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Tuesday 18 September 2012

John Hattie Interview - Worth Viewing!

John Hattie Interview - Worth Viewing!

I first worked with John Hattie when he was part of the New Zealand team to the International Conference on Assessment. He shared early versions of the Power of Feedback. He also agreed to be interviewed as part of one of our web conferences. I was thrilled to see Visible Learning and now, Visible Learning for Teachers. Recently a colleague sent me a link to an interview with John Hattie at OISE/UofT. It is a fascinating interview. I encourage you to take time to listen. 

Monday 17 September 2012

Lighting the Flame

Lighting the Flame

By about this time, in the northern hemisphere, teachers are coming to understand the learning challenges their students have. It can seem overwhelming as we seek to teach all learners based on their learning needs, teach the curriculum and use assessment in the service of learning. It is hard to raise our sights to the horizon and know with certainty that every child brings gifts this world needs. 

It is our job as teachers and as adults to help them learn more about the kind of gifts they bring to this world and help them find a way to share them to make this world a better place. This quote, shared with me by a colleague, was found pinned to a professor's door in New Zealand and speaks to this so beautifully:

When you give away some of the light from a candle by lighting another person's flame, there isn't any less light because you've given some away - there is more. When everyone grows, there isn't less of anybody - there's more of and for - everybody.
Kaleel Jameson

 


Tuesday 11 September 2012

Listening to Learners

Listening to Learners

I credit Stephen Covey with "See to understand before seeking to be understood" because I first read and appreciated that powerful guidance in his work.

Jen Spain did just that and shared what she learned by listening to students as school began this year. She writes, "Thanks so much for this - great advice. I used your questions in all my classes this past week and wrote this blog.

Wisdom shines in the words of her learners.  I encourage you to listen to your learners and then see what is similar and what is different. Please share. We would all love to hear.