cazadero, California. Jan. 2012. Lecture.
Here is a great resource on Social Permaculture and the 13 principles of people care compiled by Starhawk. This was a document/lecture from my Earth activist/Permaculture Design course I attended with Starhawk and Erik Ohlsen at the Black Mountain Reserve in Cazadero, California. Starhawks Social Permaculture approach encompasses human relationships and ways to practically apply her ethics. These 13 principles offer great support in building and designing beneficial relationships. I have applied majority of these principles to my work in my Output 2 Teaching with Intention. This work could also be used in any social structure such as community gatherings, building a community, workshop facilitation, book clubs, or designing agricultural systems.
"Start Designing." Canva – Amazingly Simple Graphic Design for Blogs, Presentations, Facebook Covers, Flyers and so Much More. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2014.
Very useful website that helps enable graphic designs for blogs, presentations, posters, and more.
"Organize, Edit, and Share Your Photos." Picasa. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2014.
I used google extensively throughout my output creations. I had used it to send e-mails, schedule meetings, and to store my documents and pictures. It has been a very versatile tool/website to keep me engaged in my school work in an organizational manner.
"Mahara Skill-flex." Online interview. Sept. 2014.
I had a skype session with Ava Klinger who works within Gaia University and it was an educational experience. Ava taught me a few tips and tricks on how to utilize the mahara database better. I have been able to glean some of that information to create a more visual presentation when it comes to documenting.
"Anahata." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
Wikipedia can sometimes not be the best resource to go off of for research. In this instance I looked at the references associated with the article and they seemed to be valid. I used this specific article for the creation of my design method.
Buehler, Jensen M. "Online Diagram Software to Draw Flowcharts, UML & More."Creately. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
Creately is an amazing website with a variety of graphic features. I found it after my Skill-flex session with Ava when I had committed to making more visual diagrams in my output packets. It has been helpful to create mind-maps, and other flowcharts. I recommend this program to anyone even though I am only using the free-trial it has far exceeded my expectations.
Scott-Kemmis, Judy. "Meaning of Colors in Color Psychology." Empowered By Color. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
I focused on the psychology of color during the creation of my design method. I designed my diagram by hand and used colors to color it in- the colors all had a specific meaning that I felt coincided with the task they were associated with. Judy Scott-Kemmis has been working with colors for years and I felt her to be very personable and reliable.
Tartakovsky, M. "9 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Right Here, Right Now." Psych Central.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
I used this page to incorporate my ideas in reducing my anxiety. I would suggest others to go to Tartakovksy's work to read if they also suffer from anxiety. The material all felt relatable and useful.
Belanger, J. D. "Why Are You Interested in Homesteading?" Countryside & Small Stock Journal 1 Nov. 2012: n. pag. Web.
This helped me realize that that movement is what you make of it. It doesn't need a specific place to come to fruition and that I could start taking steps NOW.
"DIY Mouthwash for Fresh Breath and Healthy Gums | Scratch Mommy - Life, From Scratch." Scratch Mommy Life From Scratch. N.p., 22 Jan. 2015. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
Scratch Mommy was a website that I resourced a lot throughout my DIY beauty products. I adapted some of my recipes from her to fit my needs.
Mother Earth News Magazine. Issue No. 263. April/May 2014. Print.
I found an article on Urban Homesteading that triggered this output packet and my endeavor on joining the movement.
"Tahoma Urban Agriculture Guild." Tahoma Urban Agriculture Guild. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
I found this link through another Gaia Associate, Virginia Menstell. She had shared some beneficial herbs that would be great to use when making my products.
"About the WMS." Wisconsin Mycological Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2015.
Bassett, Douglas. The What and Why of Polypore Study. Rep. no. 4. N.p.: Letchwork State Park, 1990. Print.
"Biodiversity of Macrofungi in Northern Door County, WI." Biodiversity of Macrofungi of Northern Door County – Cofrin Center for Biodiversity – University of Wisconsin Green Bay. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2015.
This website resource was referenced a lot when I was actually mushroom hunting. It helped identify specific mushrooms and their vegetation needs.
Bridges, Gabriel. "OP 3 - Appendix - GEL E-portfolios." OP 3 - The Great Mushroom Book. Mahara, n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2015.
Bridges, Gabriel. "Mushrooms." Telephone interview. 15 Jan. 2015.
Heiber-Cobb, Kate. "Social Permaculture and Mushroom Hunting." Personal interview. 09 Oct. 2014.
"Home - Moonwise Herbs." Moonwise Herbs. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2015.
Holmgren, David. Permaculture: Principles & Pathways beyond Sustainability. Hepburn, Vic.: Holmgren Design Services, 2002. Print.
Milius, Susan. "They're All Part Fungus." Science News 169 (2004): 231-32.Science News. Web. 10 Oct. 2014.
"North American Mycological Association." North American Mycological Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2015.
"Permaculture Principles - Thinking Tools for an Era of Change."Permaculture Principles. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2015.
"Radical Mycology Convergence." Radical Mycology Convergence. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2015.
