Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Podcast: Good Failure vs. Bad Failure
In this episode, Don and Melissa talk about both types of failure: good and bad. The projects are reflecting which groups are still going strong and the challenges of some of the groups. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Search iTunes for Harmonized Learning in the podcast section and click "subscribe". You can also follow us on Twitter @melissahellwig4 and @dayankee
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Educational Readings Alfie Kohn and 'grit'/ brain research/ Anthony Cody/ educational books and TED talks
By Allan Alach
I welcome suggested articles, so if you come across a gem, email it to me at allan.alach@ihug.co.nz.
This week’s homework!
The Downside of "Grit"
What Really Happens When Kids Are Pushed to Be More Persistent?
One of the latest GERM bandwagon is the notion of ‘grit.’ In other words, children with ‘grit’ will achieve and from there it follows that driving children is the key to success, or the inverse, that children who
are not achieving lack ‘grit’ (i.e. are lazy). Alfie Kohn, typically, deconstructs ‘grit’ in this article.
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| Purpose more imp than 'grit' |
‘Grit is usually justified as a way to boost academic achievement, which sounds commendable. But take a moment to reflect on other possible goals one might have for children -- for example, to lead a life that’s happy and fulfilling, morally admirable, creative, or characterized by psychological health. Any of those objectives would almost certainly lead to prescriptions quite different from “Do one thing and never give up.”’
Whole Brain Teaching…?
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| Whole brain teaching???? |
“I’m not saying Whole Brain Teaching is useless, I’m not saying anything about the method itself, but the “brain” claims are misleading. Many of the things they recommend are teaching aids and classroom exercises, and no doubt those are helpful.”
Is ‘filling the pail’ any way to train teachers?
Sticking with the drill and kill theme, here’s an article from 2012 about a similar methodology for ‘training’ teachers.
“I do not fault the teacher in the video for her style. She is performing as taught by a system that, in my opinion, better prepares students for the dutiful obedience of the military than for the intellectual challenges they will encounter in college.”
The Classroom of the Future: Student Centered or Device Centered?
Anthony Cody looking at claims for device centred education. His conclusion is not good for Gates, Murdoch et al.
“And I think these devices will fail ultimately fail to deliver. Here is why.
Do boys dislike school? Or just what they’re learning?
Risky Play: Why Children Love It and Need It
“An ironic fact is that children are far more likely to injure themselves in adult-directed sports
than in their own freely chosen, self-directed play. That’s because the adult encouragement and competitive nature of the sports lead children to take risks--both of hurting themselves and of hurting others—that they would not choose to take in free play. “
Scientists’ depressing new discovery about the brain
This one’s not directly educational but I’m sure you will see the relevance …
“Science Confirms: Politics Wrecks Your Ability to Do Math.”
Reading Comprehension: Paper or Screen?
A long and somewhat technical article, but don’t let that put you off.
“This suggests that it will not be long before electronic reading might be a better choice than paper reading for reading for comprehension. Such a claim, of course, depends on the familiarity of readers with the interface of that reading technology and its ability to allow for the reading features listed here.”
This week’s contributions from Bruce Hammonds:
.JPG) |
| Love Robert Fried |
Here’s Bruce’s own pick of ‘must read’ educational books. Which list do you prefer? What would be in your essential book list?
“I have searched through my postings for some of the best books that provide courage for teachers to make stand against the current anti educational approaches of a market forces competitive ideology.”
50 Ted Talks Every Educator Should Check Out (2014 Edition)
“Using TED Talks to convey an important message or spark creativity might be more effective in teaching students than an individual agenda or preconceived notion of what should be said.”
Is boredom the real epidemic in our schools?
Rapidly being made worse by standards based classrooms…
 |
| Engaging students |
“It is time we rethink the environments in which we are raising our children and what our priorities are. Are our schools places that provide an environment where childhood can be a happy time full of wonder and exploration? What does that look like and what would it take to make that a reality for children?”
We have lost so much over the past 50 years. We need to return leadership back to creative teachers.
From Bruce’s oldies but goodies file:
.JPG) |
| The principal myth |
http://bit.ly/14oaM8E
NZ teachers 'Like lambs to be slaughtered ( National's Educational
handout)
A must read blog for kiwi teachers!!
NZ teachers 'Like lambs to be slaughtered ( National's Educational
A must read blog for kiwi teachers!!
