Just two schools: Northern Beaches Christian School, Sydney + Col.legi Montserrat, Barcelona One conference: Leaders in Learning: Accelerating Change Conference 2-3 October 2014 90 participants: Australia, UK, Denmark, Sweden and, of course, Spain Passionate educators, architects, designers and service providers Two languages - SpanishContinue reading "Leaders in Learning – Barcelona 2014: A movement for grassroots change"
Designing effective spaces for working and learning: How to avoid the factory, the treadmill and the waiting room
In my international travels I've seen many amazing schools, universities and libraries, some that are visually stunning, but often there is something missing. Designing spaces for effective work and learning requires the connection of three distinct 'spaces' - cultural, technological and physical - each in harmony. When one is missing you are stuck in... ...a waitingContinue reading "Designing effective spaces for working and learning: How to avoid the factory, the treadmill and the waiting room"
Leadership Reflection: Being Teachable. How do you rate?
Once upon a time the leader had to know everything. As our society has shifted in the last couple of decades, one of the crucial areas in leading today is being teachable. In this era of accessible knowledge and collaborative problem solving, leadership has become open - open to the ideas of others and openContinue reading "Leadership Reflection: Being Teachable. How do you rate?"
Cutting through the edu-jargon: What does it mean to be a ‘coach’? 5 attributes of great coaches
Just like the term ‘facilitator’, the ‘coach’ is often used to describe the role of the educator and leader. When used, heads nod in agreement, and then what? Do we assume that we either know what it means, or are actually doing it? ‘The Coach’ is quite a defined role and it is worth looking atContinue reading "Cutting through the edu-jargon: What does it mean to be a ‘coach’? 5 attributes of great coaches"
Teacher as “facilitator” cutting through the jargon. Try this quick quiz.
We’ve all heard it teachers are coach, the ‘guide on the side not sage on the stage’ and facilitator. These words are easy to say, but what do they actually mean? Last week we had a great group from Melbourne come to NBCS for an Immersion Day. These are opportunities beyond Edu-tourism, to drill down, gainContinue reading "Teacher as “facilitator” cutting through the jargon. Try this quick quiz."
Every space tells a story: Is your library the community’s living room? 6xCs to shaping your narrative.
I have a soft spot for libraries. I started my teaching career in a primary school as the teacher librarian. This isn't usually the first job for a young graduate, but it was mine. I loved reading to the children, making author and theme related display, but most of all, seeing the children explore the worldContinue reading "Every space tells a story: Is your library the community’s living room? 6xCs to shaping your narrative."
The Listening Leader: Collaboration is critical to innovation and opening possibilities #Level4Listener
Last week I attended a facilitator training workshop at Centre for Continuing Education at Sydney University. These two days were probably among the my most valuable learning experiences, ever. To facilitate means to ‘draw out’ and the create hospitable settings for conversation and dialogue. (Lord & Hutchison, 2007) Facilitation is a leadership role in whichContinue reading "The Listening Leader: Collaboration is critical to innovation and opening possibilities #Level4Listener"
Every space tells a story. Is yours a place that supports the work of innovation? 10 Ideas to ponder
A few years ago I was presenting a workshop at a conference that was held in a school. The classroom allocated to me was one of the most depressing spaces I had ever encountered. As a professional learning space, I tried to do my best to reconfigure it, but the only thing I could reallyContinue reading "Every space tells a story. Is yours a place that supports the work of innovation? 10 Ideas to ponder"
My top 10 challenges to become an innovative school #revisited
A couple of years ago I wrote a post about my top 10 ideas for an innovative school, its been the most viewed post. Although it's not definitive, it's helpful to have a guide that can shape strategy. This time I've added a few challenges. Revisiting the ideas, and updating for 2014: 1. A vision forContinue reading "My top 10 challenges to become an innovative school #revisited"
A very personal reflection on faith in the richness of community: Freedom of – not from – religion
There is a debate in Australia about Christian influence in schools, as recipients of public funds. Many see faith represented across society as a relic of the past. As a Christian I live my faith in everyday life and I am unable to separate who I am and what I do from what I believe.Continue reading "A very personal reflection on faith in the richness of community: Freedom of – not from – religion"
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