We hear a lot about 21st century learning in education. About how computers are going to revolutionize and personalize teaching and learning. In fact there's even been a government inquiry into digital learning yet the elephant in the room is assessment. Last month North and South ran an article boldly stating that kids needed to... Continue Reading →
Weekly Reflection: coming back to earth
It was bound to happen I suppose. After seeing an amazing project to completion, there was bound to be a let down. A coming back to earth and the realities that all the work that had been put on hold for the past few weeks. In one sense it was relief. Project-based learning is unbelievably draining. It... Continue Reading →
My verbal submission to the inquiry on 21st century learning
This is a copy of my verbal submission that I made to the education and science select committee into digital learning. I was inspired to make a submission after attending the ignition unconference at Albany Senior High earlier this year. Firstly I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to speak. Today I would like to highlight five... Continue Reading →
How I built a culture of reading in my classroom
Of all the accomplishments I've made in my second term of teaching the one I am most proud of is building a reading culture in my class. This may sound weird as most people seem to assume that geeks eschew books in favour of gadgets. While I have proclaimed my love for my iphone, I... Continue Reading →
The unbearable lightness of making an OTJ on National Standards
Time of year where we are sending home statements about what our students learning goals for the year are. As these are reports going home, they must include a statement about National Standards and be in plain English. Personally I prefer my English in pink and purple polka dots but I digress. I've had a number... Continue Reading →
Weekly Reflection: More than the sum of their academic parts
I have students. 29 of them to be exact. When people talk about raising class sizes as if just a couple of kids won't make much more of a difference I wonder if they have ever actually experienced what is like to mark and analyse the results of 29 students. Don't get me wrong I'm the sort... Continue Reading →
Teaching the Teacher 