Doing something different

This year I decided it was time for me to do something different.  I took on the challenge to be a part time student at Otago University, extramural of course!  I chose Otago purely because I did my teacher training and had a positive experience experience with the staff there.

The paper I am doing is EDUX440: Critical Analysis of Teaching, sounds boring however it was a great way to get amongst a community of teachers and principals from all over to discuss teaching practice.  It helped me to reaffirm my own teaching pedagogy, as we all know it is underpinned by theory and experience, being able to recall exactly where it comes from is sometimes a little bit difficult - at least for me!

I must admit it is challenging at this time of the year with the up and coming report writing and assessments, getting to the finish line with my last assignment has been difficult.  I have been very lucky to be supported by my family, people I work with, and Sheelah who has been so great at proof reading all my assignments.

For the my last assignment I stumbled across this EDtalks from Core Education by Quinn Norton - Students as hackers.


This got me thinking not only about students but as us as educators.  We take apart different theories of teaching and learning and put it back together to create our own pedagogy, our own way of teaching, to create something that is personal to you as an educator.  It may not work exactly for the current class or setting that you teach in however, you adapt and change it.  We're creative and flexible, responsive to it.

So for my next challenge?  Not too sure as yet, still thinking about doing another paper, not too sure.

W1 - Connected Education

October is connected educator month and with all the exciting activities that are happening, TeachThought are continuing their September 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge with Thoughtful Thursday.  The topics look great!  Week 1 Thoughtful Thursday topic:  

What does 'connected education' mean to you?

Connected education means educators connecting with each other to learn from one another whether it is through a professional discussion or connecting with a class.  We are becoming more connected with each other building our PLN to beyond the area we live in.

As I build my PLN and connecting with other 'like minded' people I am growing as an educator.  I'm relatively new to the online community and have already made so many connections.  If you haven't started, I suggest you do so.  There is a rich resource out there that we all can benefit from each other.

Day 30 - Fearless Educators

I've always thought of myself as a fearless educator, pushing the limits and doing something different with my class, as I'm not afraid to get it wrong and say I'm sorry.  I love the feeling you get when you push it that little bit further, the excitement in the class when they are doing something different.

Reflecting upon this, it has always been within the limits of the school.  So, to answer the final 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge topic - what would you do as an educator if you weren't afraid?

*Skype experts across the world
*Tweet more often
*Share with the world the amazing things we do
*Present at a conference
*Ask why more often

Imagine what the world would be like if we were all fearless educators!

Day 29 - Change is the only Constant

I've always thought of myself as someone who doesn't like to sit still, when it comes to teaching and learning.  There is always something more I can do, another way I could deliver it, or something new to try.  When I get my teeth into something I like to keep pushing and challenging myself and the students.  I am very lucky that I have great people around me who continue to help me and my "crazy ideas!"

Reflecting upon my career and the changes that I have made so far, it is amazing how far I've come.  I trained at Otago University, a part of the last of the class before they merged with the teachers college.  My passion for teaching and learning began there.

Since getting my job in the Hawkes Bay, my approach to teaching has changed as I have developed my professional knowledge and experience.

What I value as an educator:

*relationships

*respect

*learner responsibility

*the learner at the heart of it

*procedures

*high expectations

These values stay the same but the approach to it changes each year.  When reflecting upon how I have changed over the years, the procedures and expectations have become more specific, how I build relationships with the students and their whanau have changed from phone calls twice a year to weekly emails, developed the use and understanding of respect and relationships have also changed, and the list goes on.

I have always believed that it all starts with the learner, I suppose that's why personalising learning fits me well.  Personalising learning is a journey I have been on for a wee while now and has changed over the years, moving from full personalising learning to only aspects of it.  I am pleased to be changing again to move again to full personalising learning and have addressed the issues in which we faced a few years ago.

Change is always going to happen if we want it to or not.  As mentioned in other posts, education is rapidly evolving and there is a need for us to slow down and decide what is best for our learners.  I may not like to sit still for too long however, that does not stop me from making that decision of what is best for our learners.  

Change is good, if it is for the good of our learners.