Monday, 7 April 2014
New Zealand Education at Risk -Kelvin Smythe leads the charge. And good on Ernie!
Networkonnet
An independent voice on education speaking out on matters that need to be spoken about.
Ernie Buutveld delivers: when a person of Ernie’s stature does this, we should all listen intently
Recently I took the opportunity to venture to Wellington to meet some friends including sources. As is my wont when important meetings are being held, if the opportunity arises, I like to pop in to have a look-see. I did this with the NZ Principals moot meeting for a quick half-hour, also I had a quick discussion with some of the attending principals.
In his heartfelt letter Ernie writes that the moot was ‘an important day in the life of NZ education when recommendations will be made about either a rejection of these policies and their direction, or a capitulation by the sector to a government hell bent on an ideology and educational framework/landscape fundamentally different to that in which New Zealand has traditionally excelled.’
I will do a full report on the moot goings-on later – but as a quick summary, I’m sorry to say that the moot was a shambles: it had all the appearance of an executive stalling for time so they could capitulate without referring things back to the membership for a vote – or as Phil put it, stay in so they can help shape the policy. Phil was embarrassing in his expressions of mateship with Peter. I’m thrilled you have a little friend Phil, but please don’t allow the cost of that to be decades more pain and frustration for teachers and principals.
Most telling was Phil going around saying he had a big secret but he couldn’t tell anybody, but if people knew they would stay with the policy. (I want to make clear, I don’t support disengaging from the policy at this stage; I support staying in with clear bottom lines.) That big secret is no secret at all, it is that the government was going to put NZEI down and force things through no matter what. Actually, it won’t be as easy or comfortable for the government to do this as it might think, especially in election year. It will, though, be made considerably easier if the government can parade NZPF as supporting the policy. It’s not love Phil its just lust (for power).
I think a combined teacher organisation can win this one, but winning is not everything – as was the case for national standards, opposing them to spread suspicion and undermine policy credibility can bring rewards in the long term. In these troubled times, a retreat to Moscow is a legitimate and effective policy strategy.
The great thing is, for this campaign, teachers have the best catch-argument: ‘We believe that more money for special needs, lower class size, more support staff, and computers is what is needed, not unbalanced pay rises for some teachers based on the dodgy Shanghai model.’ and so on – happy days.
Congratulations to the Marlborough principals – their declaration through Ernie is in the best traditions of education history, culture, and New Zealand citizenship.
Principals generally have a mentoring group or cluster which is self-selected and meets about four times a year for mutual benefit. They of course cover a multitude of issues as they see them. I am in such a professional cluster we call our Principal Professional Learning Group or (PPLG). It comprises six experienced school leaders who at one time or another have or remain working somewhere in the Top of the South.
My group met over the last weekend and the more we talked and assimilated information about the changes being driven by the government, the more concerned we became. In fact we were so moved that we felt we could not do nothing in the face of the rate and nature of change being wrought by this government on NZ’s schooling. To this end we have written a media release in the faint hope that we might awaken parents and grandparents about what we are about to lose. Parents through their trustees have no voice through the NZ School Trustees Association – a pity as they need to know what is happening.
I have attached the press release and some supporting material you may be interested in reading as background – one puts it very succinctly namely the YouTube link. I was the New Zealand Principals’ Federation president in 2009 and 2010 when National Standards were introduced. These reforms sit squarely on these dubious measures of educational progress and achievement – now viewed by teachers and school leaders as the measuring stick with which our schooling system will be bashed to death for the sake of privatisation under the guise of lifting achievement.
I urge you to become familiar with the material supplied and of course whatever else you will undoubtedly source yourself. As a granddad I am increasingly concerned for my grandchildren’s schooling experiences. Perhaps you will be able to prompt Marlborough folk to look more closely at developments in education.
Watch this excellent video
The NZPF is holding its Presidents’ Moot tomorrow in Wellington with 120 of its regional presidents. All these threads will be discussed in strong voice at the James Cook. The Minister Hekia Parata , Secretary for Education Peter Hughes and other high-ranking MoE folk will be present. The moot is an important day in the life of NZ education when recommendations will be made about either a rejection of these policies and their direction, or a capitulation by the sector to a government hell bent on an ideology and educational framework/landscape fundamentally different to that in which New Zealand has traditionally excelled.’
