ANSN enews vol 4 no 7

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Mon Sep 7 20:12:32 EST 2009


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        *7th September, E-News Vol 4, No 7*

    *Edited by Keith Redman*

    Topics covered in this edition include:

        * Have you booked your place at ANSN's 4th National Forum, in
          November?
        * Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Information sessions for 2010 Hub
          (VIC)
        * Setting up the Dimensions of Learning (DoL) Hub in Toowoomba
        * Cognitive Coaching in Perth, 2009-2010
        * Integrating ICT pedagogy in School Community Workshops
        * Developing Wonderful Readers and Bee Bots workshops (TAS, NSW)
        * A poem for reflection
        * Some interesting reading
        * Reminders of ANSN activities, introduced in previous editions
          of E-News 

    *
    Have you booked your place at ANSN's 4th National Forum, in November?*

    Julia Gillard

    As announced in the previous edition of E-News, ANSN will be hosting
    its fourth national forum, on Tuesday 17 November, in Canberra. Have
    you booked your place yet? This year the forum provides you with a
    unique opportunity to explore the Federal Government's /Education
    Revolution/ -- two years into the government's term of office -- and
    discuss its impact on school education.

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard (pictured), will
    launch the forum and deliver a précis on progress with the
    /Education Revolution/, as well as an overview of what has been
    accomplished to date.

    The forum will be held in the Old Parliament House in Canberra and
    the cost is $100 per person, including lunch. If you have not
    already registered, email your rsvp as soon as possible (places are
    limited) to cathy.danaher at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:cathy.danaher at ansn.edu.au> For further details *_click
    here_*.
    <http://www.ansn.edu.au/4th_annual_national_forum_2009_the_education_revolution_two_years_on>
    *//
    *

    *
    Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Information sessions for 2010 Hub (VIC)*

    Over the past three years ANSN has run comprehensive training for
    teachers and school leaders in the use of Interactive Whiteboards
    (IWBs) -- to develop skills and share strategies for integrating the
    technology into classroom practice.

     

    This action research-based training, in Hubs that serve particular
    geographical areas, has been highly successful. The following is a
    sample of feedback.

    /"N//oble Park Secondary College has sent three teams to training in
    IWB use in 2009. The program has been a stunning success, with staff
    praising the standard and practicality of the training, which is
    delivered by staff who know what is needed in a successful
    classroom. The IWB teams are now an integral part of embedding ICT
    practice in our classrooms." /

    Joan Carroll. Assistant Principal Noble Park Secondary College

    In 2010 there will again be opportunities to join an ANSN IWB Hub in
    Victoria, facilitated by Andrea Federico and Kate Cooper (below left
    and right). Membership of one of the IWB Hubs also gives schools the
    opportunity to purchase Promethean Activ boards at a reduced price,
    negotiated by the ANSN.

     

    In the first week of September, information sessions were held for
    Victorian schools in the St Albans/Keilor, Moonee Valley and Melton
    areas,** demonstrating the potential of Interactive Whiteboards in
    the classroom, and explaining and answering questions about the
    Hub's five days of professional learning, spread throughout 2010.

    If you missed out on these information sessions but are still
    interested in joining a Hub in 2010, there is one more information
    session being run, on /*/Thursday 15 October, 9.30-10.30am at
    /**/Ashwood Secondary School/*/, Vannam Drive, Ashwood 3147, To
    register for this session, please send an email as soon as possible
    to *kate.cooper at ansn.edu.au <mailto:kate.cooper at ansn.edu.au>*. These
    sessions have been very popular and places are limited, so act now.

     

    *Setting up the Dimensions of Learning (DoL) Hub in Toowoomba *

    Tina Doe (ANSN National Networker, below left) confirms that
    exciting opportunities are developing for schools in the Toowoomba
    area, as they begin or continue their pedagogical reform journey
    through the DoL framework. Teachers from the area have been involved
    in the /Setting the Stage/* *2-day workshop, which focuses on
    building positive attitudes and perceptions (Dimension 1) through
    productive Habits of Mind (Dimension 5), and working in teams to
    explore the concepts (below right). 

    * *

    The participants in this workshop elected to extend their work
    beyond the initial workshops and came together on Monday 24 and
    Tuesday 25 August to explore Dimensions 2, 3 and 4 of the DoL
    framework. Building on that work, participants from Centenary
    Heights State High School are now "seeding the ground" on campus, in
    preparation for their staff's broader membership of the Toowoomba
    Dimensions of Learning (Introductory) Hub, starting in Term 1, 2010.

