Student-led PD

About 3 years ago when my son was in grade 3 I showed him how to use Prezi.  He quickly became proficient with this tool and started utilising it for some presentations he had to do at school.  When his teachers saw what he was doing they started asking him to show them some of the basics, and when they wanted to do more complex stuff they would ask my son if he knew how to do it.  He felt very good about teaching his teachers and this extra responsibility inspired him to continue learning and pushing the boundaries with Prezi - so much so that I now direct my Prezi questions to him as well.

It is no secret that our students are often more tech savvy than we are.  It is also no secret that school directed and provided PD relating to technology often does not meet the needs of the participants.  As Keane states, " 'One-off' professional development sessions or workshops do not translate to productivity in the classroom, especially when taught out of context." (2011).  So how can we provide more relevant 'just in time' PD for teachers, while at the same time utilise the vast technological skills and knowledge of our students?

The formation of a student tech club can help to identify potential student tutors - students who can work with teachers, one on one or in small groups, to help build their personal capacity with regard to the use of technology in the classroom.  The outcomes of having students lead PD for teachers could be:

1. Student self-esteem is boosted
2. Student skills and knowledge are recognised and valued
3. Teacher skills and knowledge improves (therefore so can teaching and learning)
4. Student-teacher relationships can be fostered in a different environment

If you, like most schools, are struggling to find the time and personnel resources to meet the ever increasing PD demands relating to technology, you may find that you have invaluable resources in your student population who can help.  Find out what you can learn from your students - I am sure they will appreciate it.

Reference: Keane, T. (2011). ICT Leadership in Schools Part 1. The Australian Educational Leader, 33 (4), pp. 20-24.

A Great Time to be in Education!

With Dr Penland, Mr Petrey, and Mr Wendling currently in Canada and the US for recruiting, my meeting schedule has lightened somewhat. This has enabled me to spend more time in the classrooms - in the last two days I have been in 20 different middle school classes. I have observed so much learning and so much enjoyment and engagement in these classes! Here's some of what I have observed:

• Grade 8 students creating stop animation movies in Design Tech - displaying real inquiry
• Grade 6 students writing short stories and sharing these with their peers - examples of great thinkers and communicators
• Grade 7 and 8 students learning the finer points of volleyball - a great example of being balanced
• Grade 6 students performing in a guitar ensemble - another example of balance and also of being knowledgeable and taking risks
• Grade 6 students participating in drama activities involving lots of movement and risk taking
• Grade 7 students researching the countries of South America - demonstrating very open-minded attitudes
• Grade 6, 7, and 8 students studying the language and cultures of Korea, China, and Spanish speaking nations in their world language classes - students have been taking risks, communicating, inquiring, open-minded and principled
• Students enjoying the stories of the Bible and learning the value of prayer - thinking students who are balanced and caring
• Grade 7 students engaging with books and taking their online AR quizzes - communicating their knowledge
• Grade 7 students taking a Science test, while the grade 6 students were learning all about heat and conduction - students being knowledgeable, inquirers, and risk-takers
• Grade 8 boys working an interdisciplinary assessment that involves researching North Korea in Humanities and writing the report in their English class - this has really challenged the students to be inquirers, open-minded, caring, principled, and balanced in their views and preconceptions

After a visit to each class I have the same thought - Wow! Our students are learning so much and in so many different and exciting ways. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or an administrator, this really is a wonderful time to be involved in education!