Anne Knock

This morning I read “Global lessons from Finland’s schoolrooms” by Pasi Sahlberg…

“Finland has a different approach to student testing and how test data can or should not be used. Finnish children never take a standardized test” Since I was a child I have taken pride in my Finnish heritage. In the first decade of last century my grandfather came from Finland on a clipper, jumped shipContinueContinue reading “This morning I read “Global lessons from Finland’s schoolrooms” by Pasi Sahlberg…”

The final word on making an impression: Reinventing that negative first impression

If a first impression makes such an impact, can a negative one be turned around? Well, of course the first impression can’t be changed, but the message I have conveyed about myself can be reinvented, but this is a little harder. Do you remember a time when you tried so hard to impress your newContinueContinue reading “The final word on making an impression: Reinventing that negative first impression”

Women hold up half the sky*, so how can I make sure I’m carrying my load?

It is with a degree of trepidation that I venture into this thought-territory, but I think as a 21st Century woman I have a responsibility to this emerging generation of women. The business and the not-for-profit sector would directly benefit from great women in positions of responsibility, but we (the women-folk) can also be betterContinueContinue reading “Women hold up half the sky*, so how can I make sure I’m carrying my load?”

Time to think inside the box

The other day my artist friend, Leanne, tweeted: Structure releases creativity. I replied to Leanne: Agreed. I think true creativity comes when we actually think inside the square, that we take it to the edge, but within limits. Leanne tweeted back: Yep, I feel freer to paint now with the sound principles I’ve learned thanContinueContinue reading “Time to think inside the box”

The pressure is on (me): The 4 elements of making a great first impression

The impression I make in any situation reflects the effect I have on people and also the feelings I leave with them about me. Ideally, I want to make an impression that is positive and lasting and one that can potentially influence a network of people, and also build my reputation. Imagine this scenario: YouContinueContinue reading “The pressure is on (me): The 4 elements of making a great first impression”

You have 7 seconds*: The right impression

About 15 years ago I applied for a teaching job. I had been at my school about eight years and felt I needed a change. After forwarding my written application I was grateful to receive an interview. As the principal showed me to the door at the conclusion of the interview, I will never forgetContinueContinue reading “You have 7 seconds*: The right impression”

“Hard is soft. Soft is Hard” …What really matters?

In 1982 Tom Peters co-wrote In Search of Excellence. This book became an international best seller which, according to Wikipedia, “one of the biggest selling and most widely read business books ever, selling 3 million copies in its first four years”. By Peters own admission* the biggest takeaway from that book was the simple motto:ContinueContinue reading ““Hard is soft. Soft is Hard” …What really matters?”

scil on the road – Abraham Guest School, Wigan UK

I visited Abraham Guest School in Wigan last week. The school has developed innovative science projects as part of Project Faraday. The school has sought to change the paradigm of science teaching from one that focusses primarily on the laboratory as the default learning space for science education. I was afforded such wonderful hospitality fromContinueContinue reading “scil on the road – Abraham Guest School, Wigan UK”

scil on the road – DOK Library Concept Centre, Delft

DOK, Delft best library in The Netherlands – celebrating stories DOK is challenging the notion of library. Located in the commercial/retail precinct of Delft, within a pedestrian zone, it is the site of a former supermarket. As we wait for the doors to open at 10am, so do members of the local community. In theContinueContinue reading “scil on the road – DOK Library Concept Centre, Delft”