You are a wise man creating some well-rounded thoughts here--and all with a clear voice of conviction centered on specific and valid points that you articulate and explore convincingly. You are a bit like Aristotle arguing through questions and validating competing ideas (before deflating them:). The changes you argue for are real and compelling and make em think: 'How could we do this?' Your essay is a foundation to lay future stones upon. MUCH appreciated. Thanks for a great response to this assignment.

I LOVE your points about the power and value of tradition, and you express them in pithy and profound ways. I especially like you "vine" metaphor. I feel the power of aged roots holding up a long and weathered vine of good fruit. This is an excellent and profound essay that has been a pleasure to read and ponder.

A thoughtful and beautifully articulated post that posits using what we have and regaining what we've (or you have) feel you have lost. You make good arguments in sound, mature ways that deserve thought and consideration. My wish is that every class "is" an iLab where creativity is encouraged. You have certainly left me thinking.... and wondering. Something only good writers make happen.

You hit the nail on the head--the small stuff matters; moreover, you do so in a wise series of thoughtful and well-crafted paragraphs that coleus into a powerful reflective essay. Just about perfect. Thanks for a good late-night read.

Wow. Nice one: you make your points with power and clarity, and you validate these thoughts with equally powerful experiences that you feel should be nurtured and practiced. The importance of bonding experiences and the power and responsible use of freedom are your points well-made!

LOVE your passion and fervor to make needed changes. It is a brave and unexpurgated drumroll of thoughts. You write like a true essayist exploring provocative issues. Coming together and working together is a powerful unifying theme!

Nice work and wise thoughts! You make good suggestions for improving the year in ways that you support with relevant examples. To paraphrase what you say--we need to create a balance of freedom with activities that will energize you as a class. Gettin back Pen to Paper seems a wise beginning.

This is an excellent essay that is full of wise and practical thoughts. I lobe your idea of a "Management" class to help pull all the strings together.

Excellent piece (though it needs a bit of editing.) Your thoughts on differentiation the 8th and 9th experience is compelling. What steps are needed, do you think?