    Tina reports that Harristown State High School has also committed
    team members to participate in this Hub -- part of a very positive
    beginning for the use of DoL as a common pedagogical language in
    this education precinct. Tina is now inviting teams from feeder
    primary schools and independent schools in the area to join the Hub
    as well -- which will add value to future work across a range of
    clusters, working parties and planning teams. 

    Tina is keen to finalise details and dates for this Hub as soon as
    possible, so that members can plan ahead in next year's diaries. To
    register for the Toowoomba DoL Hub, or for more information, please
    contact her by mobile at 0421 440 725 or email to
    tina.doe at ansn.edu.au <mailto:tina.doe at ansn.edu.au>. 

     

    *Cognitive Coaching in Perth, 2009-2010*

    Gavin Grift and Leith Hogan (below left and right) report that the
    ANSN National Cognitive Coaching Team, in partnership with the
    Center for Cognitive Coaching, will present a further 8-day
    Foundation Training program, from 1--4 December 2009 and from 16--19
    March, 2010, based at Canning Vale College, Perth, WA

     //**

    Cognitive Coaching^(SM) can be integral to developing a school
    culture of student, teacher and leadership learning success. Gavin
    explains that participation in this intensive workshop will equip
    you and/or members of your team with a set of strategies for
    thinking, and a way of working, to help you shape and reshape your
    thinking and problem solving capacities, to achieve learning
    success. Cognitve Coaching, designed by educators for educators, was
    pioneered by Art Costa and Bob Garmston. The 2009-2010 program will
    be conducted by ANSN/Center for Cognitive Coaching Agency trainers.
    Participants will:

        * develop their knowledge of Cognitive Coaching^(SM) as a model
          of human interaction that promotes self-directed learning;
        * develop communication skills that are necessary for coaching
          but also applicable to a wide variety of situations; and
        * develop their identity, skills, and effectiveness as mediators
          of self-directed learning in self and others

    To help you evaluate the possible benefits of participating in the
    program, Gavin suggests that you consider the following detailed
    feedback, from participants who took part in the first Foundation
    Training program in Perth.

    I came expecting...

    	

    I got...

    	

    I value...

    	

    I need...

        * to learn a way of coaching that could be useful when working
          with colleagues

    	

        * more than I expected.  I enjoyed the blend of theory, research
          and practical application and am motivated to continue my CC
          journey

    	

        * the process.  Whilst complex it makes sense.

    	

        * time to practise and possibly more opportunities to discuss
          with other participants.

        * learning on Cognitive Coaching
        * the opportunity to practise and develop skills

    	

        * valuable PD and tools for personal development and tools to be
          more effective in role at school

    	

        * the opportunity
        * worthwhile PD

     

    	

        * to practise

        * to learn strategies and skills to help me in my day-to-day work

    	

        * a whole new way of looking at thinking about me and how I can
          move forward with all aspects of my life

    	

        * the skills and strategies learned and also the friendships made.

    	

        * time to assimilate and practise what I have learned and some
          time in the future to revisit with experts.

        * to gain an understanding of Cognitive Coaching and to be able
          to utilise it in my role as Principal

    	

        * what I expected and met such wonderful positive women

    	

        * what I have learned (I hope I can remember it and hold on to
          it) and the people I have met (there is such hope for our
          students and system)

    	

        * to know and value that I can 

        * to understand the cognitive coaching process as another way of
          interacting with staff, to improve student learning outcomes
          and create high morale in the workplace.  To assist with
          change management strategies.

    	

        * a valued and pragmatic process to use in my work place.  A
          series of 'maps' to assist solving problems.  These templates
          were very useful.  An opportunity to practise what we learned.

    	

        * learning about the states of mind, the skills I gained in
          further understanding people's perceptions, view of the world
          and their realities.  The psychology and philosophy underlying
          cognitive coaching is particularly interesting.

    	

        * more opportunity to practise paraphrasing questions, etc.

        * to become a better communicator

    	

        * that listening is such an important tool.  Something I need a
          lot of practise with.

    	

        * the time spent practising.  The professional and personal
          conversations and what coaching is going to do for my staff
          and me.

    	

        * lots of time and a glass of wine!!

    Thank you for the best PD

        * to become an efficient and organised coach.
        * to learn new things
        * that I would know "everything" by the end of the course

    	

        * to feel at ease
        * reassurance
        * new skills -- a new way of 'conversation' - with a purpose
        * enthused
        * a reality check -- I don't know everything.

