2002 Comments & Survey Results

The following information is from the final evaluation of the 2002 Middle School Girls Conference.

Comments

From Presenters: 17 of 24 responded (Number in parenthesis means number of people who made this similar comment)

I came today expecting:

• to have the opportunity to talk with the girls and educate them (2). Also, I wanted to talk with the school advisors.
• to spark girl's interest in my field (2).
• a fun time explaining technical things to girls.
• to have fun, answer questions, hear some kids say, "Oh, neat!"
• a large group of excited young girls ready to do hands-on experiments (2).
• even distribution of kids.
• more students.
• more girls in my session but it was a relief to have fewer than 20.
• 15 to 20 students per class, youthful enthusiasm for my skills and project.
• not sure (2).

I got:

• a few students (2).
• a REALLY large group of excited young girls ready to do hands-on experiments...and a tasty lunch.
• 18 to 35 students, great participation and interest in what I had to teach.
• two great experiences.
• what I thought (2). Overall this was a very fun experience. I definitely would come back.
• not many questions, but lots of fun.
• some very inquisitive girls willing to do the hands-on activities.
• students who wanted to learn about microbiology.
• many, many excited girls. Fewer than I had hoped for, but those that I had were very good.
• to see girls interacting without our curriculum.
• to talk extensively with teachers.
• the set up was good and allowed for close interaction with the girls.
• a great overhead projector and tables, straight-forward instructions and good food.

The best part:

• the food was good (2).
• the exposure for our program.
• seeing girls who seemed really interested in engineering/technology.
• exposing kids to something new.
• seeing the girls and how well they respond to my activity.
• seeing them catch onto my concept.
• the enthusiasm of the girls (2).
• watching the girls do the activity and listening to the fabulous keynote speaker.
• seeing that middle-school girls were capable of the basic drafting skills and hand-tool coordination needed to learn the trade.
• when the girls really became engaged in the activity.
• the interactive role with the students and lots of questions.
• students' excitement about microbiology.
• checking out the other exhibits. There was a great variety of career choices here. Loved talking with the other adult professionals about their careers.
• the last session had plenty of time for the workshop.
• having the girls ask questions which indicated they were listening and curious.

I would change:

• don't ask the presenters to come 1 1/2 hours early. We are busy and have lots to do.
• more time for morning workshops or only offer two sessions.
• balancing of students is important to make it worth while (4).
• limit maximum class size to 15.
• I realize that you're working on distribution of students.
• more interaction with the school teachers and advisors.
• it would be nice having a "teacher-type" to control the talkative and unruly girls.
• some sessions finished sooner than others.
• the location, as large area was too noisy (5).
• my location as presenting next to welders and under a ventilation fan was hell!
• needed more tables. I wish I had known to anticipate the larger class size in terms of my supplies, but everyone got to do the project.

Other comments:

• I liked the hospitality. Everybody was really nice.
• I was very impressed by the overall organization of the event. Being a first-time presenter it would have been nice to receive a little information on the general layout and structure of the event. All the PAVTEC organizers were extremely nice.
• thanks for the invitation. Setup was great.
• this is a wonderful program. I truly appreciate the time and energy spent on organizing this event. THANK YOU!!!
• I prepared a one-sentence description for my topic, but I didn't see it in print anywhere. I'm hoping it was used, because my title didn't really explain or entice enough.
• maybe start earlier next time and have less time for keynote speaker so morning sessions can have a full hour to do workshops.
• length of sessions was just about right.
• excellent driving instructions, except 34th is an avenue not a street.
• many students did not bring a pen or pencil, which were not needed and I expected them to have. Also, it would have been good id I could have communicated that in advance. Thanks for accommodating my presentation as we registered late.
• it was difficult to connect with the girls and keep their attention then they couldn't hear us (3).
• smell and noise level was a problem.
• not able to hear keynote speaker.
• great experience for me. I enjoyed myself.
• the event was organized very well and the group transition went smoothly. Good job to the organizers.

STUDENTS/TEACHERS/PARENTS: 18 of 18 schools responded (317 students, 24 adults) (Number in parenthesis means number of schools that made this similar comment)

The best part was:

• sessions (11)
• treated with respect
• participating, not just sitting (8)
• allowed to ask questions (2)
• nice instructors (2)
• souvenirs (2)
• making contracts
• snacks (4)
• lunch
• keynote speaker (2)
• good topics
• job skills
• looking at new things (2)
• casual atmosphere

I would like to see changed:

• slower talking for the monkey embryos
• lawyer presenters
• computer stuff seemed the same
• make signs huge
• more description of sessions (3)
• label rows for schools
• more free stuff (2)
• better sound system (2)
• more sessions (3)
• longer time in sessions (3)
• overbooked sessions (4)
• lunch too long
• better organized on sign up
• louder bell
• presenter should repeat questions in large groups
• cover other areas besides math, science and technology
• add medical examiner, archeology, hypnosis, electrician, veterinary science, law, auto mechanics, medical
• more hands-on interaction (13)
• more minority presenters
• more representation from trade unions
• blueprints were confusing (Adams)
• send maps in advance to teachers
• welding need to be else where (2)
• fish smell (2)
• different location
• more enthusiasm from some presenters (3)
• more humor with some presenters
• make sure everyone gets to participate
• serve is food
• opportunity for four sessions (4)

What I will do with the information:

• tell parents (4)
• tell friends (4)
• teach others
• teach siblings
• future class choices (4)
• use it for the future (2)
• help make career choice (8)
• apply to everyday life
• play with stuff that I got to take
• take more math and science (3)
• possible summer school
• display at school
• use info from further research
• ideas for science projects (2)
• thank teacher
• try to make animation filmstrips
• write article for school paper

Survey Results