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MICHAEL FULLAN
PEDAGOGIES FOR DEEP LEARNING
Watch the inspiring video that is part of this site:
Click Here: Making It Happen
Added to this site November 2023
Added also to the 21st Century Education Page
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What Happens When a School Closes Its Library?
This issue of closing libraries in public schools is occurring more and more.
What impact is that having on teachers, students and student learning?
The Faculty of Education at my university has just closed its library and the staff have been released. Students are being sent to the general campus library instead.
A saving money strategy?
Now the students sit in the hall to collaborate and work.
Read this article to learn the impact of closing school libraries.
Click here: What Happens When a School Closes It's Library?
Click Here for Article 2: What is the Impact of a School Not Having a Librarian
Posted here on October 7th, 2024
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GETTING READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
Registration for JK & K are in January.
What skills are most key on entering the classroom.
Check out this article to find out!
Click Here: To Be Ready for Kindergarten.
Posted here in October 2024.
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PEOPLE FOR EDUCATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON SCHOOLS IN ONTARIO, CANADA
Click Here >> ANNUAL REPORTS 2023
Added to this website Nov. 2023
Also added to the 21st Century Education Tab
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TED DINTERSMITH
The Future Directions of What Schools Could Be
Ted Dintersmith has been focussing on the education system and how we can improve our curriculum programs. He says we have to focus on helping students to become future ready and have the relevant knowledge and skills to be employable in the 21st Century.
Check out these links on Ted Dintersmith's focus for educators at all levels of our education system.
Click the following links:>>>
Ted Dintersmith: Tedx Video: Why Schools Should Teach for the Real World
The Innovation Playlist - An Introduction: With Sir Ken Robinson
The Innovation Playlist - Check it out here: Innovation Playlist
Posted to this Website: November 2022
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REFLECTIVE LEARNING FOR 21st CENTURY
Check this article out here: Be Wary of Pyramids
Posted to this website: November 2023
Also Posted to the 21st Century Learning Tab
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River Oaks Experimental Technology School
Halton District School Board
This is a reflection on my experience at River Oaks School.
A school model for the 21st Century
Staff Member 1991 to 1997
Question:
As you read this, what aspects of this school could you implement today in your school setting in 2021?
River Oaks School - A Synopsis of this 21st Century School Experience
One of the most advanced technological schools created in Canada at the time (1991)
It was an honour and an incredible experience to be hired to this new high tech school by principal Gerry Smith.
The focus of the school was technology applications for all students from K to 8.
The school and the Board had made a partnership with Apple Canada.
Apple gave us every piece of technology we could dream of having.
Our job was to show the world how technology could influence education.
Every grade 5 student had their own laptop.
Every pair of grade 8’s shared a Mac Desktop Computer.
We were programming from Kgdn to Grade 8 with HyperCard.
We were involved with Robotics.
The library was decked out with everything you would want.
We had a creative applications lab with 30 computers open to anyone at any time.
Music synthesizers in the music room with computer monitors.
The latest automations in D&T and Family Studies
The internet was new and connecting us to leaders in various fields around the world.
We ran a World Conference once per year for every country you can imagine.
We had world-renowned keynote speakers like Fullan.
Teachers presented workshops in teams all weekend.
Apple brought contacts from around the world every day. (it was supposed to be twice per week)
Politicians, senior educators, trustees, teachers, superintendents, Ministers of Education.
That was the trade off..... Teaching others how to apply Apple Technology.
Apple even helped to take our students and staff on train the trainer events to France, New Zealand and the US.
We were writing curriculum for Ontario.
U of T was studying us.
Big names were involved like Fullan and Hargreaves.
We were looking at how technology was influencing writing skills.
Plus we were looking at the intrinsic motivation and learning of the students.
We also did not have a timetable.
We were looking at how the students interests, could be used to develop inquiry based research topics.
Plus we were studying how technology, positively or negatively, influenced student writing.
We had an ebb and flow in the building that was quite interesting
I was responsible for teaching Grade 8's every core subject.
We had several grade 8 classes.
We brought 60 Grade 8's in at a time into our double room.
Every teacher had a phone in their room
If a student wanted a music synthesizer, or needed an application in the D&T area to augment the work we were doing in Language, Social Science, Math or Science, then we called the music room or whatever room and sent them.
We are using inquiry based learning for every unit and every grade
My intermediate language program was based on Nancie Atwell’s work where students were very self-guided.
The intrinsic motivation and self-directed work was unbelievably good.
I have never had students work harder in their lives.
All based on Mini Lessons, Conferencing and Goals setting.
