Has the world gone mad? I appreciate this is a bit of a loaded question but stay with me. This morning, whilst idly scrolling through my twitter feed I saw a tweet by Pasi Sahlberg (an educationalist that I hold in great esteem and who, incidentally, is fabulous to listen to if you get the…
Category: education
What Counts in Education?
NZ is four months out from an election. Vote Education is a big ticket item, and currently, we spend mega bucks on it. We waste mega bucks on it as well – but thats another post for another day. Getting the best ‘bang for our education bucks’ is critical. Education, like Health, is one of…
Affirmations for Educators – Who You Are Makes a Difference!!
This is for all the amazing educators out there! Who you are makes a difference – Thank you! We live in uncertain times. Each day we get up and there is something being portrayed in the media about teachers or education. On the rare occasion, it is an upbeat and positive story that reminds us of the…
The Importance of the Thespian Pursuit
“To be or not to be – that is the question…” Actually, it should never be a question, or of question – it should just be. Let me clarify before I lose you in the abyss of ambiguity. Tonight I saw a letter to parents that disappointed me. It disappointed me on a number…
Flogging the Public Education System – Dead Horse Syndrome
Flogging the Public Education System – Dead Horse Syndrome Warning – content may cause angst and derisive snorts of frustration, and is satirical in nature. I think someone forgot to send the important people within G.E.R.M (those are the dark suits, white shirt brigade who like to intervene in educational policy and introduce reforms that…
Like Lambs To The Slaughter..
She stood on top of her ivory tower, skilfully blowing into the intricately carved Matai Koauau. It’s haunting sounds carried across the Nation, reaching all the way to the Far North, across the water, and into the nooks and crannies of the Mainland. It’s hypnotic melodies luring the flock of Poleworth Principals forward with promises…
Global Rankings – Relevant or Redundant?
The above video is Alfie Kohn – an American who writes and lectures about education, parenting and human behaviour. I confess, I am new to finding out about him. In the US, he is considered to be a leading figure in progressive education. He is known to be controversial and he challenges thinking in those…
Whose Responsibility is it?
Children’s day in NZ is tomorrow. It’s got me wondering. What do children need, and whose responsible for what they need? Sounds simple doesn’t it. On the face of it, the majority of people will say parents are responsible for everything. Perhaps. I started reflecting on the ‘perhaps’, and some of the variables…
When things make you go Hmmm – Post Graduate Teacher Training
A good friend and outstanding educator posted a link today that made me a bit cross, and gave rise to some internal grumblings. It was an opinion piece about teacher training and in particular training at at a post graduate level by Associate Professor Claire Fletcher-Flynn. From where I sit, as someone who employs graduates…
Brain Development – The importance of the First 3 Years – Part One
Part One: In the last few days I have participated in a workshop on Brain Development and the Implications for Education. Presented by a talented good friend of mine, it is a presentation I have heard a few times over the last 5 or so years. Each time I hear it – particularly the basic…