Ka kite ano
Ernie
Ernie Buutveld ANZEI
+64 27 448 4789
Principal/Tumuaki
Havelock School
www.havelock.school.nz
A letter by Ernie
In his heartfelt letter Ernie writes that the moot was ‘an important day in the life of NZ education when recommendations will be made about either a rejection of these policies and their direction, or a capitulation by the sector to a government hell bent on an ideology and educational framework/landscape fundamentally different to that in which New Zealand has traditionally excelled.’
I will do a full report on the moot goings-on later – but as a quick summary, I’m sorry to say that the moot was a shambles: it had all the appearance of an executive stalling for time so they could capitulate without referring things back to the membership for a vote – or as Phil put it, stay in so they can help shape the policy. Phil was embarrassing in his expressions of mateship with Peter. I’m thrilled you have a little friend Phil, but please don’t allow the cost of that to be decades more pain and frustration for teachers and principals.
Most telling was Phil going around saying he had a big secret but he couldn’t tell anybody, but if people knew they would stay with the policy. (I want to make clear, I don’t support disengaging from the policy at this stage; I support staying in with clear bottom lines.) That big secret is no secret at all, it is that the government was going to put NZEI down and force things through no matter what. Actually, it won’t be as easy or comfortable for the government to do this as it might think, especially in election year. It will, though, be made considerably easier if the government can parade NZPF as supporting the policy. It’s not love Phil its just lust (for power).
I think a combined teacher organisation can win this one, but winning is not everything – as was the case for national standards, opposing them to spread suspicion and undermine policy credibility can bring rewards in the long term. In these troubled times, a retreat to Moscow is a legitimate and effective policy strategy.
The great thing is, for this campaign, teachers have the best catch-argument: ‘We believe that more money for special needs, lower class size, more support staff, and computers is what is needed, not unbalanced pay rises for some teachers based on the dodgy Shanghai model.’ and so on – happy days.
Congratulations to the Marlborough principals – their declaration through Ernie is in the best traditions of education history, culture, and New Zealand citizenship.
- – -
Media release by Ernie
Tēnā koePrincipals generally have a mentoring group or cluster which is self-selected and meets about four times a year for mutual benefit. They of course cover a multitude of issues as they see them. I am in such a professional cluster we call our Principal Professional Learning Group or (PPLG). It comprises six experienced school leaders who at one time or another have or remain working somewhere in the Top of the South.
My group met over the last weekend and the more we talked and assimilated information about the changes being driven by the government, the more concerned we became. In fact we were so moved that we felt we could not do nothing in the face of the rate and nature of change being wrought by this government on NZ’s schooling. To this end we have written a media release in the faint hope that we might awaken parents and grandparents about what we are about to lose. Parents through their trustees have no voice through the NZ School Trustees Association – a pity as they need to know what is happening.
I have attached the press release and some supporting material you may be interested in reading as background – one puts it very succinctly namely the YouTube link. I was the New Zealand Principals’ Federation president in 2009 and 2010 when National Standards were introduced. These reforms sit squarely on these dubious measures of educational progress and achievement – now viewed by teachers and school leaders as the measuring stick with which our schooling system will be bashed to death for the sake of privatisation under the guise of lifting achievement.
I urge you to become familiar with the material supplied and of course whatever else you will undoubtedly source yourself. As a granddad I am increasingly concerned for my grandchildren’s schooling experiences. Perhaps you will be able to prompt Marlborough folk to look more closely at developments in education.
Watch this excellent video
The NZPF is holding its Presidents’ Moot tomorrow in Wellington with 120 of its regional presidents. All these threads will be discussed in strong voice at the James Cook. The Minister Hekia Parata , Secretary for Education Peter Hughes and other high-ranking MoE folk will be present. The moot is an important day in the life of NZ education when recommendations will be made about either a rejection of these policies and their direction, or a capitulation by the sector to a government hell bent on an ideology and educational framework/landscape fundamentally different to that in which New Zealand has traditionally excelled.’
Ka kite ano
Ernie
Ernie Buutveld ANZEI
+64 27 448 4789
Principal/Tumuaki
Havelock School
www.havelock.school.nz
They Got Their Idea Off the Ground!
Our Hovercrafting 101 group is making great progress. Over the weekend, they completed a first test of their prototype. Using everyday items, they have learned enough to get their idea off the ground...literally!
Friday, 4 April 2014
Educational Readings- misled by PISA/ Marion Brady and creativity
By Allan Alach
This week’s stomach churning video:
How To Begin Whole Brain Teaching
I welcome suggested articles, so if you come across a gem, email it to me at allan.alach@ihug.co.nz.
