The ECCE Speaker Series provides students with the opportunity to explore and study relevant topics that introduce students to the concept of engaged citizenship by expanding students’ awareness of diverse social and cultural experiences. This recent ECCE Speaker Series for the Spring 2023 semester included an in-person discussion, which allowed students to process their experience at the event collectively, in a classroom environment.

Below this is a collection of comments by students who reflected on how the in-person classroom discussions impacted their learning in the ECCE Speaker Series courses, and what was their favorite Speaker Series presentation of the Spring 2023 semester:

How did the in-person classroom discussions impact your learning in this ECCE Speaker Series course?

• After taking several classes on Zoom over the last couple of years, it was refreshing to take this class in person. I have also found that it takes twice as long to answer questions by typing out answers to discussion board prompts, and the lack of synchronous interaction really hampers people being able to explore different points of view.  I was in this class with people from all walks of life, and hearing them speaking in their own words was much more meaningful that it would have been to have sat behind my computer screen reading their responses.  Thank you, thank you for letting the speakers' series be in person this time!
• The in-person classroom discussion impacts your learning because it makes you more attentive to the class. Its gives you a sense of closeness to the class and the classes meetings because of the in person group discussions.
• The in person environment was a great way to answer questions and discuss different aspects of the event that may not have been brought up otherwise. It was nice to have a class setting to interact and meet new people.

What was your favorite ECCE Speaker Series presentation of the Spring 2023 semester and why?

• My favorite speaker series presentation this semester was flamenco jazz. It was my favorite because I loved seeing the beauty of the music's culture and the music. The dancing was very exciting and fun to see. It makes you feel alive.
• My favorite speaker series presentation was about equity and student success because of how much it connects to me personally about college. Not only that but I gathered so much knowledge from the presentation and then from my peers when we are discussing.

How did the in-person classroom discussions impact your learning in this ECCE Speaker Series course?

• In person was nice. Most of my classes are online so any chance I get to meet with a class in person is great.
• It was intriguing to learn about people's different opinions on the learning outcomes and to also hear how the events caught their attention or not.
•  I think the in-person discussions were helpful in seeing other people’s views and how the other students felt about the speakers.

What was your favorite ECCE Speaker Series presentation of the Spring 2023 semester and why?

• My favorite was the one on flamenco dancing. Having a really strong visual presentation stuck with me and gave me the most enjoyment.
• My Favorite speech was the free speech presentation and it's because the speaker seem very passionate about the topic and it was interesting to learn about a company that provided that support over people's opinions. 
• Equity and student success was my personal favorite event. I enjoyed the speaker; she was very passionate about what she does, and she had a lot of really good tips on how to bring inclusivity to other universities and schools in general.

How did the in-person classroom discussions impact your learning in this ECCE Speaker Series course?

• They helped me have a framework to interpret the speakers as well as creating an open space for discourse post-speech.
• It was more of a benefit to be involved with the Process instead of just going with the flow. I can actively discuss with other students in real time, instead of waiting until the last minute on a discussion board. Plus, it is easier for me to take in information if presented directly with it.
• The in-person classroom discussions definitely made an impact on my actual learning abilities from the ECCE course. Being able to actively discuss and talk about the events in-person instead of through a screen allowed for me to actually understand other's perspectives and thoughts about the different inclusive discussions and topics. If this course was online, I can say I definitely would have struggled talking about these things through computer discussions, and most of the things I said in class would have maybe never been said. I think all students should take an in-person ECCE Speaker Series, just to actually engage with the discussion and understand the speakers and their presentation's purpose more.

What was your favorite ECCE Speaker Series presentation of the Spring 2023 semester and why?

• Free Speech. I have a minor in Law and it is interesting to see the current legal issues facing Free Speech as a whole.
• The Dance and Jazz, as it felt more dynamic and interactive with the audience. Plus, it was interesting to see how the two were able to mix together.
• My favorite Speaker Series presentation this semester was, hands down, the first, the Flamenco-Jazz presentation. I actually cried during this presentation and it made me truly emotional and I felt pretty connected to the performance. Music and dance is a huge interest of mine, so the live performance really put a cherry on top for being my favorite presentation.

How did the in-person classroom discussions impact your learning in this ECCE Speaker Series course?

• In-person discussions are better than online discussions, because I work better in-person and also communicating with the teacher in-person and also communicating with the teacher in-person is another key factor to why its important to have in-person classes.
• I thought the in-class format fit this courses objectives the best. It helps the idea of discussion about these topics be more open and have more of a dialogue, especially when compared to online discussion boards. Overall, I felt in-person helped me learn better for this course, which is something I have found to be true for any class I take.

What was your favorite ECCE Speaker Series presentation of the Spring 2023 semester and why?

• The Hispanic festival had interested me because, I learned something new in the Hispanic culture and a artist from a piece that was created by her.
• My favorite was the free speech event. I thought this was interesting because it broadened my idea of what free speech is, as well as the fact that the discussion for that event was very interesting.