I come from a rural area on the East Coast with beautiful views that surround our little, close knit village. I teach in a little Area School where everyone knows or is related to each other.
The small community is a close one where everyone comes together to help out in need or support in up and coming events. As our school consists of being related to everyone the connection is always there. Since all staff have been involved with Mindlab there is another niche where we have developed more closer, working collaboratively, sharing of ideas and strengths, utilizing colleagues more effectively and sharing set goals. I feel this is making our syndicate more stronger and yes moral has picked up too. Discussions are ongoing and weekly meetings are held regularly.
Since the last term 2016, our Senior syndicate initiated the idea of implementing Inquiry Based Learning. Since then a lot of discussion, developing of ideas, integration of subjects has evolved and this is wonderful. Because of this the connection of my community practice I feel very much motivated and enthusiastic about the whole concept and look forward to actually seeing it work. I am privileged to be part of a team that is able to respect others ideas.
In order to be an effective teacher, we as educators need to reflect on our teaching in order to move forward.
"Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi"
"With your basket and my basket the people will live"
Again referring to co-operation and the combination of resources to get ahead.
(Woodward Maori)
Reference:
Woodward Maori (nd) Retrieved from http://www.maori.cl/Proverbs.htm
Hi. Really enjoyed reading your blog. Sounds like you are all on the same bus, rather than a train stuck on one set of tracks. This is the benefit of a smaller school and maybe your school will lead the way for the rest of us. Keep up the he great work
ReplyDeleteHi John thanks for your comment and taking the time to read my blog. We are working more collaboratively and finding things are running well for the start of a new year. In order to move forward we need to be paddling the same way. Thanks for your kind comment.
ReplyDeletePaddling which reminds me. Me whakaaro kotahi tatau, kia kotahi ai i te hoe o te waka. We need to be of the same mind, to be of the same action.
ReplyDeleteAe Campbell. Tika to korero.
DeleteKiaora Helena
ReplyDeleteWhat you're describing is essentially a group of colleagues coming together for a common purpose and reinvigorated by the new learning and personal reflections required by this course!! It's reignited the passion for teaching young people and reminds us to be mindful and deliberate in our actions!! Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he to a takitini-My acheivements are not mine alone but the achievements of many!
Absolutely Makere. Thanks
ReplyDeleteKia ora Helena
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. IBL is a great way to get both educators and students inquiring juices flowing, making effective use of resources available and encouraging students to realise that their learning is paramount, and they own it.I like how you respect each others ideas which I'm sure includes your students too. Nga mihi nui!
Kia ora Ngawahine, yes especially when we are a rural school and we have a rich environment where students can learn from our resources surrounding us. Nga mihi.
DeleteKia Ora Helena,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. Especially where the staff are collaborating for the students. Moving forward together and always reflecting on your teacher practice. Room for improvement!