This week’s homework!
The Difference Between Praise and Feedback
“Are the particular words we use to talk to our kids so important? And how do we convey positive feelings without negative consequences?”
You’re Not As Busy As You Say You Are
I was recently involved in a Facebook discussion about teachers’ poor record in reading professional documents (probably including this) because they are too busy. Say, what? Seems this is a world wide problem. But are teachers really too busy?
“The art of busyness is to convey genuine alarm at the pace of your life and a helpless resignation, as if someone else is setting the clock, and yet simultaneously make it clear that you are completely on top of your game. These are not exactly humble brags. They are more like fretful brags, and they are increasingly becoming the idiom of our age.”
“Creativity is based on thinking unconventionally, having time to daydream or simply reflect, understanding that there is no single right answer, and appreciating and valuing failure. All of these experiences run counter to what’s measured, and thus valued, in the public school system.”
How Does PISA Put the World at Risk (Part 4): Misleading the World
The next instalment of Zong Zhao’s critique of PISA.
 |
| Sampling errors! |
Why do we make students sit still in class? (via Michael Fawcett)
Because .. (insert your ideologue of choice)…. says so…
“This doesn't bode well for academic success in traditional classrooms, where sitting quietly is a prerequisite for nearly all instruction. I cringe in anticipation of the notes my
sons' constant motion and chatter will prompt future teachers to send home. I worry that their intellectual prosperity will be curtailed by the simple, but daunting, expectation that they sit still for hours each day.”
Schools have limited success in reducing bullying, new analysis finds
“The study revealed that schools are trying many different approaches to protect students, and while the more comprehensive programs have been the most effective, they require substantial commitment and school resources to be successful.”
The 50 great books on education
Great list. Strange, though, there’s nothing about standards/testing/raising achievement … I wonder why? Which books would you add?
“I have often argued that I would not let any teacher into a school unless – as a minimum – they had read, carefully and well, the three great books on education: Plato’s Republic, Rousseau’s Émile and Dewey’s Democracy and Education. There would be no instrumental purpose in this, but the struggle to understand these books and the thinking involved in understanding them would change teachers and ultimately teaching.”
 |
| My Fav book - Bruce |
My List - Bruce Hammonds! ( Click on name)
10 things wrong with what kids learn in school
An article by Marion Brady, that looks at the situation in the USA. However, you may find it worthwhile identifying similarities in your own country. Recommended.
“Mainstream media, cued by corporate press releases, routinely claim that America’s schools are markedly inferior to schools in other developed nations. The claim is part of an organized, long-running, generously funded campaign to undermine confidence in public schools to “prove” the need to privatize them.”
Education Hackers: They’re Heeere
A vitally important posting from the USA, about the hacking and destruction of the United Opt Out website. Powerful forces are at work. Its also vital to note that, once again, the evil influence of ALEC on education policy in the USA, which then seeps out to other countries. I especially draw attention to italic section about access to student data. “No later than {insert date}, an authorized LEA user shall be able to access student data in a Student Achievement Backpack….”
This week’s contributions from Bruce Hammonds:
Controlled Chaos: Project Based Learning
“I think this [PBL] is awesome. It gives us real-world experience for things we will have to do as an adult. We have to learn to work with other teams and communicate our thoughts and ideas. It also motivates us more because we are all working toward a common goal.”
Creative teachers for inspiration or corporate compliance/control?
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| Time to stand out!! |
“It comes down to standardisation versus personalisation; creativity versus compliance and conformity. Formulaic ‘best practice’ teaching versus insights gained and shared between teachers.”
Podcast: Ted Talks and Twitter
In this episode, Don and Melissa talk about end-of-project Ted Talks and the value of building a Professional Learning Network (PLN) on Twitter. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Search iTunes for Harmonized Learning in the podcast section and click "subscribe". You can also follow us on Twitter @melissahellwig4 and @dayankee
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Creative teachers for inspiration or corporate compliance/control?
 |
| Choices to be made! |
With the election drawing near the choices are sharpening – or ought to be. Creative education will depend on who is the government post-election. So far the opposition Labour Party have yet to provide an alternative vision to attract voters. If they don’t – if they are seen as simply a little better than National, they will lose.
