Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read the messages I send through on Compass. It is a good way to communicate and it gives a chance to provide some different types of information in the Bulletin.
After a couple of weeks of focus on feedback; I’m going to include some information from a study called “ How People Learn” which came out of Harvard Project Zero.
On page 25 the key author David Perkins outlines three key ideas to promote student learning (these are in italics below). Underneath each key idea there is an implication for classroom practice.
Key Idea 1
Teachers must pay close attention to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that learners bring to the classroom.
Teachers in learner-centred classrooms also pay attention to the individual progress of each student and devise tasks that are appropriate.
It is really important our teachers frame new knowledge so that it blends into the students current understanding. It is also important that students will not start a new unit of work at the same entry point nor will they gain new knowledge at the same rate.
Key Idea 2
Learning is much more than memorising. Students need to be given an opportunity to combine pieces of knowledge together to form a knowledge package. They need to be given opportunities to apply what they learn in a team and individual setting.
The new knowledge fits together so that it isn’t isolated facts. We use multiple exposures to create deep learning. In planning lessons, it is important that new concepts are addressed in different ways. Sometimes these can be tasks that are verbal, sometimes written, sometimes using concrete materials. The idea of applying knowledge is also important as it gives the new idea context.
Key Idea 3
Knowing what you don’t know is very important, children need to feel comfortable and supported in talking about the next thing they need to learn. Structured group work gives children a chance to bounce ideas off one another, and to consolidate or vary their ideas.
This statement relates to goal setting and making sure that students are clear about what the next layer of learning looks like. It is really supported if the classroom environment is one that recognises that there are different learning needs in every group. It also ties in with the idea of growth mind-set and that effort will go a long way to bringing growth.
Pivoting
I would like to give a fair shout out to our Specialist Team of Larissa, Jayne, Jennette and Justin. This term they have done an immense job anchoring the on-site learning program. This has allowed very continuous and predictable involvement by classroom teachers which is really important in my view.
Not only that - many of the terrific plans that they have in place have had to be postponed or cancelled. BUT still they are on my doorstep chatting about what we could do instead or how we could adapt. I think it's brilliant really.
Well done folks!!!!!
An idea
As we move into another lockdown extension it becomes a challenge to find ways to maintain motivation. One way I have found is music and two particular favourites are Dvoraks 9th Symphony and Counting Stars by One Republic. Very different types of music.
Anyhow, if anyone has some other great tracks that they enjoy listening to, feel free to send them through to brett.millott@education.vic.gov.au - I’m happy to compile, publish and share them.
Brett Millott.
brett.millott@education.vic.gov.au