Where does FA lie outside the use of a rubric? Continue reading
Using Design Thinking to Help Solve a Wicked Problem
This past fall, multiple grade teams at a Middle School requested support with the Design Thinking Process. As is the case in most schools, the surplus of duties meant the learning occurred later than desired, on a Professional Learning Day in December. Initially we met with the grade 9 team to discuss student-learning needs. They … Continue reading
Metacognition and Outcomes-Based Assessment and Reporting
One of the teachers in our Professional Learning Network recently shared the reflection she designed to guide her grade 8 students through their Science Journals before the first reporting period. Their reflective work is part of the journey of students articulating what they know and are able to do in Science; and see how the … Continue reading
Providing and Developing Instructional Leadership
Providing and Developing Instructional Leadership through a Professional Learning Network Seven years ago, a group of science teachers began a professional learning network (PLN) known as the “Science Leaders’ Group” (SLG) or quite simply a Professional Learning Network. One unique feature of the group is that it spans multiple jurisdictions. Members come and go, but … Continue reading
Actionable Professional Learning
I feel fortunate. Our Professional Learning Network has been mentored for years by the amazing David Townsend and Pamela Adams. One huge take away is their ability to have learners commit to action before leaving each session. Something I have used whenever I work with staff. Simply – what will you commit to doing in … Continue reading
SketchNoting: Make Thinking Visible
Using SketchNoting to allow for reflective thinking…I only wish I did this during my Masters classes…or in Organic Chemistry. Why take up the SketchNoting? Drawing: Is thinking, it sets the conditions for insight and intuition when good ideas just come to you (Lynda Barry); Is more effective than writing alone…even if our drawing skills are not what we … Continue reading
Personalized Instructional Design
Generative learning, student-generated learning, take up the work in ways that are relevant to students… We have heard these buzz-phrases in our profession. What does it truly mean to take up study of a discipline or disciplines in a way that is relevant and rich to students? I know what it likely takes: Disciplinary Knowledge … Continue reading
Leadership: Building a School’s Vision and Mission
Through Design Thinking, teachers were able to develop and articulate their common understanding of teaching and learning to begin the essential basis for school culture moving forward. Continue reading
Instructional Leadership Influencing Pedagogical Practice
Instructional Leadership Influencing Pedagogical Practice: Can your teachers articulate the Beauty, Essence and Grammar of their disciplines? Do your students ever ask: why are we learning this? Do your students struggle to make relevant connections to the real world? Do your students know what it means to work as a mathematician, scientist, writer, or historian? Do your students … Continue reading
Ripple Effect: Design Thinking and Professional Learning
After learning about the Design Thinking strategy of Hexagonal Thinking when she attended a local Curriculum Development Prototyping Session, High School Leader Zoe knew she could apply the tool to her school-based work with staff. (Thanks to Ewan McIntosh and Warren Woytuck for inspiring this work)! Zoe sought to have her staff use Hexagonal Thinking to … Continue reading
Learning & Courage 