Great Minds’ Post

Education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it's about reflecting on it too. As for teaching, it's not just about transmitting knowledge; it's about reflecting on the practice of teaching and learning. Reflective practice is where self-improvement begins, benefiting both learners and teachers alike. To paraphrase John Dewey, "We do not learn from experience alone, we learn from reflecting on experience." So, take a moment to reflect on what you've learned and how you can apply it to your personal and professional growth. #ReflectivePractice #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalGrowth #JohnDewey #LearningExperience

By surveying and interviewing hundreds of teachers in the #SustainableTeaching survey, I learned that teachers really WANT to grow. They want to do right by their kids, and they want to learn more about learning so they can reach as many kids as possible. . Moreover, teachers want to experience the satisfaction that comes with learning more about their craft. Daniel Pink would call this mastery, the sense that one's efforts are contributing to fruitful gains. Teachers can't experience this mastery with initiative after initiative being piled on, and with the revolving door of curriculum, assessment, and other instructional resources. . We have to give teachers time to acclimate, time to try to new things, and time to grow in the new things they are trying. This is the only way they'll be able to experience this sense of mastery, and it's a mechanism for ensuring teachers stay engaged in what they love to do.

How wobbly is your PD? The EEF’s Effective Professional Development guidance report features 14 mechanisms, split into four groups: Building knowledge; motivating teachers; developing teaching techniques; embedding practice. It is recommended to aim for a ‘balanced design’: “Where professional development features a mechanism from each group, it may be more likely to be effective.” But even when we feel we have achieved this balanced design, we need to be aware of where things could wobble. https://lnkd.in/eqwZJhD6

Nothing works perfectly when first begun. Not riding a bike, not working a new job, not implementing 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠. It is human nature, however, to think that things aren't going to work as 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑛𝑎𝑔 or problem when doing something new. I see this often when teachers are implementing new routines or practices with 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, and always remind them that 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. Teachers need time to see what is happening and why. Students need time to 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡, 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, and 𝑏𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑛 what to do. When your school is trying a new initiative or practice, be sure to see that everyone (this means you too) are giving it time and that you are looking into what may be the reason that something isn't yet working well and then try to see how you are able to fix it. Perhaps the new practice isn't being done correctly by some. Perhaps things have not been demonstrated thoroughly or often enough. Perhaps a few students need a bit extra help or more explanation. Be sure not to allow teachers or students to quit something new too quickly! Everything good is worth the wait! #transformwritinginstruction #teaching #schoolleadership #educationalleadership #superintendents #principals

Walkthrough observations Today morning as I sipped my coffee, I mulled over the idea of effective classroom observations. My memory took me back and I was reminded of a leader who would walk into the classrooms holding a chubby black leather binder and inside the binder, he had a black leather diary! While the teacher would be busy teaching, he would enter the classroom, stand in the centre holding his binder, slowing taking out his diary and like a bullet train scribble notes on his diary. Needless to say; he scared the bejesus out of people with his classroom observations😀. Although there are many ways to observe the classroom, one of the ways for the FIRST TIME could be;  a) to put the evaluation form away. b) Sit. c) Listen. d) Leave a note of thank you or encouragement. Never forget what it’s like to be a teacher and most importantly never forget what it’s like to be a student. Relationship first! #Mindset change,  Forming #Mutual Observation Groups (MOGs), #Mogging, #professional development, #learning and Teaching.

Unfinished Teacher" by Michael Lubelfeld explores the ongoing journey of educators towards continuous improvement and growth. Lubelfeld emphasizes the concept that teachers are perpetual learners who must adapt to ever-evolving educational landscapes. The book highlights the importance of self-reflection, collaboration, and embracing change to enhance teaching practices and ultimately improve student outcomes. Through personal anecdotes, research, and practical strategies, Lubelfeld encourages educators to view themselves as lifelong learners who are never truly "finished" in their professional development.

🌟 Understanding Teaching Styles: Transactional vs. Transformational 🌟 Ever wondered about the different vibes in classrooms? 🤔 Let's break it down! 📚 🔍 Transactional Teaching: It's like a knowledge exchange booth! 🎓 Teachers pass on info, and students soak it up. 🧠 Think lectures, quizzes, and textbook drills. It's all about hitting those learning targets. 🌱 Transformational Teaching: Picture a garden of growth! 🌷 Teachers not only teach but nurture. 🌱 It sparks curiosity, builds connections, and inspires lifelong learners. 🌟 Discussions, projects, and real-world challenges are the tools here! 💬 In a nutshell, transactional teaching is like a quick transaction at the store—get what you need and move on. But transformational teaching is like planting seeds, watching them grow, and tending them with care. 🌱✨ This week's series will focus on transformational teaching and how you can become a "transformer." This week's series will focus on the power of transformational teaching. Become a transformer! Which style resonates with your learning journey? Let's discuss! 🗣️ #Education #TeachingStyles #LearningJourney #newteachers #teacherleaders #teachersupport #teachertips

This table contrasts learner-centered practices with traditional approaches. 💬 Which descriptors stand out to you when you observe teaching and learning in your school?  💬 Is it different in each classroom and with each teacher? 💬 What might be the long-term impact of each approach on students’ attitudes toward critical thinking?  💬 How might this graphic inspire thoughtful dialogue in your school and district? #LearningToLeading #FutureOfEd

It’s helpful to have a sense of the journey through a subject: what are the headlines of a subject in primary and how does it feed through to secondary? Why is this important? Not just because schools are often asked why they are teaching something at this point, in other words why this, why now? It’s also important that individual topics don’t end up in a curriculum cul de sac. You can download the steps through the curriculum here https://buff.ly/3X7j6Iy https://buff.ly/3X9Q4Z5