Evaluation and feedback extracts about the Gemstones Programme
From students ( Year 9 ), at a South Auckland College
"The boy is brave and changes over the journey."
"The story teaches us not to lie and to be honest."
"We need to be committed and have courage to achieve our goals."
"We must be kind to each other and to help people."
"Don't mock, don't get other people angry and be a heart-breaker."
Gemstones group, Year 9, 2009
From a Pukekohe based R.T.L.B. (Term 2 - 2009)
An RTLB has written to us describing his success taking Gemstones with a class.
I have used the Gemstones resource with a group of 7 year 10 male students. By the end of the programme all students displayed positive self esteem and increased confidence in communications and making choices. This was the first time I had used the resource. The students responded well to the storyline and enjoyed using the workbook. The format allowed them to reflect on their own personal journey. I recommend this resource as an effective teaching tool for young people in years 7 to 10.
Colin Webster
RTLB Pukekohe cluster.
From a Christchurch based R.T.L.B. (Term 2 - 2009)
An RTLB has written to us describing her success taking Gemstones with a class. She says, "I have to say that I enjoyed working with a class as a whole on this programme as I feel it has more benefit - rather than taking a small group out".
At the end of the programme she asked both the classroom teacher and the students to evaluate Gemstones. Here is their feedback.
Teacher evaluation:
- "I asked the teacher how she felt the programme went. She said, "Initially I didn't think it would address the problem but actually it has." Also I thought that they were not listening to the story, just colouring but as they went on to the activities I found they had. There were activities for them to do not just listening to the story.
- The teacher noted that some responded more so than others. She felt that the programme catered for different learning styles i.e. both visual and oral learners.
- The class enjoyed each having a turn at being "the boy".
- It encouraged listening skills as some asked "What is happening next?"
- Two goals of the programme for this class were: for the students to work together and to respect each other.
- Some of the class are asking if there are any further parts of the programme and will it continue.
- Aspects of the programme which were successful: the story, what was happening next, and that perhaps the students identified with the character in the story."
Pupil evaluation of the Gemstones Programme (Years 6 - 7)
I asked the pupils to answer 3 questions
- What did you like doing on this course?
- How could we improve the course to make it better next time?
- Finish this sentence: In my interactions with people around me I will try to...
Question 1
- 6 said they enjoyed listening to the story;
- 9 enjoyed colouring the pictures;
- 3 liked the activity sheets;
- 1 said, "Everything".
Question 2.
- 4 wanted another book.
- 2 wanted the story to be longer.
Question 3.
Comments were:
- "Be kind." (x4)
- "Have fun." (x2)
- "Treat others with respect." (this came through many times)
- "Not get mad so easy."
- "Keep calm and polite."
- "Treat my brothers and sisters with the respect they deserve."
Feedback From Schools
Presenting the 'Gemstones' programme has definitely been a highlight of my term. The students enjoyed having their own personal activity books, and spent considerable time filling them in, AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY - they loved them! Read More...
Hato Petera
On Tuesday 18th September 2007, year 9 group from Hato Petera visited McDonalds at Northcote. Read More...
Southern Cross Middle School Campus visit.
In August 2007, Carol Taylor visited Teresa Topp and the students of Room 16 at Southern Cross Middle School Campus. Read More...
