Our HOF Inquiry this year has been the following:
What will an innovative learning environment look like at Sacred Heart Girls’ College New Plymouth?
Recently I added this particular clip by Charles Leadbeater.
I am now reading the findings of the inquiry along with the HoF group. We are discussing next steps. I believe the following are key conditions that can make a difference:
- A vision for learning is incessantly and clearly communicated
What is our vision? Make sure you know where you are going.
- Learning is future-focused
The world is changing, make sure the learning context recognises this. Observe the students, how they work and communicate. Email is becoming obsolete. Find different ways to assess e.g. make a website or tweet an answer.
- Culture takes time and perseverance
Once you have the vision – prioritise your steps. The reality is, change will take time. If you believe it, be resolute. Help those who are struggling to change, but stick to your guns.
- Be student centred
Do students have voice or agency? Put current practices through the ‘learning’ filter – do they still belong?
- Equipped and supported staff are essential
Vision + ‘Learning’ Filter = Regular PD to support through change. (Fullan)
- Technology is an environment for learning, not the driver
Students live in a world of technology – the school-world needs be relevant.
- Relationships matter
In the midst of all the learning, technology and activity nothing matters more than quality relationships. Students need to belong, be known, valued and accepted. This is only achieved through relationship. Our GEMS programme is central to this.
- Learning is authentic
Set in a real-world context, skills will be learnt readily when there is purpose.
- Creativity and innovation have expression
There will always be barriers to innovation, find ways to break or go around them. Support those who are willing to make the first step and embrace failure. See an earlier blog on this.
The inquiry continues.