Is “by teachers for teachers” always a good thing?
This is an excerpt from my latest Australian Teacher Magazine column. In schools it is not uncommon for outside agencies to be brought in to consult on initiatives, but should the consultant lack a background in education they can be quickly dismissed by a less than enthusiastic staffroom. After all, what would they know? Yet […]
Read MoreSnake, Walkmans, Moments & School…
What do these three things have in common, and why on earth would I waste your time asking you that question? If you’re of a certain vintage you’ll be aware of just how amazing Nokia phones were. What’s that? You can’t remember? Check this out. Of course, Sony Walkmans were so popular even competitor’s offerings were referred to as Walkmans, […]
Read MoreStop Blaming ‘The System’
I often get asked to speak about engagement. I outline that four key considerations are essential if we are to genuinely engage kids (and staff) in our schools. They are: establishing good relationships, developing a sense of autonomy, encouraging mastery and having a bigger purpose than just chasing grades. Sometimes I hear that whilst these ideals are admirable – […]
Read MoreAdaptability the Key to Success
Globalisation and the impact of technology means that, in many ways, the world of today is barely recognisable to that of twenty or thirty years ago. This is particularly true of the workplace. We’ve long been aware of the concept of offshoring the work force, although many of us still equate this to blue-collar work […]
Read More“Just jump in the deep end!” – Worst Advice Ever!
There’s a reason I started to take my then three-year-old son to swimming lessons. It’s because, left unattended, he would have – most likely – jumped in the deep end without the pre-requisite skills to live to tell the story. Neither he or his mum were too keen on that scenario. Hence the weekly lessons. Just […]
Read MoreShut Up & Think!
I joined Twitter over three years ago. One of the first educators I followed was @cpaterso – or Cameron Paterson, as I’m assuming it says on his passport. His then-bio appealed to me. It was something along the lines of hating grades and – I think in the metaphorical rather than literal sense – wanting to […]
Read MoreWhen’s the right time for change?
I was asked a great question on Twitter this week in response to a tweet I put out as part of research for a piece I’m writing. @danhaesler should teachers/ principals be circulated – fresh ideas or is 'if it's not broke don't fix it' a Better mentality?#acuedu_p — Kimberley (@kcolquhoun1987) May 25, 2012 I’m […]
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