KET PLG @ Kaikohe West School

So on Sunday morning I get a call from my lovely partner in crime (Teaching buddy) asking... "did you know you are listed as presenting on Tuesday?"  UMMM NO!  I even had to ask what was I actually meant to be presenting, as I had no idea.

This was a chance to share our mini-inquiries that we completed last year.  I was partnered up with Debra Wallace from Kaikohe West and she did an amazing job of operating the technology, time keeping, and adding little bits as we went.  Thanks Deb!

Initially Jane talked to us and led us into our PLG presentation today, she shared with us a snapshot of our collective data that we would then look over in greater detail.  Teachers then split off into 2 groups that were to swap over mid way. 

Student Agency - Raewyn and Mattie

First we listened to Raewyn and Mattie present their mini inquiry on student agency.  

It was great hearing others ideas on what student agency looks like and how it aids both learning and students perception of themselves.  Great presentation too!

Vocabulary and Language building - Kariene and Deb
 This presentation went well.  It was great hearing about the different levels and ways to enhance language across the curriculum and also across the different age ranges and schools.  It was fantastic to hear how we have all begun moving our practices to those that encourage and enhance this language.  Was blown away by many of the secondary schools and how they also were continue to extend vocabulary even a their level.

Lots of focused discussion and sharing.

Parent Views on Blogging

As part of my MIT inquiry I began questioning parents on their thoughts for blogging.  This is a collection of responses they gave us with regards to blogs.  I have decided to share this here (and also include these as part of my Presentation for Ed Tech Sydney) as it really establishes the importance of having blogging as a part of our learning/teaching process.  

These responses were great to hear/see as this has been a big focus for me with my MIT inquiry but also for Team Maunga as a whole this year.

Interesting to note that the main thing that parents said we could improve on was having more posts.  This sentiment truly says something for the value they are now putting on our blog.  We had a lot of giggles together (parents and teachers) when they relayed the lengths their kids go to, to get their parents to comment on our blog.  

This year I have to say blogging has been HUGELY successful in how often our blog is getting outside comments and the value these are adding to the children and their learning.  They love to see their work being valued from others and to also have feedback and questions asked of them that makes them think about their learning in different ways.

Blogging has also been a great motivator for all children!