QQC- The Power of Protocols By: Joseph P Mcdonald

Reading this second book has been a wonderful journey of shifting feelings so far. I have just completed the first three chapters so far, but I must confess that the relevance and connections between the content of the book and my practices have been evolving by multiple folds as I am moving ahead with it. The first chapter wasnt so appealing and relevant but as soon as I read the second chapter I realized how protocols can be such powerful thought! I am determined to read the entire book at least twice, few sections may be more than twice very soon. I also feel going back to the book again and again would help understand these protocols, their relevance and their implementations as per needs. I would like to share my comments on the following quotes to begin with: Two excellent facilitators we know, Daniel Baron and Gene Thompson-Grove, sometimes say: There is only one norm: If you think it, say it. If you wonder it, ask it. And In most open discussions, some students dominate, others retreat into silence, and important viewpoints are invariably lost or undervalued. I still remember, as a child in school, I never gained confidence in sharing my ideas and thoughts freely in a group. There were just few speakers and others like me used to listen and follow. In-fact there wasnt many opportunities to work in groups and discuss something. Times have changed and the relevance of discussion, group work, collaboration, brainstorming has increased enormously in classroom setup, but still the crucial part remains the same. Sad but true! As educators and facilitators we must give this feeling to each and every learner that His/her views count/matter. It is my responsibility to ensure that each participant in a group work and discussion gets equal and fair chance to put his/her points forward, give comments, share feelings etc. Protocols are the best way one can achieve this. Protocols not just for the sake of saying, but strictly following and implementing. I am determined to practice this as much as possible in my classroom henceforth. I am now able to compare the effectiveness of the practices we have without the protocols and the same with protocols. As I mentioned in my earlier QQC, we have been exposed to the idea of protocols long back and it has been put into practice by us since then. Especially the CFP for assessment papers and projects have been very fruitful. However the practice was limited to just CFP so far. Now that I have been exposed to numerous protocols, I am excited to put them into practice in my classroom and school work.

I would make additions and amendments in this QQC as I read and explore the book further. I would request all to provide kind, helpful and specific feedback to me

By: Vikas Patil CF: Shekhar Hardikar