School systems everywhere inculcate us with a very narrow view of intelligence and capacity and over value particular sorts of talents and ability. Some of the most brilliant, creative people I know did not do well at school. Many of them didn’t really discover what they could do – and who they really were – until they’dContinueContinue reading “What if school nurtured the passion and interest of every young person?”
Category Archives: Education
What’s the difference between the ‘Open Classroom’ of the 1970s and ‘Open Space’ learning today?
Students working in multi-age groups Teachers as coaches Teams of teachers worked collaboratively with one another Spaces reconfigured to for large and small group projects and individual work Architects commissioned to design schools without walls. Teachers given discretion to create new academic courses Students direct their own learning. This sounds like the types of learningContinueContinue reading “What’s the difference between the ‘Open Classroom’ of the 1970s and ‘Open Space’ learning today?”
Read // Watch // Share // Connect
This post has been written for participants at a conference in July where I am making a presentation to teachers. Rather than only focussing on pre-reading, I have decided to provide a range of digital approaches that include reading, watching TED Talks, finding some relevant blogs and signing up for Twitter. The conference theme is “Embracing Change”. IfContinueContinue reading “Read // Watch // Share // Connect”
Horse first, then the cart: Vision before programs
It is very easy to come up with the good ideas, someone says “we should do [insert idea here]”. Unless ideas flow from a bold compelling vision, we are merely making the existing paradigm a little shinier. Programs are great, but only when they are part of the strategy to achieve the overall vision AContinueContinue reading “Horse first, then the cart: Vision before programs”
Navigating the 21st Century: A reality check amidst constant change
In education and in life in general we are in the midst of immense change, which can be unsettling and disturbing. Much of that is because we assume that our current life experiences have been the norm forever, when in reality, it has only been within our lifetime. As I have written about before, whenContinueContinue reading “Navigating the 21st Century: A reality check amidst constant change”
21st Century PD: Its time to catch up! 8 ideas for engaging adults
I smiled to myself as I considered the irony of the conference presenter decrying the ‘sage on the sage’ as she herself was the ‘sage on the stage’. Isn’t it time that the educational community addressed the context and delivery of professional learning? Our challenge is to be able to blend expert knowledge and experienceContinueContinue reading “21st Century PD: Its time to catch up! 8 ideas for engaging adults”
What do we need in Australia to transform schools? A vision for education with the learner at its heart.
This week thousands of Australian school students will sit the NALPLAN tests – National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. Results of these tests will form the basis of ranking Australian schools on the My School website. “The US is taking a U-turn away from test-based accountability,” said Professor Darling-Hammond. ”We hope not to meetContinueContinue reading “What do we need in Australia to transform schools? A vision for education with the learner at its heart.”
A new vision for a new paradigm: An open letter to the Australian School Education Minister
There is a groundswell for change, yet until there is a vision for educational reform at the highest level, then we are doing a disservice to the great majority of our young people and our nation. Dear Mr Garrett, It’s time. Time to shake up the school education system in this country. Not just forContinueContinue reading “A new vision for a new paradigm: An open letter to the Australian School Education Minister”
Aligning space with teaching and learning: Ideas from Kunskapsskolan
Successful schools align the space with teaching and learning – in other words, space supports and motivates new dynamics in the way that teachers and pupils work together. (from The Centre for School Design) I am working on the itinerary for a study tour we are hosting in October this year, to take a groupContinueContinue reading “Aligning space with teaching and learning: Ideas from Kunskapsskolan”
From boulders to pebbles: How social media is growing a professional community
Many educators don’t understand the value of Twitter to their professional growth, especially how ideas of significance can be presented in only 140 characters. So I’ve asked a few of my colleagues about their social media experiences. It’s interesting to see how the business-end of town is embracing social media. Here’s a quote from anContinueContinue reading “From boulders to pebbles: How social media is growing a professional community”
culture | learning | design 