Friday, 16 October 2009
Thursday, 15 October 2009
The beauty of Wordle
Further to a brief post-meeting chat in the carpark, I thought I would send you an example of the wonders of Wordle. I pasted in the text from my Malaysia evaluation document and this is the 'Wordle' that emerged. I obviously felt somewhat relieved when 'Learning' turned out to be the most frequently used word! Click here to use it: http://www.wordle.net/
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Apologies
Just wanted to send a massive apology for not being there this afternoon. I am just about to head to my Diploma planning day and feeling really terrible for not being with you all today. Caroline's post made me think just how important it is that we all stay in touch and really develop our network by continuing to support and inspire each other. I have left the presentation I would have given today on here in the form of three video files. I hope you all have a great day and I hope to see you soon.
A 'very-sad-to-be-missing-out' Liana x
A 'very-sad-to-be-missing-out' Liana x
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
"Malaysia 2009" has inspired me to research the impact that a close network of teachers (like us!) can have on promoting improvement and change. In August 2009, I enrolled in a M.Ed in Leading Teaching and Learning at the University of Cambridge with the aim of trying to create networks of teachers in my school along the lines of our network in Malaysia. What I hope to do is to measure whether such networks can develop a more collaborative culture. Below is an extract from my first M.Ed essay about how the Malaysia visit has inspired me to reflect on teacher networks. Thank you Claire, Sarah, Liana, Jo, Nikki, Tremaine, Mark, Dan and Geraldine for inspiring me to enjoy the visit, feel part of a team and going further, reflect on the value of teacher networks.
In 2009 I participated in an educational study visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The visit was organised by CfBT and the League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers (LECT) in order to give an opportunity to Fast Track alumni to learn about school leadership in a range of Malaysian schools as well as attend the 17th Commonwealth Conference for Education Ministers. Despite a fascinating programme, the aspect of the trip that I found most powerful was the opportunity to spend a week with likeminded school leaders and create a blog together to document our experiences. There were so many reflection opportunities on the trip, both formal and informal. Formally, we had reflection time factored into our programme, on the last day particularly. During this time the group thought about what they had gained from the experience, what they have learned from their peers and from the Malaysian teachers and leaders we had met. All feedback from the group was positive and many, including myself, were particularly struck the fact that we had almost learned as much from each other as from the Malaysian school leaders. Informally, almost straightway, we were sharing ideas, engaging in debate and reflecting on a variety of issues from managing staff, classroom management and primary to secondary transition. Had we all been on an INSET course at a hotel in London, I am confident such exchanges would not have taken place! I believe that we formed an identity as a group of likeminded professionals from the start and interacted professionally and positively. We had a purpose – to learn and document our findings on a blog – and learnt much being together. Therefore, this experience made me consider more carefully the importance and value of building small communities of teachers who learn from each other as well as to share and develop good practice.
Nikki's Summary
Nikki's Reflection
Since returning to work and starting a new academic year, the Malaysia visit feels like a lifetime ago. The forthcoming meeting with the group members has given the opportunity for me to reflect on the impact the visit has had to both my own professional development and my school.
IMPACT-SCHOOL
- Raised awareness of Malaysia through whole school assembly and display. (Year 2 pupil- I think Malaysia is wonderful and is the best place in the world!)
- Contributed to evidence for International Award. We now have level 1 and are working on the intermediate level.
- Other staff inetersted in international links. The reception teacher is going to India in October and the Year 1 and Year 3/4 teachers are going to Switzerland in February 2010.
IMPACT-MY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Opportunity to reflect on and appreciate my achievements so far.
- Increase in motivation.
- Awareness of global education issues and diversity.
IMPACT -PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Ability to feel proud of my achievements.
- Increased global awareness.
- More motivated at work.
- Made me want to travel more and explore different cultures.
Malaysia Visit Reflections
Here is an introduction video containing some of my reflections and others from the blog in general.
Mark
Monday, 12 October 2009
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