    	

        * the views and experience of my female colleagues
        * critical feedback
        * the expertise of our 'coaches'
        * that I can make mistakes

    	

        * lots of practice
        * to organise networks
        * to stay in touch
        * to share my learnings

    Thanks - wonderful

        * to become aware of what Cognitive Coaching is all about

    	

    A lot more than that

        * fantastic strategies to use
        * opportunities to practise the Planning Conversation Map,
          Reflection Conversation Map, Problem-Resolving Conversation Map

    Importance of

        * Paraphrasing
        * Rapport
        * BMIRS
        * PACE -- lead
        * States of mind
        * new friends -- great discussions

    	

        * being provided with the opportunity to acquire CC professional
          learning
        * thanks DET for recognising Women in Leadership
        * the great presenters, Sue and Janelle

    	

        * to continue to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
        * support from colleagues to bounce ideas off
        * follow-up Professional Learning sessions
        * networking
        * more knowledge and understanding (reading) -- States of Mind.

     

    This program consists of an intensive eight-day course, offered in
    two 4 day segments. For further information and to download the
    flier, please follow the following link
    http://www.ansn.edu.au/projects/cognitive_coaching

     

    *Integrating ICT pedagogy in School Community Workshops*

    Hanan Harrison reports that workshops are being organised around the
    country, to explore teaching through the use of ICT -- as a new way
    of working that can transform the way in which we facilitate student
    learning. DEEWR is funding this professional learning experience in
    ICT pedagogy for regional/rural school teachers at both primary and
    secondary level.

    The professional learning experience is in three phases:

        * *Phase 1* -- Online self reflection and preparation; building
          connections and sharing resources (with an Edna group site
          available online from 10 August 2009) 

        * *Phase 2* -- One formal seminar for professional conversation
          and professional development, to connect teachers to ICT
          teaching techniques and online resources, and to assist in the
          development of individual action learning plans

        * *Phase 3* -- School-based action learning research project,
          supported for up to three months by a Learning Mentor,
          culminating in a celebration of learning. Participants will
          have access to online support and resources to implement their
          own action learning project, share and exchange ideas and
          build sustainable networks. 

    A State-based ICT Support person will be each participant's local
    link and the face-to-face seminar will be delivered by a national
    Learning Mentor, skilled in integrating ICT pedagogy into school
    communities and action learning projects.

    The project is being managed by Education Queensland International
    (EQI), with assistance from Australian National Schools Network and
    engagement from Australian Government Quality Teacher Program
    Project Officers.

    If you or your staff are interested in participating in these
    workshops, please contact your local State-based ICT Coordinator:

    NSW - Joe Wickert - joe.wickert at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:joe.wickert at ansn.edu.au>
    VIC - Mark Richardson - richardson.mark.m at edumail.vic.gov.au
    <mailto:richardson.mark.m at edumail.vic.gov.au>
    SA - Neil Tregenza - neilt at leadingdigital.com.au
    <mailto:neilt at leadingdigital.com.au>
    NT - Serge Komadina - serge.komadina at ntschools.net
    <mailto:serge.komadina at ntschools.net>
    WA - Leith Hogan - leith.hogan at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:leith.hogan at ansn.edu.au>
    TAS - Craig Tyeson  - Craig.tyeson at education.tas.gov.au
    <mailto:Craig.tyeson at education.tas.gov.au>
    QLD - Hanan Harrison - hanan.harrison at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:hanan.harrison at ansn.edu.au>

    Alternatively, you can contact Katy Stuart, the Project Manager for
    the Workshops, on (07) 3237-0616 or by email at
    katy.stuart at deta.qld.gov.au <mailto:katy.stuart at deta.qld.gov.au> You
    can also contact Hanan Harrison, the Learning Mentor facilitating
    the workshop, by email at 
    <mailto:h.harrison at optusnet.com.au>hanan.harrison at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:hanan.harrison at ansn.edu.au>

     

    *Developing Wonderful Readers and Bee Bots workshops (NSW, VIC)*

    If you have not yet experienced or registered for one of her
    Developing Wonderful Readers workshops, note that ANSN Networker,
    Lynda Page (below left) has her next session scheduled in Sydney on
    21 and 22 September.

     

    Workshop participants consider how to tap into the children's prior
    knowledge and enthusiasm when using ICTs, and explore ways of using
    technologies to develop their students' literacy skills, in the
    context of their own classrooms. To register for this workshop
    *_click here_*
    <http://www.ansn.edu.au/developing_wonderful_readers_workshop_for_early_years_educators>.*//*


    bee bots

    Lynda also presents Bee Bots workshop on early years robotics.
    Upcoming Dates are:

    *Sydney:*
    Venue: Marrickville Primary School
    Location: Chapel St, Marrickville, NSW 2204
    Date: 23rd October 2009                 

    *Mt Martha Vic:*
    Venue:  Osborne Primary School
    Location: 120 Craigie Rd, Mt Martha VIC 3934
    Date: 16th October  2009

    Lynda can also work with you to plan and deliver programs in your
    area. If your school, or cluster of schools, is interested and has
    the space and numbers to run a Wonderful Readers or Bee Bot
    workshop, contact her on *lynda.page at ansn.edu.au
    <mailto:lynda.page at ansn.edu.au>* and she will work out dates that suit.

