Discussions

Document the discussions which are helping you to push your work forward both informally in direct discussions with colleagues and formal class discussions. //Specifically: Brief notes for many individual discussions and “minutes” from the group discussions for class (supplied by Mr. Mac)//

__2/1/10__ This past weekend on a camping trip, I discussed my ideas with John Penzone, a notable scout leader (who is interestingly enough NOT an Eagle Scout) who has sat on Eagle Boards of Review and has helped people through the process of becoming an Eagle:


 * Question:** What do you think of people who are Eagle Scouts?
 * Answer (Penzone):** They tend to exemplify integrity, initiative, trust and honesty, and they are always willing to take charge
 * Question**: What is the societal response to Eagle Scout (the 'wow' factor)?
 * Penzone:** They usually have qualities that people look for in careers and projects, and people know that they will always follow through. They are able to stand up for themselves and they exhibit skills needed to be self-sufficient

Mr. Penzone told me that initiative is one of the key characteristics, especially when completing requirements (starting from Tenderfoot --> Eagle; merit badges, community service, knot tying, first aid/safety, eagle project process/approval/paperwork) Also, basic characteristics are stated within the Scout Oath and Law, Motto and Slogan He also told me that I should look into famous people who are Eagle Scouts, such as celebrities, business and political leaders, scientists, sports players, astronauts, etc., and also when looking into Colleges and the Military. He also said that I should look into the history of the Eagle Scout process, because the requirements have changed quite a bit since the beginning

__2/17/2010__ I talked on the phone with Dr. Valenza's friend Jerry, who is also an Eagle Scout, and he was telling me about how scouting in the inner-city is viewed as sort of irrelevant. While I believe it is relevant to help people stay away from negative lifestyles, I do see his point being valid. He said that he feels that scouting is more alive in the Mid-USA

After telling him that what basically influenced me to pursue my Eagle dreams was positive peer pressure, he said that I should construct a survey (something that I had thought about all along), and asking the Council for names and addresses of Eagle Scouts to whom I can send the survey for them to fill out, and then have them send it back to me to help me with my research. I really had this idea all along, but hearing it come from someone else as well makes me feel better about my direction

__2/23/2010__ After talking with Mr. MacFarland, I sort of have a better idea of how I should approach my research. I could try and examine theories of motivation and pit them up against my eagle scout example, and then choose the most effective theories (2 or 3) with which to go forward. I could also compare character traits of eagle scouts with those of "good/motivated students," and see which ones shine through the most