What is your M.O.?
JANUARY 5, 2016 BY CMACMILLAN - LEADING A LEARNING COMMUNITY “Whereas the fundamental goal of education in Alberta is to inspire all students to achieve success and fulfillment, and reach their full potential by developing the competencies of Engaged thinkers and Ethical citizens with an Entrepreneurial spirit, who contribute to a strong and prosperous economy and Society” Whereas it’s that simple It’s a nicely worded document that tells us that we need to mold and create ideal citizens that will be successful members of Alberta’s future. No Pressure right? It’s great that Alberta Education is seeing that change is necessary however , it’s a gradual process that requires all invested parties to be collaborative and understanding of each other …Government, School boards, Schools, Students and Parents. When an individual teacher looks through the MO it can be overwhelming. The order now in its 3rd year is still being developed through schools, some teachers have excelled at changing their styles/teaching mindset to fit student learning in the 21st century and some struggle that it’s actually the 21st century. The following link helps to understand all the outcomes from the Order: Ministerial Order on Student Learning What I took away from the last meeting was what Shelley said to start her presentation about her monsters. They all have different strengths and weaknesses and they shouldn’t be taught the same way. It reminded me that is was 3 years ago that my views changed on teaching ; When Shelley told the staff at St. Kateri … ” All students are someone’s baby , the students all learn differently and that you teach them like it’s your own child” I have a child that struggles with school and I wanted to make sure that how I was teaching was going to allow him to be successful. I asked myself the question ( “what can I do to ensure all students are learning ? ) When the MO on student learning was released it didn’t feel like too big of stretch on what I was trying to do for my own kid. The hardest part is ensuring that all other people are on board and when colleagues don’t have the same vision for the future of education it leads to a culture of negativity. How can we as leaders help guide those who don’t want / can’t change their stale methods? The question I have for all is … What is your M.O (Modus operandi)?
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Destination ‘Somewhere’, Did you pack the right tools for the job?
DECEMBER 20, 2015 BY NICGEREIN LEADING A LEARNING COMMUNITY Teacher: “Students, it’s time to go, make sure that you have everything that you will need. “ Students: “Where are we going, what will we need?” Teacher: “You are going Somewhere, pack all of the tools that your teachers have offered you over the last 12 years. Isn’t this exciting you finally get a chance to use all of those great tools.” Throughout a child’s education they are offered tools that they will need to use when they visit ‘Somewhere’ in the future. The trouble is that students don’t know that these tools will be necessary in their future. Traditionally everyone played a role in preparing kids for the future. Parents supported their children at home helping with homework, building confidence, offering love, care and support. At school teachers worked hard to ensure the curriculum was covered. However times have changed and now our students need a new set of tools to be successful in their future Somewhere! The vision of the 3 E’s looks to create a student who is an Engaged Thinker – Ethical Citizen – Entrepreneurial Spirit. This education framework is far more than just teaching, it is modelling risk, creativity, choice, and collaboration – thinking beyond the classroom doors. I agree that these are essential skills to prepare our students for the future that they will eventually encounter. This vision requires that the village raise the child – parents, community, school and province all work together. Are we all working together to ensure that our kid’s toolbox is full of all theright tools? Are teachers given the support, time and resources to fulfill the vision? Do they know how to allow diversity (for assessment) while still fulfilling division/curriculum requirements? Are parents informed of this ‘new’ way of teaching and knowledgeable on how to help their kids? Are students told why they are learning new things and what tools each lesson will help create for their toolbox? Is the village working together to raise this new learner or has it become the schools responsibility?
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