Stamets, Paul. Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help save the World. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed, 2005. Print.
Paul Stamets has been in the Mycological world for over the last 40 years. He is a dedicated mycologist and has written six books on mushroom cultivation, use and identification. Stamets is focused on ecological restoration and has been recognized for his efforts.
This book, Mycelium Running, has been a book that I have gone through for many years. I feel like each time I read the book I learn something new. This is a very dense book and is filled with the powers of mushrooms. I also specifically like this book because of the subtle links to permaculture within the context.
Stern, Kalvin. "Wild Foraging." Personal interview. 15 Nov. 2014.
Tzolgas, Olga. "Fungal Biology, Taxonomy & Ecology 101." Radical Mycology Convergence. Illinois, Orangeville. 10 Oct. 2014.
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2015.
I usually don't like to reference wikipedia but I think it is good practice to use it and take note of the references that are being used in the article. If the references seem to be from good sources I tend to believe the article more. I used wikipedia specifically when I shared my wild edible mushroom types to give a quick visual and description of each mushroom.
Here is a compilation of the resources I used in the development of this output packet:
Buehler, Jensen. "Jensen Buehler - GEL E-portfolios." Jensen Buehler - GEL E-portfolios. Mahara, Sept. 2013. Web. 28 May 2015.
Myself! I loved going back into my old output packets and using them as a resource. I was able to reference some specific outputs to use as a foundation to develop curriculum for this output packet.
"Pinterest." Pinterest. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2015.
Pinterest has been a great source to find visuals and projects. I have used it countless times to help broaden ideas on specific topics. Pinterest is one of my go-to aides.
Viandier, Sophie. "GEL E-portfolios." GEL E-portfolios. Mahara, n.d. Web. 28 May 2015.
I used Sophie's output packets as inspiration for mine. I have always enjoyed her flow and use of media. I think she has a great way of presenting her content and always look forward to another output packet.
"Google." Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2015.
Google is Google. It's pretty effective when it comes to wanting to know something right away and instant gratification and be slightly rewarding. I used it to search people, and information on Autism. I also used it for my gmail account to send out emails to my advisor, guild buddy, and to myself. I find Google to be so helpful.
Schaber, Amythest. "Ask an Autistic - What Is Autism?" YouTube. YouTube, 24 Mar. 2015. Web. 27 May 2015.
I stumbled upon Amythest while on Youtube and searching about ABA therapy. I have grown to love her videos and her insight into living with Autism. She has been a huge inspiration in my work.
UPDATED RESUME
Jensen Buehler
Madison, WI 53704
608-556-1733 // jmariabee@gmail.com
Experience
Senior-in-Training, Innovative Counseling 09/14-CurrentStevens Point, WI
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Implement different learning strategies to improve academics
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Accompany families and children in community settings
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Care for up to 4 clients ages 7-15, on a rotating schedule
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Monitor results and implement quality improvements
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Provide a mix of DTT/NET/EL therapy to children with various forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Advanced Line Therapist, Lund Van Dyke 11/13- CurrentStevens Point, WI
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Working one-on-one with autistic children to aid in the development of their full potential
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Learn functional behavior techniques through Applied Behavior Analysis therapy
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Collect and track data of sessions in a detailed manner
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Maintain effective work plans and communicate details to line staff
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Create behavioral intervention plans
Teaching Naturalist & Outpost, Upham Woods UW- Extension 5/13- 11/13Wisconsin Dells, WI
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Conceive, plan and develop new programs for the facility
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Assist with Grant Proposals and forming budgets for projected ideas
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Instruct and lead a group of 30+/- with hands-on lesson plans in relation to WI Science Standards (K-9)
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Serve as a liaison to groups which includes being on-call, scheduling of staff, monitoring safety of participants
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Evaluate students’ and create a successful learning environment to match maturity, interests, and abilities of students
Lead Teacher, YMCA Dane County 11/10-6/11 & 9/12-5/13Madison, WI
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Supporting and managing a class of K-5th grade youth
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Motivating and encouraging the children while building self- confidence and promoting physical, mental and social development
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Develop age-appropriate curriculum and modify to meet individual student needs
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Foster an all inclusive classroom
Naturalist and Program Specialist,
YMCA Camp Campbell Outdoor Science School 06/11- 8/12Boulder Creek, CA
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Teaching 5th and 6th grade children about Interdependence, Community, Adaptations, and Ecological Responsibilities
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Developing weekly curriculum linked to California Science Standards
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Build relationships and coordinate with teachers, volunteers and other staff
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Independently propose, design and budget an Aquaponics system
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Expand awareness and appreciation for the environment
Education
Gaia UniversitySeptember 2013- May 2015
B.Sc Human Ecology, Social Ecology
Northland College: Ashland, WIAugust 2009- January 2010
Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture
Madison Area Technical College: Madison, WI August 2008- May 2009/ January 2010- May 2010
Verona Area High School Diploma2004-2008
Skills
CPR/First Aid Certified (exp. 8/15)
1,400 therapy hours accumulated to date