When my students went to grade 9, my partner also went with them for the year.
A high school teacher came back to teach with me to learn how to program for these kids.
So we started this cycle of educators between elementary and secondary panels.
It was an amazing experience and an honour to work there.
Posted to this page August 2021
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2019 - ANNUAL REPORT ON ONTARIO SCHOOLS
PEOPLE FOR EDUCATION
1200 principals are surveyed for this research report on Ontario Schools !
These are the survey results
Click Here for: 2019 Annual Report on Schools
Here are some of the sections in the report:
Url: https://peopleforeducation.ca/report/2019-annual-report-on-schools-what-makes-a-school/#chapter6
Posted to this website July 2020
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EduGAINS VIDEOS and RESOURCESNOTE: This site is scheduled to be archived in July, 2021.
This post will be left up until it is no longer active.
This is an incredibly rich site that covers everything you want to know about education
in Ontario today.
It is updated constantly with the latest videos, resources and curriculum documents.
This an Incredible resource for any teacher to learn how to do what they need to do in the classroom and shows you how to do it!
Enjoy!!!
Click Here for: EduGAINS .
Updated on this site: Nov. 2023
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GROWTH MINDSET THINKERS
For the 21st Century, we need to develop teachers and students that
have a "Growth Mindset"!
What is that?
Click Here: Growth Mindset
This is an incredibly rich site that covers everything you want to know about education
in Ontario today.
It is updated constantly with the latest videos, resources and curriculum documents.
This an Incredible resource for any teacher to learn how to do what they need to do in the classroom and shows you how to do it!
Enjoy!!!
Click Here for: EduGAINS .
Updated on this site: Nov. 2023
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GROWTH MINDSET THINKERS
For the 21st Century, we need to develop teachers and students that
have a "Growth Mindset"!
What is that?
Click Here: Growth Mindset
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The Fraser Report. It's only a snapshot of a schools performance.
Administrators and teachers love getting data on their school to focus on improving performance. Educators are constantly reflecting on their lesson methodology and student performance to improve upon their professional practice.
New teacher candidates start looking at the process of reflection very early in their first term at my Faculty of Education.
The Fraser Report does not tell the whole story as explained in this article. Be a critical consumer of such reports.
Find out more about a school by:
- visiting it with the administrator
- chat with the students and parents
- look at the web page
- check out social media and news sources
- check out the intramural programs and clubs
- talk to teachers
I have seen great schools get low ratings and damage community perceptions.
I have heard students say they are from the "bad school and they are the dummy kids".
That is just tragic and unforgivable. These results, when carelessly published, can harm student self-image and confidence.
Parents who are not aware of other factors, that can influence scores, can even pick communities and home purchases based on these results.
When I get into schools with lower scores, I have found this:
- Incredible collaborative inspiring administrators
- Creative engaging teachers
- Wonderful special academic programs addressing special needs
- Outstanding intramural programs
- Awesome parent volunteers and School Councils
- and amazing students doing their best!
Read this article to find out more.
Click here for: The Fraser Report: What Researchers Say
Posted to this Web Page / Blog Jan. 26th, 2019.
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READING COMPREHENSION AND THE INFLUENCE OF PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
Previous knowledge is so important to reading well.
It has a significant impact on reading comprehension scores.
Read this article to find out more.
Thanks to educator Chuck Phillips for sharing this article with me.
Click Here For > Previous Knowledge and Comprehension
Posted to this Web Page / Blog July 8, 2018
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EdCan Network
This is a site with many exciting articles on educational topics.
All up-to-date and relevant today!
Click here > EdCan Network
Posted to this Web Page / Blogs and July 8, 2018
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THE TECHEDVOCATE BLOG
Check out these articles on the Techedvocate Blog Site
THE TECHEDVOCATE BLOG
The Blog Site is found here. Click here: >> The Techedvocate Blog
Why Digital Learning is Reshaping Education
Click Here for the article >> Digital Learning Is Reshaping Education
Why Learning To Code Is So Important for Chidren
Click Here for the article >> Why Learning To Code is so Important for Children
Posted to the above 2 tabs April 4, 2017: Blogs That Inspire Tab and Technology Tab
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JOHN DEWEY
A PROGRESSIVIST PHILOSOPHY
Fun, informative and thought provoking for the 21st Century Educator
Check out this sites 2 videos on John Dewey
Listen to his thoughts might have been on:
- technology and how it should be implemented
- how students learn best
- how classrooms should be designed today to develop future ready students
Click here for the video's on:>> John Dewey and Progressivist Thought
http://www.thepositiveencourager.global/john-deweys-approach-to-doing-positive-work/
Posted to this Blog April 29th/2017.