     

    *A Poem for Reflection *

    In a change of tone for ANSN E-News, John Hogan from WA has
    contributed a poem by Lao Tse, called Beginnings -- which he
    received from two different sources in the same day, thought about
    and wanted to share.

    Begin
    difficult things
    while they are easy.
    Do great things
    when they are small.
    The difficult things
    of the world
    must once have been easy;
    the great things
    must once have been small...
    A thousand mile journey
    begins with one step.

    * *

    *Some Interesting Reading*

    Several items of interest have come to our attention through
    Australian Policy Online in recent weeks. These include:


            Why "league tables" of schools are a failure
            <http://apo.org.au/commentary/why-league-tables-schools-are-failure>

    Ian Keese, writing in On Line Opinion, argues it is sloppy thinking
    that fails to distinguish between "underperforming" schools and
    "disadvantaged" schools. In his article, he notes that those who
    support publishing "league tables", which rank schools by results,
    often take the high moral ground by arguing that to do so is in the
    interests of disadvantaged students, and that teachers only oppose
    them so they can hide their failures. For his discussion of related
    issues, including concerns about current media coverage and
    interpretations, see
    http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=9325


            The world of e-portfolios
            <http://apo.org.au/research/world-e-portfolios>

    In this article, Allison Miller, from the Australian Flexible
    Learning Framework, argues that as we move deeper into a digital
    age, e-portfolios will be a key method for demonstrating existing
    skills.


            Educating the net generation
            <http://apo.org.au/research/educating-net-generation>

    Gregor Kennedy has produced a handbook in which he investigates
    students' and teachers' use of new technologies. It includes details
    of eight case studies in which emerging technologies were
    implemented in learning settings across three participating
    universities.


            Public education matters: reclaiming public education for
            the common good in a global era
            <http://apo.org.au/research/public-education-matters-reclaiming-public-education-common-good-global-era>

    Val Klenowski, writing in the Australian Educational Researcher of 3
    August, 2009, argues that public education needs to be reclaimed, to
    fulfil its role as a 'democratising force' to address social and
    economic inequality and to respect and recognise diversity and
    difference.


            Northern Territory student movement 2007 and 2008
            <http://apo.org.au/research/northern-territory-student-movement-2007-and-2008>

    The School for Social and Policy Research reports on student
    movements for all NT DET schools for two years, highlighting the
    issue of student movements being particularly prevalent for
    Indigenous students from remote communities.


            New directions in European vocational education and training
            policy and practice: Lessons for Australia
            <http://apo.org.au/research/new-directions-european-vocational-education-and-training-policy-and-practice-lessons-austr>

    Roger Harris and Michele Simons, from the National Centre for
    Vocation Education and Training, reflect on the wide scope of issues
    that governments are addressing and the role that they envisage for
    VET, both in the European Union and Australia.

     

    *Reminders of ANSN activities, introduced* *in previous editions of
    E-News*

    */Cognitive Coaching -- Research Circle/*
    The 2009 Cognitive Coaching Research Circle helps member schools
    build reflective communities, using action learning and cognitive
    coaching to support changes in teacher pedagogy. For further
    details, email the Research Circle Co-ordinator at
    *gavin.grift at ansn.edu.au <mailto:gavin.grift at ansn.edu.au>*

    */Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Hub, Victoria -- Reminder of dates/*
    For the three IWB Hubs that started in Term 1, the remaining session
    dates are:
    /Group 1:/    12 November 2009
    /Group 2:/    19 November 2009
    /Group 3:/    26 November 2009
    For further details, contact *andrea.federico at ansn.edu.au*
    <mailto:andrea.federico at ansn.edu.au>

    */Cognitive Coaching(SM) for Educational Leaders workshop in Brisbane/*
    An introductory workshop on Cognitive Coaching(SM), /Learning to
    Coach, Coaching to Learn/, is being presented in Brisbane on
    Wednesday 16 September. The presenters are Sue Presler, from the
    Center of Cognitive Coaching(SM) and Viv White, National
    Coordinator, ANSN.  For further details and to register (*if you
    are* *very quick*), *_click here_*
    <http://www.ansn.edu.au/learning_to_coach_coaching_to_learn_0>.


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