Motto to live by - "Everybody is a teacher, and everybody is a learner"
Kid President, http://youtu.be/RwlhUcSGqgs
When students partner with or teach teachers, magical things can happen. Students demonstrating ICT tools and strategies to teachers is one way to gain effective teacher professional development. This teaching does not only have to focus on teachers or technology- students can also teach other students content, skills etc. In class students should be encouraged to problem solve, teach others and share their ideas with others. This can be done through collaborative work, group work, problem solving tasks, peer tutoring, specialist teaching areas and team teaching.
Ako The concept of ako
The concept of ako describes a teaching and learning relationship, where the educator is also learning from the student and where educators’ practices are informed by the latest research and are both deliberate and reflective. Ako is grounded in the principle of reciprocity and also recognises that the learner and whānau cannot be separated.
There has been a fundamental shift in education to place the learner and their learning at the centre of all decision making. Student voice is a term frequently thrown around in schools, and has gained popularity around the world. Listening to students and their opinions, and allowing them to have choice in their learning is an important aspect in modern education. A 'learner-centred' approach has been adopted by many schools, and some go as far as adopting a learner charter.
In New Zealand, the MoE actively encourages student-centred learning, and this can be seen in many of their initiatives. For example, Ka Hikitia- Accelerating Success, which promotes Maori achievement. Specific aspects of this initiative focus on student identity, data to improve outcomes, extra support for those who need it, positive relationships with students and their family, and high expectations.
'Engage me or enrage me' by Mark Prensky, 2011
Pause to reflect:
How is my school prioritising the needs of the groups of 'enraged' students?
Some student choice with subjects and topics (depends on teacher and subject)
Optional BYOD in the senior classes
Use of OneDrive, class sites, OneNote in senior classes
To what extend does your school community think that the curriculum has to be interactive and ICT-based in order to be engaging and worthwhile?
Probably more of a priority for some subjects - due to HoFs and teachers
Community in general wants a balance between ICT-based curriculum and 'traditional' learning - academic side as well as university preparation still very important to school community
What are the key competencies needed by students as future citizens of the world?
NZC KCs: Thinking, using language, symbols and texts, managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing
Futurelab. (n.d.). The learner's charter for a personalised learning environment. Retrieved from http://archive.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/opening_education/Learners_Charter.pdf
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2008). Ka Hikitia: Accelerating Success. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Prensky, M. (July 7, 2011). Engage me or enrage me part 1. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R8SyU2taBk
