The Experience of Our Graduates

Graduates of our programs are enthusiastic about their experience -- both personally, and with respect to its application in the classroom. Hear what they have to say:

"I have been looking for a new rubric for what teaching and learning is, and I can honestly say I've found it in The Dialogue Game."

- Kate Wippern, Fresno, CA

"You provided a wide variety of possibilities for implementation, while empowering us to take our own risks and challenge our students."

- Sheila Hillinger, Torrance, CA

"This may be one of the most valuable tools at our disposal to engage and empower students to take control of their own education."

- Fred Dillemuth, Fremont, CA

"These techniques have had tremendous transference into the rest of my life and also improved the communication in our staff meetings."

- Jessie Yurwitz, Berkeley, CA

"I see great value in this process and am thrilled that many of my students do, too. We're working on this together. I love being in the position of growing with my students."

- Heather Hughes, Fremont, CA

"This is the first workshop I've attended where I've actually gotten to practice something I can use in my classroom."

- Lori Riehl, Palo Alto, CA

"Thanks for all your time and creative effort in putting this course together. Your learning environment was inspiring, calming, very comfortable, and conducive to learning and reflection."

- Debbie Travers, Cupertino, CA

"I know this is going to become part of what I do to expand thinking in my classroom. I now have a better notion of how to stimulate meaningful dialogue. I want to get started right away."

- Susan Sanders, Fresno, CA

"This workshop is the best one I have ever attended. I looked forward to attending and never felt like leaving early."

- Peter Babb, San Anselmo, CA

"This has been the best experience that our English department has had since 1984 (I joined the faculty at that time). People "opened" up -- we had a chance to know each other better -- We haven't had conversations on this level -- ever !"

- Laura Little, Capistrano Valley, CA

"Very intellectually stimulating."

- Kevin Allen, Oakley, CA

"Especially enjoyed your practical, clear responses to our worried or frustrated comments."

- Fredi Ware, Pacifica, CA

"An interesting variety of stimulating texts -- balanced use of time kept me engaged, enough diversity in types of interaction."

- Diane Kepner, Clayton Valley, CA

"It's wonderfully practical -- I look forward to on-going use of this practice. I anticipate I will grow as a teacher and my students will benefit as well."

- Mary Blizzard, San Diego, CA

"Without question a most valuable tool in all levels of class. My at-risk and ESL will benefit as much as my honors students."

- Jerry Chris, Mission Viejo, CA

"I have found it very valuable. I teach an AVID class as well as history and it seems almost mandatory to include Socratic seminar within the curriculum. I think it's also valuable as a faculty member, wife, and mother."

- Anonymous, Fresno, CA

"The Dialogue Game is cool! Students respect each other and are able to accomplish great leaps of critical thinking."

- Fred Dillemuth, Fremont, CA

"This workshop was easily the most interesting seminar that I have attended."

- Pat Wren, Mission Viejo, CA

"Your manner is collegial -- gentle yet focussed. I appreciate this blend."

- Judy Hewett, Aliso Niguel, CA

"I cannot negate the overwhelming evidence in support of this teaching tool. The articles are convincing and I feel compelled to implement The Dialogue Game."

- Judy Freed, Mission Viejo, CA

"I think from comments made to me by others that everyone was very enthusiastic about the process. Having us become good seminar participants first was excellent because I learned to enjoy it personally, as well as from the standpoint of teaching."

- Leslie Bamber, Fresno, CA

"I have found that even outside of the seminar situation my questioning technique in general has changed. I'm more aware of lower level questions and of changing them to higher level open-ended questions."

- Anonymous, Laguna Niguel, CA

"My first three seminars (in my World Lit classes) have generated more fresh ideas and more enthusiasm than any other technique I've tried in 19 years of teaching."

- Sue Willett, Capistrano Valley, CA