Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lane Clark - Term Three Dinner
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Bus 2
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bus 3
Today we saw schools operating as a whole and at class level. We saw the bigger picture of each school. We saw the effect of the schools values and beliefs that influence each classes practice. We saw evidence of strong leadership in some cases and weaker leadership in others. I used to think that power of the individual class was what counted but now I have seen the power of the school working as a whole and not fragmented. However I feel strongly that at no cost should the stamp of individuality be compromised. Perhaps it is when everyone is achieving the same purpose using ones own gifts that the right balance is achieved.
In addition to the above, there were also a few aspects that stood out at the different schools.
We saw the difference that a strong sense of pride and ownership among students made to the school. This was particularly evident in Cockle Bay School where the students helped in guiding us around the school and answering questions. Students were given a sense of responsibility and were trusted. Cockle Bay School had a definite sense of strong leadership that created a strong positive impression.
The impressive IT infrastructure of Bucklands Beach Intermediate showed evidence of their high expectations. They also were concerned with the presentation of their environment. Chris from Red Beach School pointed out that the IT was used effectively as a reflective teaching tool and had purpose. We were shown the student’s e-portfolios and how these were used in the classroom, and as a link between home and school.
My personal reflection from this school was the importance of listening to students. By talking to the students I realized that listening could be the key to ensuring students are engaged and self-motivated. One boy particularly astounded me with his creativity and knowledge of how he would use technology. His idea could easily be harnessed into an educational and constructive project. The challenge would be to meet his learning needs by using his idea.
A final observation is that it is important to bear in mind that it is important for students to know the progression of steps, so they know “where to next.” It is also important that students know the purpose of their learning. We saw an example where students lacked motivation to do a task, as they didn't understand the objectives.
I’d like to leave you with this question: How does one balance freedom and individuality with a strong sense of purpose?
Grace (On behalf of bus 3).
Friday, May 29, 2009
Four days to go!
The 2 main purposes for the trip are to observe and reflect on effective teaching practice and to dialogue with colleagues from our partner school in the custer. Please ensure that you sit with members of staff from the "other" school on the bus.
There will be an opportunity to socialise at the end of the day at Red Beach School.
If you click on the names of the schools we are visiting in the previous post you will access their websites. It is interesting to see what their epoused values and beliefs are.
Our new cluster map shows we have had a number of international visiters to our blog.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Effective Teaching Bus Tour on Tuesday the 2nd June
Lunch bags will handed out as you board the bus. Don't forget to bring cameras, pens and whatever you need to record your observations of effective teaching practice at the 3 schools you visit..
Each group will have 30 minutes at their third school to share their observations and reflections.
Bus 1 --goes to Summerlands School at 9.30 a.m., then at 11.00 a.m. to Glen Eden Intermediate, , then at 1.00 p.m. to Owairaka School. Then leave at 3.30 to return to drop off and finally RBS.
People travelling on Bus 1
Elsie S, Jo B, Hellen H, Jill W, Chris C, Susan R, Helen W, Susan W, Andrea S, Cathy B, Sue D, Fiona S, Mel H, Leesa M, Emma T, Kylie M, anna G, Briony M, Lexia B, Audrey M, Diane M, John P, Lesley T.
Bus 2--goes to Remuera Primary School , then Newmarket School, then Kings College , all same times as above
People travelling on Bus 2
Bus 3--goes to Bucklands Beach Intermediate, Cockle Bay School , then Campbells Bay School --same times as above
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Transformational Teaching Copy
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Who will start the dialogue?
What are your thoughts on what Tony shared?
Who will start the dialogue?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tony Ryan to speak at our first EHSAS dinner for 2009
Our first EHSAS Dinner for 2009 will be held at 4.30 on the 11th May at Rotary House, Silverdale. Tony Ryan, our guest speaker, will be speaking on "Transformational Teachers"
About Tony Ryan (from his website)
A former teacher, Tony Ryan is a prolific author of manuals and books on effective thinking and learning, with titles such as 'Thinkers Keys for Kids', 'Mindlinks' and 'Brainstorms' to his credit.He also has written two general market books called 'Wrapped in Living' and 'The Ripple Effect'. His most recent work is an update on the original Thinkers Keys, and this is now available on a highly practical CD-Rom.Tony is a professional speaker, and consults to educational and corporate bodies throughout the world on concepts such as innovative thinking, life-long learning, change management, and enthusiasm for daily work. He often acts as a teacher-in-residence in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia, a role in which he provides support to teachers with their everyday practice.Tony is now the chairman of the board of School Aid. This non-profit organization encourages 10 000 schools around Australia to co-ordinate their fund-raising activities for major local and global disasters. School Aid also provides invaluable assistance to schools in encouraging active citizenship opportunities.