As leaders in education it is important that you are aware of global trends as it can better prepare you for what is to come in education.
"The future is inherently unpredictable. Yet policy makers and school leaders in education - need to take the future into account" (OECD 2016).
Taking note of the readings and reading through other blogs there is such a multitude of global trends and as a principal it is incredibly intimidating to think about the massive job that comes with a position of responsibility.
What is prioritised? What is worthwhile? What will create the best outcomes for students?
We are also restricted financially. This can impact resource, expertise and professional development.
I think the answer lies in the development of capacity within a school. The importance of sailing the ship with many people contributing to the vision.
"The future is inherently unpredictable. Yet policy makers and school leaders in education - need to take the future into account" (OECD 2016).
Taking note of the readings and reading through other blogs there is such a multitude of global trends and as a principal it is incredibly intimidating to think about the massive job that comes with a position of responsibility.
What is prioritised? What is worthwhile? What will create the best outcomes for students?
We are also restricted financially. This can impact resource, expertise and professional development.
I think the answer lies in the development of capacity within a school. The importance of sailing the ship with many people contributing to the vision.
Robinson 2011
For example our school has prioritised the use of digital devices as part of the classroom programme. This was a trend that the school leaders saw as valuable. Therefore they established goals and a plan around this. Money was allocated over time to allow the resources to be purchased. Professional development was provided to drive pedagogical change.
Different Way of Thinking
When I think of about global trends, I initially think of other industries such as fashion.
The NZ fashion industry is based on a market where they look at what Europe and the USA are creating. They study colours, styles and popularity. These are then replicated 18 months later because of opposite seasons in NZ through cheaper labour and material for a low risk and high profit.
As a principal I often feel we are directed in the same way. Often data used to implement ideas and interventions is collected by countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Finland who are willing to take risks in applying different methods and strategies to create change. They sit on top of PISA rankings.
These then filter to NZ over time and we attempt to implement them in our schools even though the parameters tend to be different because the systems are different.
"The Pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjust the sails"
William Arthur Ward
William Arthur Ward
Reference List
OECD. (2016). Trends Shaping Education 2016, OECD Publishing, Paris. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/trends_edu-2016-en
Robinson, V. (2011). Student Centered Leadership.
Thank you for your refreshingly frank comments. I appreciated the thought that went into explaining the planned implementation of devices into the learning. So many people jump on the band wagon and forget about making the innovation sustainable. I am going to blatantly borrow your final quote.
ReplyDelete"The Pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjust the sails"
William Arthur Ward
This is in line with my Growth Mindset philosophy thanks.