KET 2019 - Teacher Only Day @ Waitangi

Pat Snedden welcomed us in via a link and we were able to hear him inspire us by talking about about the importance of our work in the KET and how it supports the wider network.  He discussed the importance of both our MET and KET vacancies and the need we have to fill them so that we could access as much support as possible.

Following Pat's welcome, we had Mark Osborne as a Key note speaker.  He discussed the 'maker movement' and again inspired us all to be not consumers of technology, knowledge and everything that this world has to offer but rather creators/innovators of it.  He further inspired us to do this in our classrooms and to get our kids inspired and motivated in this endevour.

We then broke into our first workshop.

Workshop 1 - Enhancing writing

This is one that I got asked to run, initially back in November 2018, following my presentation in AKL at the principals wananga.  This was a great opportunity to present the tool I had created in 2018 to teachers within our cluster and to have them work through a portion of if.

Unfortunately due to WiFi issues at the venue this was more frustrating than anything.  We had lots of people attend this workshop, but only some were able to access and begin using the framework and support materials within the site.  

However Feedback from those that were involved, enjoyed the workshop, were excited about the framework and resource, and could see lots of opportunities to use this in their teaching practice (regardless of the age they were teaching).  So this was a success.  SHAME ABOUT THE WIFI!

Workshop 2 - The Maker Movement (Mark Osborne)

Following this workshop my next workshop was to attend the one by Mark Osborne based around the maker movement.  This was lots of fun, with lots of hands on examples and problem solving.  Can't wait to get my hands on the presentation he shared with us, so watch this space.

KET Waitangi Day TOD

This morning I had to get up early to leave this beautiful location and attend our Annual KET TOD.  This year I was lucky to catch a ride with our New Principal, which allowed for lots of professional conversations as we took our hour long journey there and back.

Great company and coffee.  Thanks Michelle.

Learning from the day.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) :

Based on Research (including Hattie etc). Organised around the three principles and then three guidelines
(Independence, support and challenge, and access)

Ideas from discussions.

When setting up our learning spaces this year we need to do a check that the design that we run with is inclusive for all. Some children need quite, some need noise, some need movement, some need to be close to the door, gender differences and cultural differences are real, and some have physical limitations that need to be catered for.

In addition we learn't about the 3 domains (networks) and how that if we get this Universal Design for Learning right then the three domains (or networks) Engagement/Representation/Action and Expression will work together to increase learning and students perception of themselves as learners. This requires us as educators to foster and ensure that Favorable inclusive education. To do this the key element is to keep our Tamariki at the center of EVERYTHING we say and do. This also transcends to our digital environment, sites, and blogs.

3 Domains (Networks)

1. Effective Network (WHY of Learning) Emotions, What motivates you, What is in it for me? ENGAGEMENT - Offer options and supports to stimulate motivation and sustained enthusiasm for learning.
2. Recognition Network (WHAT) Immediate processing to make meaning, perception, senses - you look at something and it makes sense (attached to your memory), understanding REPRESENTATION - Present information in different ways to support access and understanding.
3. Strategic Network (HOW) organizing, planning, monitoring ACTION AND EXPRESSION - Offer options and supports so everyone can create, learn share

As part of this discussion the concept of Cognitive Strain vs Cognitive Relief was discussed.

Quote of the day
Seek diverse perspective and walk in my shoes, offer solutions to everyone