Professional Learning Podcast

Summary

In this episode, Simon Jones speaks with Aaron Moniz and Scott Jamieson from Inspire Citizens about their work in global citizenship education at Alice Smith School. They discuss the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of whole-school programming, and how to engage various stakeholders in the educational process. The conversation highlights the need for intentional curriculum design that incorporates global citizenship principles, as well as ongoing collaboration with schools like Alice Smith to create meaningful learning experiences for pupils.

Takeaways

• Inspire Citizens focuses on developing global citizenship in schools.
• The Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for schools to align their missions.
• Curriculum design is essential to ensure all pupils have access to global citizenship education.
• Engaging stakeholders is crucial for building a culture of global citizenship.
• Whole-school programming takes time and commitment to implement effectively.
• Intentionality in teaching can enhance pupil engagement and learning outcomes.
• Global citizenship education can be integrated into existing curricula without being an add-on.
• Collaboration with community partners enriches the learning experience for pupils.
• Evidence of learning and impact is important for sustaining global citizenship initiatives.
• The future of education requires adapting to the needs of a globalised world.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

Summary

In this episode, Alan McCarthy and Dr Gerard Calnin discuss the innovative beliefs and dispositions tool used at Alice Smith School as part of their educator recruitment practice. This conversation highlights the importance of selecting and retaining teachers not only for their pedagogical expertise but also for their values, beliefs, and dispositions. The discussion explores how the tool is applied in practice, why collective efficacy among teachers matters, and uses the metaphor of the river of learning to illustrate the different levels of student engagement and growth. The episode closes with insights into how school environments can embody and reinforce shared beliefs about learning.

Takeaways

• Efficacious teachers demonstrate persistence, collaboration, and impact.
• Understanding students’ learning beliefs enhances engagement.
• Cultural awareness is vital in international schools.
• Self-regulation and problem-solving are key dispositions for success.
• Collective efficacy among teachers improves student outcomes.
• Physical learning spaces should reflect belief in students’ potential.
• Using the metaphor of the river of learning to illustrate the different levels of student engagement and growth

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

Gerard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-calnin-44a93114/?originalSubdomain=au

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

In this podcast episode, Simon Jones chats with Rebecca and Lynn to explore the concept of concept-based learning in education. They discuss the importance of pedagogy, the application of concept-based learning across various subjects, and how it fosters more profound understanding and transferable skills in students. The conversation highlights real-world applications, assessment methods, and teachers' role as learning facilitators. They also emphasise the significance of involving parents in the educational process and the ongoing journey of innovation in teaching practices.

Takeaways

• Concept-based learning focuses on deeper understanding rather than rote memorisation.
• Pedagogy is crucial in how teachers support student learning.
• Concepts can be applied across all subjects in education.
• Real-world applications of concepts enhance student engagement.
• Assessment should focus on generalisations and understanding rather than just facts.
• Teachers are shifting from knowledge deliverers to facilitators of learning.
• Involving parents in the learning process is essential for student success.
• Concepts are timeless and can be applied to various contexts.
• Inquiry-based learning encourages curiosity and active participation.
• Collaboration among teachers enhances the learning experience.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency

Summary

The conversation revolves around the Melbourne Metrics, a framework developed by the University of Melbourne to assess complex competencies in education. The speakers discuss the importance of these competencies, which include agency, collaboration, communication, ethical action, active citizenship, and quality thinking. They explore the strategic roadmap for implementing these metrics in their school, the research and trials being conducted, insights gained from visits to Melbourne, and the focus on communication as a key competency. The conversation concludes with a call to action for educators to engage with the Melbourne Metrics and support the trial phase.

