Henry A Bent was well-known as a chemistry lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, North Caroline State University in the 1960-70s. So famous in these quarters, that he is known for Bent’s Rule In 1969 he published a paper, which is available online, entitled Why Lecture? The paper begins with the statement: For students whoContinue reading "Debating the lecture: Only if students are inspired – An astute academic’s perspective from the 1960s"
Debating the lecture: If so, how long should teachers talk?
The Lecture: The process by which the notes of the lecturer become the notes of the student without passing through the mind of either* The term ‘lecture’, generally relates to university, where high level concepts are poured into empty vessels on a regular basis. However, for this discussion it also applies to any learning contextContinue reading "Debating the lecture: If so, how long should teachers talk?"
Debating the Lecture: What is the place of the lecture in today’s education? Discuss.
For many generations the ‘lecture’ has been the predominant method to deliver content to students. In 1706, the term was described as “to address severely and at length”. It has been historically attributed to sitting for a long time and listening to one person speak, “at length” on a topic of expertise. Yet how effectiveContinue reading "Debating the Lecture: What is the place of the lecture in today’s education? Discuss."
Girls’ education a critical element in eradicating poverty, yet barriers remain. Alice takes action in Northern Uganda
I am concluding my second visit to Rwanda. Over the last few days we hosted a truly international summit that brought leaders and thinkers together, to strategise and to identify actions that will improve education and life outcomes for young people in rural areas of developing nations Joining the summit was my new friend, Alice,Continue reading "Girls’ education a critical element in eradicating poverty, yet barriers remain. Alice takes action in Northern Uganda"
He said, “I want to be an entrepreneur”, really? What does it actually mean?
Each day of the Rwanda Innovation Summit on education started with an observation, an experience. On the final day we went to the community at Kinigi. It took some negotiation to take the walk due to its proximity to the Gorillas National Park. The local leaders were concerned that 40 or so visitors were comingContinue reading "He said, “I want to be an entrepreneur”, really? What does it actually mean?"
The Innovation Equation: (skills + design) x passion/purpose/drive = innovation
These are interesting times. We face new problems that need new solutions. The old solutions can't necessarily translate into the 21st century context. Global financial uncertainty have shifted the tectonic plates. This is not the era of "a job for life". Many industries are sent offshore, creating employment opportunities in other parts of the world.Continue reading "The Innovation Equation: (skills + design) x passion/purpose/drive = innovation"
Identifying leadership potential: Track record trumps talent
A colleague faced a dilemma. She had a leadership position to fill and a two potential candidates. Both displayed leadership ability, had the skills and qualifications to undertake the role, yet one stood out from the other. When he said ‘yes’ he meant it, he could adapt to change, he was not self-seeking and importantlyContinue reading "Identifying leadership potential: Track record trumps talent"
How can we expect teachers to change the way they teach unless we have changed the way teachers learn?
Professional learning for a new paradigm About 12 months ago I found myself sitting in a conference surrounded by hundreds of educators on a topic of 21st Century education, delivered in an industrial-era paradigm. We sat passively, in a big auditorium, then we were herded like cattle to workshops where we sat passively in smallerContinue reading "How can we expect teachers to change the way they teach unless we have changed the way teachers learn?"
“The DNA of a leader needs to be fundamentally different from what it was in the past…be the person you want other people to be” Leadership lessons from a driving instructor.
When your offspring reach a certain age, a sense of fear and trepidation rises. The time has come to teach them to drive. My husband and I considered ourselves good drivers and, at the time, we were teachers, so it seems only natural that we would be excellent driving instructors. We spent several months drivingContinue reading "“The DNA of a leader needs to be fundamentally different from what it was in the past…be the person you want other people to be” Leadership lessons from a driving instructor."
Courage is at the heart of leadership. Vulnerability is scary. Both are necessary for 21stC leaders
In an earlier post I asked: What skills and attributes does a principal need? I answered my own question, listing things like vision, endurance and the last one was courage. A tweet came back: "courage" is a key one. How often is the ‘courage’ of leadership raised? I watched a TED talk recently on vulnerability.Continue reading "Courage is at the heart of leadership. Vulnerability is scary. Both are necessary for 21stC leaders"
culture | learning | design 