Also Posted to the Technology and Blog Tabs
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72 CREATIVE WAYS
FOR STUDENTS TO SHOW THEIR LEARNING
A culminating project can really cement that learning.
Here are 72 fun and creative ways for your students to show what they know.
This is also an amazing Blog site!! Check it out!
Click Here: Culminating Learning Tasks
Posted to the Blogs That Inspire Tab Above
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14 THINGS THAT ARE OBSOLETE IN 21st CENTURY SCHOOLS!
These are a thought provoking blog posts by Ingvi Hrannar Omarsson
Check out the links below to see what things he suggests it's time to change.
Well worth checking out!!!
21st Century Change in Schools
1. Computer Labs
2. Isolated Classrooms
3. Schools with no Wifi
4. Banning Phones and Tablets
5. Tech director with administrator access
6. Teachers that don't share what they do
7. Schools that don't have Facebook and Twitter
8. Unhealthy cafeteria food
9. Starting school at 8am for teenagers
10. Traditional Libraries
11. All students getting the same courses
12. One size fits all professional development workshops
13. Standardized tests to measure the quality of Education
Plus....he added another article.....
10 MORE THINGS TO CHANGE IN OBSOLETE SCHOOLS
1. Divided spaces and multiple entrances
2. Hallways
3. Big Bathrooms and shared showers
4. The teacher is the only one with a white board
5. Empty school yards
6. Isolated subjects for 40 to 80 minutes
7. Restricting Learning to the classroom
8. Books, Paper and a lot of photocopying
9. Parent Teacher Interviews for 30 minutes per year
10. Schools that teach to the test are obsolete.
Click here for first 14 changes >> 21st Century Schools
Click her for the second article of changes >> More Obsolete Things to Change
Posted to this Blog / Web Page March 28th/17
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JOHN DEWEY
A PROGRESSIVIST PHILOSOPHY
Fun, informative and thought provoking for the 21st Century Educator
Check out this sites 2 videos on John Dewey
Listen to his thoughts might have been on:
- technology and how it should be implemented
- how students learn best
- how classrooms should be designed today to develop future ready students
Click here for the video's on:>> John Dewey and Progressivist Thought
http://www.thepositiveencourager.global/john-deweys-approach-to-doing-positive-work/
Posted to this Blog April 29th/2017.
Also Posted to the Technology and Blog Tabs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
72 CREATIVE WAYS
FOR STUDENTS TO SHOW THEIR LEARNING
A culminating project can really cement that learning.
Here are 72 fun and creative ways for your students to show what they know.
This is also an amazing Blog site!! Check it out!
Click Here: Culminating Learning Tasks
Posted to the Blogs That Inspire Tab Above
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 THINGS THAT ARE OBSOLETE IN 21st CENTURY SCHOOLS!
These are a thought provoking blog posts by Ingvi Hrannar Omarsson
Check out the links below to see what things he suggests it's time to change.
Well worth checking out!!!
21st Century Change in Schools
1. Computer Labs
2. Isolated Classrooms
3. Schools with no Wifi
4. Banning Phones and Tablets
5. Tech director with administrator access
6. Teachers that don't share what they do
7. Schools that don't have Facebook and Twitter
8. Unhealthy cafeteria food
9. Starting school at 8am for teenagers
10. Traditional Libraries
11. All students getting the same courses
12. One size fits all professional development workshops
13. Standardized tests to measure the quality of Education
Plus....he added another article.....
10 MORE THINGS TO CHANGE IN OBSOLETE SCHOOLS
1. Divided spaces and multiple entrances
2. Hallways
3. Big Bathrooms and shared showers
4. The teacher is the only one with a white board
5. Empty school yards
6. Isolated subjects for 40 to 80 minutes
7. Restricting Learning to the classroom
8. Books, Paper and a lot of photocopying
9. Parent Teacher Interviews for 30 minutes per year
10. Schools that teach to the test are obsolete.
Click here for first 14 changes >> 21st Century Schools
Click her for the second article of changes >> More Obsolete Things to Change
Posted to this Blog / Web Page March 28th/17
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Harnessing the Incredible Learning Potential
of the Adolescent Brain
Posted by Mind/Shift
Have a look at this great article on learning and the Adolescent Brain
PLUS
This site is will take you to other great topics:
Teacher Stories
Growth Mind Set
Teaching Strategies
Big Ideas
Games and Learning
Click Here for the article on: The Learning Potential of the Adolescent Brain
Posted to blog Nov. 3, 2016
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9 Elephants In The Classroom
By Will Richardson
FUTURE DIRECTIONS - BIG QUESTIONS
OUTSTANDING ARTICLE
One of the best articles I have read on these issues outlined below:
Posted April 10/16 by Zoe Branigan Pipe to her Facebook Enrichment Page.