Takeaways

• Melbourne Metrics assess broader learning ambitions beyond academics.
• Complex competencies are teachable, observable, and transferable skills.
• The framework emphasizes a strength-based approach to learning.
• Collaboration and communication are essential for student success.
• Active citizenship encourages students to engage with their communities.
• Quality thinking leads to better outcomes in learning.
• The strategic roadmap guides the implementation of these competencies.
• Research and trials are crucial for effective adoption.
• Professional development is necessary for educators to support these changes.
• The ultimate goal is to prepare students for an uncertain future.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency

Summary

This conversation explores the concept of learning spaces, their evolution, and the importance of designing environments that enhance student experiences. The discussion highlights the historical context of learning spaces, influential figures in the field, and the significance of stakeholder involvement in the redesign process. As part of our school masterplan, this discussion focuses on the potential impact of reimagined learning spaces on educational outcomes and the community as a whole.

Key Takeaways

• Learning spaces are crucial for enhancing student experiences.
• Designing spaces intentionally can help students express themselves.
• Technology integration is key to future learning environments.
• Stakeholder involvement is essential in redesigning learning spaces.
• Successful learning spaces can positively impact student agency.
• The future of education relies on creating innovative learning environments.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency

Summary

The conversation focuses on the innovative learning support services at Alice Smith School, discussing the admissions process, monitoring student progress, and the collaboration between primary and secondary campuses. The speakers highlight the importance of creating a welcoming environment for new students, the role of personalised learning assistants, and the ongoing efforts to enhance educational experiences for all learners.

Takeaways

• The Alice Smith School has restructured its learning support services to better assist students.
• New learning support staff have been integrated to enhance student experiences.
• Trial mornings are conducted to help new students acclimate to the school environment.
• Communication with parents is prioritised to ensure they are informed about their child's progress.
• The school utilises Seesaw to monitor and share student progress with parents.
• Workshops for parents are essential to clarify the roles of support staff.
• Collaboration between primary and secondary campuses is crucial for student transitions.
• Student support programs involve Year 12 students mentoring younger students.
• Feedback from students and parents is actively sought to improve support services.
• Future developments aim to enhance the learning environment for all students.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

Summary

In this podcast episode, Simon Jones speaks with Nicole Ferguson and Rachael Collinson about the critical topic of safeguarding in educational settings. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of safeguarding, and the evolving challenges posed by online safety. The conversation highlights the implementation of CPOMS, a child protection online management system, and the significance of early intervention in supporting vulnerable students. The episode concludes with insights into future directions for safeguarding practices and the importance of community involvement.

Takeaways

• Safeguarding is essential for protecting children in schools.
• Both speakers have backgrounds in law enforcement and social work.
• Online safety education is crucial for today's students.
• CPOMS helps streamline child protection processes.
• Early intervention can significantly impact student welfare.
• Communication with parents is vital for effective safeguarding.
• Safeguarding responsibilities extend to all staff and visitors.
• Student involvement in safeguarding policies is important.
• The digital world presents new challenges for safeguarding.
• Building a safeguarding culture requires ongoing training and collaboration.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

Summary

In this episode, Simon Jones interviews Rachel French, the director of Professional Learning International. They discuss the importance of student agency in education and how it can be fostered through concept-based inquiry. Rachel shares examples of students taking ownership of their learning and making a difference in their communities. She also provides practical strategies for teachers to implement concept-based inquiry in their classrooms. The physical and cultural environment of the classroom plays a crucial role in promoting student agency. Rachel encourages educators to try new approaches and notice the positive shifts in student thinking.

Takeaways

• Student agency is crucial in preparing students for the future, where creative thinking and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
• Teachers can foster student agency by empowering students to take responsibility for their own learning and providing opportunities for voice, choice, and ownership.
• The physical environment of the classroom should support collaboration and student-centered learning.
• The cultural environment should include diverse and culturally relevant examples and case studies.
• Educators can start by trying one strategy or approach and observing the positive shifts in student engagement and understanding.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

Alice Smith School's Professional Learning Podcast, where we explore innovative strategies and insights to elevate educators' professional growth.

Join us as we embark on a journey of continuous learning and development, tailored specifically for the dedicated educators at Alice Smith School.

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.

Alice Smith School's Professional Learning Podcast, where we explore innovative strategies and insights to elevate educators' professional growth.

Join us as we embark on a journey of continuous learning and development, tailored specifically for the dedicated educators at Alice Smith School.

Links online

Dan's Website: https://danhaesler.com/

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.