It’s time for all people share in the apparent growing wealth of the few – the disparity between the rich and the poor is still growing. In schools the government talks about an ‘achievement gap’ , ignoring the effects of growing poverty and sees the solution as developing ‘super’ principals, cluster principals and lead teachers as the answer – such people obviously chosen because of their adherence to National’s policies – National Standards.
If you haven’t seen this u -tube presentations do so – it explains simply the future under National .
Read and watch video from Kelvin Smythe Important!!
Read and watch video from Kelvin Smythe Important!!
As well there is the growing acceptance of a secondary outlook in determining the future- Ministry advisers are all too often promoted secondary school subject teachers. The Secondary Union, it seems, is behind the government’s super principals and lead teacher model. They see promotions ahead. The PPTA support is ironic because they were once the most supportive and aggressive for progressive educational change. The primary union, the NZEI, is fighting the battle and the Primary Principals Federation is playing an ambivalent role – maybe they see promotion opportunities as well?
 |
| Time to take head out of the sand! |
The former narrowing the curriculum, focusing on the ‘achievement gap’ making use of testing and eventually, post-election, league tables and with them performance management of schools and teachers. The latter sees the problem, or ought to, as an ‘opportunity gap’. If you have been watching the cunning immoral
Democrat played by Kevin Spacey in the TV programme ‘House of Cards' you will see our future being played out
 |
| Never trust politicians!! |
It comes down to standardisation versus personalisation; creativity versus compliance and conformity. Formulaic ‘best practice’ teaching versus insights gained and shared between teachers.
My own experience has been that the best way to develop innovative ideas in education is teachers to given the opportunity to visit and share ideas with creative teachers. New Zealand once had a world renowned reputation for such teachers. Two that come to mind are Elwyn Richardson and Sylvia Ashton Warner who did their best work in isolated schools in the 1950s. Junior teachers developed innovative reading and language experience programmesbased on a developmental philosophy and the work of art advisers in developing creativity was vital. The work of Kelvin Smythe – with his feeling for approach in social studies, the writing approach of Harry Hood, and the Learning inScience Research ( LISP) based at Waikato University have all been forgotten by the technocrats as has the work of Russell Bishop and his Kotahitanga research.All home grown products.
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| Find those creative teachers |
With this pressure for conformity and compliance well in place I thought I would share the work of creative schools I know of. There are no longer advisers searching schools for creative teachers – they are now to busy delivering Ministry expectations.
To gain some sense of the creativity emerging in the 50s teachers
ought to read the inspirational book ‘In the Early World’ written by Elwyn Richardson. Thankfully it has recently been reprinted by the NZCER.
 |
| Elwyn Richardson |
A school worth emulating, with its emphasis on inquiry learning and co-constructivist teaching across the curriculum is Mount EdenNormal School led by John Faire.
Few principals have been brave enough to stick their necksout in our toxic compliance environment but one is Perry Rush of Island
Bay. Perry was earlier principal of Discovery One School in Christchurch.
 |
| Perry Rush |
Dan Murphy at Winchester School in Palmerston North is another educational leader with a real expertise in mathematics amongst other things. It is worth reading what he has to say. And, as well, a very brave letter to parents by Danny Nichols of St Patricks Taupo.
At Opunake, led by the dynamic Lorraine Williamson, the school
has implemented exciting inquiry learning where all students from year 1 to 8 work together to present displays worthy of Te Papa. Opunake bases their original ideas on the writings of James Beane.
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| Students in family groups Opunake |
I was fortunate to work at Hillcrest Normal School in Hamilton. It is worth reading about the ideas of deputy principal Gay Gilbert who has a link to the work of Elwyn Richardson.
In the far north a real educational outsider Fraser Smithleads a school that has a lot to share about environmental education.
And of course there is he work of Taranaki teachers I workedwith from the 1960s to 2010. We were all disciples of our mentor Elwyn Richardson – some of the ideas we developed still are to be seen although, I guess, people might not know where they
came from. Many still remember teachers such as Bill Guild and Bill Clarkson. One current creative teacher is Deborah French at Woodliegh School. Woodliegh School's approach
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| Bill Guild's environment 1980 |
A cruise through the above links will indicate we still have plenty of innovative teachers, and a few principals, left in New Zealand.
For anyone inspired by such examples here is a link to education books to provide greater depth of understanding.
My real worry is that all will be lost if the current government continues with its private enterprise approach to education.
Education is a common good – privatisation is to the advantage of the few.
Time for teachers to wake up!
Time for teachers to wake up!
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