I wonder if there is a ministry of education, anywhere around the world, that has addressed these elephants in the classroom.
I worked at a school in the 90's that due to the principal leadership did address these issues. But when he left the elephants returned.
Educational leaders and philosophers have been talking about these changes for decades. (Fullan, Kohn, Freire, Sir Ken Robinson, ) .
Ministers of Education, Directors of program at the Ministry, Directors of Education in Boards, (along with you Zoe, and George Couros and forward thinking educators) need to develop an Inquiry to change what we are doing or we are always going to get what we have gotten in the past.
Factory model classrooms, and curriculum are not the way of the future. Zoe Branigan-Pipe, the classroom environment you are developing should be in every classroom in Ontario.
Why isn't it? What do we do about it?
Mark
THE NINE ELEPHANTS:
1. Most knowledge we teach is forgotten after the test. What really needs to be taught?
2. How do we make schools engaging? Handing a student an iPad is not good enough.
3. How do we structure the physical environment of factory model schools for 21st Century teaching and learning?....and universities and colleges ?
4. We need to assess what matters. What actually matters? We need to stop training students for exams that computers can pass.
5. Learning is being destroyed by administering grades. Look at Kohn's research on what Grades do to learning. See my Blogs Assessment Tab above.
6. What should the 21st Century Curriculum look like? We are not there yet.
7. We know that separating learning into discrete subjects and time blocks is not the best way to prepare kids for the real world.Why are we doing it? Even age groupings are not wise. I had a grade 2 student who could beat every intermediate student in chess. What do we learn from that?
8. We know the system of education as currently constructed is not adequately preparing kids for what follows if and when they graduate. Look at Ontario's Math scores. We better look at what we are doing to remedy that beyond add 20 minutes a day to that old fashioned Math block!
9. And finally, we know that learning that sticks is usually learned informally, that explicit knowledge accounts for very little of our success in most professions.
Click Here for Article and Blog Connection: http://willrichardson.com/9-elephants-classroom-unsettle-us/ http://willrichardson.com/9-elephants-classroom-unsettle-us/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Will Richardson
FUTURE DIRECTIONS - BIG QUESTIONS
OUTSTANDING ARTICLE
One of the best articles I have read on these issues outlined below:
Posted April 10/16 by Zoe Branigan Pipe to her Facebook Enrichment Page.
I wonder if there is a ministry of education, anywhere around the world, that has addressed these elephants in the classroom.
I worked at a school in the 90's that due to the principal leadership did address these issues. But when he left the elephants returned.
Educational leaders and philosophers have been talking about these changes for decades. (Fullan, Kohn, Freire, Sir Ken Robinson, ) .
Ministers of Education, Directors of program at the Ministry, Directors of Education in Boards, (along with you Zoe, and George Couros and forward thinking educators) need to develop an Inquiry to change what we are doing or we are always going to get what we have gotten in the past.
Factory model classrooms, and curriculum are not the way of the future. Zoe Branigan-Pipe, the classroom environment you are developing should be in every classroom in Ontario.
Why isn't it? What do we do about it?
Mark
THE NINE ELEPHANTS:
1. Most knowledge we teach is forgotten after the test. What really needs to be taught?
2. How do we make schools engaging? Handing a student an iPad is not good enough.
3. How do we structure the physical environment of factory model schools for 21st Century teaching and learning?....and universities and colleges ?
4. We need to assess what matters. What actually matters? We need to stop training students for exams that computers can pass.
5. Learning is being destroyed by administering grades. Look at Kohn's research on what Grades do to learning. See my Blogs Assessment Tab above.
6. What should the 21st Century Curriculum look like? We are not there yet.
7. We know that separating learning into discrete subjects and time blocks is not the best way to prepare kids for the real world.Why are we doing it? Even age groupings are not wise. I had a grade 2 student who could beat every intermediate student in chess. What do we learn from that?
8. We know the system of education as currently constructed is not adequately preparing kids for what follows if and when they graduate. Look at Ontario's Math scores. We better look at what we are doing to remedy that beyond add 20 minutes a day to that old fashioned Math block!
9. And finally, we know that learning that sticks is usually learned informally, that explicit knowledge accounts for very little of our success in most professions.
Click Here for Article and Blog Connection: http://willrichardson.com/9-elephants-classroom-unsettle-us/ http://willrichardson.com/9-elephants-classroom-unsettle-us/
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