AIS Blog: Posts http://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/Blog/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx RSS feed for the Posts list. Thu, 17 May 2012 16:26:53 GMT Microsoft SharePoint Foundation RSS Generator 60 en-US AIS Blog: Posts http://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/Blog/_layouts/images/siteIcon.png http://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/Blog/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx The place of learning in our schools http://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/Blog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=12 Body:

 

The independent schools sector is characterised by diversity. Each of our schools seek excellence, though often in diverse areas and in different ways.  For example, while some have built reputations on sporting opportunity and athletic excellence, all independent schools value physical activity and healthy living.  Other schools are well known in their local communities for their pastoral care or their inclusivity.  Some of our schools have differentiated themselves through their application of technology, through very focused ICT strategies or perhaps broader applications. Then there are of course quite a number of independent schools that serve students with special needs.

Whilst independent schools are inherently unique they also have much in common.  Not only do schools share a commitment to student learning but it is their core business.  Regardless of that one thing that defines a school in comparison to others, the ultimate measure of a school is the evidence of student learning.  The AIS Conference: A Tapestry of Whole School Learning, being held on 9th and 10th September 2012, will be, in part, a recognition that learning is central to all we do in schools. Regardless of how schools view themselves the expectation is that they are places of rich learning.

There are three distinct strands that run through the learning tapestry that will run through the conference:
·         Leading for learning
·         Innovation for learning
·         Students as learners
We are very excited about the outstanding educators who will be presenting at the conference on these themes.  They include:
Leadership: Professor Neil Dempster from Griffith University, who has contributed to the Principals as Literacy Leaders (PALL) Leadership for Learning Framework which rests on research findings that particular leadership actions are closely linked to improved literacy learning and student achievement.  The AIS has facilitated this popular program for a number of independent schools.
Innovation: Valerie Hannon from the Innovation Unit in the UK will share the importance of learning spaces, technology and collaboration in optimising learning in schools.  A current Innovation Unit project in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is titled “why great teachers are great learners”.  Innovation isn’t always defined as doing something no one else has done - it can simply be change for the better.
Students: Dr Carol Dweck, Stanford University will challenge leaders and teachers on the need to develop growth mindsets over fixed mindsets.  Carol’s work has drawn much international debate in recent times as schools and systems consider how to apply her findings to the classroom.  Also presenting will be Professor Bob Conway from Flinders University who has a strong interest in inclusivity in schools, particularly in relation to challenging behaviours.  Also, Kath Murdoch has been a regular keynote speaker at the AIS Primary Conference in recent years.  Her main areas are in inquiry learning and an integrative curriculum.  Her view is that inquiry has a place at every age in every learning area.
Research is clear that the greatest contributor to student learning is the classroom teacher.  Teachers need to know what works in terms of student learning.  So who is the intended participant for the AIS Conference: A Tapestry of Whole School Learning?  Is it the classroom teacher or the school leader?
The plan is not only that this conference will cater for both, but will foster rich dialogue between leader and teacher.  Ideally schools will send the staff members who can best influence and strengthen learning cultures.  With limited spots it may be worth getting the diaries out and making plans.  Visit www.aisnsw.edu.au and go to ‘AIS Courses and Events’ for more information and to register.

Dr Geoff Newcombe, Executive Director, AISNSW 
Category: Teaching and Learning
Published: 11/05/2012 11:00 AM
Author Name: Dr Geoff Newcombe
Enable Comments: Yes
Views: 83
]]> Malcolm Hunt Teaching and Learning Fri, 11 May 2012 00:59:19 GMT http://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/Blog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=12