Our Involvement - LAS
I started as principal of Linwood Ave School in October 2016 and had been in the position for about 2 weeks when the opportunity for Mindlab came through my emails.
With the importance of becoming more aware of the digital world and the opportunity of post graduate study I was excited about the idea.
I extended the invite to all staff with a number choosing to enter this journey with me.
Selfishly I not only saw it as a way to further my own development but a wonderful way to build relationships with staff that I had only recently met and due to the requirement to spend the first 16 weeks onsite at Mindlab headquarters. Thanks Mindlab.
"Nothing reinforces a professional relationship more than enjoying success with someone"
Ramis
Ramis
Mindlab - The Experience
Osterman & Kottkamp (1993) suggest that "reflective practice is a challenging, demanding, and often trying process that is most successful as a collaborative effort" and that was the thought process as the group from Linwood Avenue School entered the Mindlab building on a wet and miserable Thursday.
It was great hearing the different backgrounds as individual people shared their aspirations for what they had hoped to get out of the course.
Once the pleasantries were over it was down to the reality and the reality of the next 32 weeks became clear. It was going to be challenging not only with the tasks but also the time commitment of study when working full time.
The benefit of having staff from my own school that I could share, talk and be motivated by was a huge factor in my own ability to complete the course.
Some assignments I found more difficult than others and often that wasn't due to the content but more to health, work and life commitments.
Practicing Teacher Criteria
Criteria 4: Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development of personal professional practice.
After starting a Masters in Educational Research, Mindlab has continued my commitment to ongoing professional learning as a principal.
As a learner I always felt adequate in regards to digital technology but as it is so quickly evolving I was concerned about being left behind and this post graduate study has provided real experiences and a network of support to develop alongside. This network has allowed me to ask questions and better develop my understanding in an environment that was safe and thought provoking.
Criteria 9: Respond effectively to the diverse language and cultural experiences, and the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of Akonga.
I am passionate about seeing every child reach their potential and want to be a driver in providing environments and teaching that caters for the needs of these individual students. Mindlab has engaged my interest in exploring research around individuals and groups. Through my Literature review I was surprised to see the lack of research around some cultures and I believe it important that these areas are explored. It has made me more aware and determined to get to know each and every learner in more than the immediate. Knowing their background will build stronger relationships which in turn will have a positive effect on learning outcomes.
With any post graduate study, I am pleased it's over. However on reflection I am glad I started and even happier I finished. It was hard, challenging but overall very rewarding and I look forward as the knowledge and expertise I have gained from being involved has better prepared me as a 21st century leader.
Thank you to all of those who have been involved in the Mindlab journey. Especially my colleagues at LAS who I have seen work very hard throughout.
Reference List
Carlgren, I., Handal, G. & Vaage, S. (Eds.). (1994). Teachers' Minds And Actions: Research On Teachers' Thinking And Practice. London, UK: The Falmer Press.
Osterman, K. & Kottkamp, R.(1993). Reflective Practice for Educators. California: Cornwin Press, Inc. Retrieved on 7th May, 2015 from http://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/files.
Osterman & Kottkamp (1993) suggest that "reflective practice is a challenging, demanding, and often trying process that is most successful as a collaborative effort" and that was the thought process as the group from Linwood Avenue School entered the Mindlab building on a wet and miserable Thursday.
It was great hearing the different backgrounds as individual people shared their aspirations for what they had hoped to get out of the course.
Once the pleasantries were over it was down to the reality and the reality of the next 32 weeks became clear. It was going to be challenging not only with the tasks but also the time commitment of study when working full time.
The benefit of having staff from my own school that I could share, talk and be motivated by was a huge factor in my own ability to complete the course.
Some assignments I found more difficult than others and often that wasn't due to the content but more to health, work and life commitments.
Practicing Teacher Criteria
Criteria 4: Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development of personal professional practice.
After starting a Masters in Educational Research, Mindlab has continued my commitment to ongoing professional learning as a principal.
As a learner I always felt adequate in regards to digital technology but as it is so quickly evolving I was concerned about being left behind and this post graduate study has provided real experiences and a network of support to develop alongside. This network has allowed me to ask questions and better develop my understanding in an environment that was safe and thought provoking.
'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader'
Criteria 9: Respond effectively to the diverse language and cultural experiences, and the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of Akonga.
I am passionate about seeing every child reach their potential and want to be a driver in providing environments and teaching that caters for the needs of these individual students. Mindlab has engaged my interest in exploring research around individuals and groups. Through my Literature review I was surprised to see the lack of research around some cultures and I believe it important that these areas are explored. It has made me more aware and determined to get to know each and every learner in more than the immediate. Knowing their background will build stronger relationships which in turn will have a positive effect on learning outcomes.
'Tu'utu'u le upega ile loloto'
'Cast the net into deeper waters'
Next Step
Criteria 7: Promote a collaborative, supportive and effective learning environment.
As a school we are fortunate to be on the cusp of a rebuild that will see our single cell classrooms transformed into co-teaching spaces. Mindlab has provided pedagogical theory around this development and I see it important that I am not the one that holds all the knowledge but part of a team who promotes and supports this transition by driving pedagogical change. The ability to share relevant information and improve this journey for staff, students and our community is important.
Thank You
Thank you to all of those who have been involved in the Mindlab journey. Especially my colleagues at LAS who I have seen work very hard throughout.
Reference List
Carlgren, I., Handal, G. & Vaage, S. (Eds.). (1994). Teachers' Minds And Actions: Research On Teachers' Thinking And Practice. London, UK: The Falmer Press.
Osterman, K. & Kottkamp, R.(1993). Reflective Practice for Educators. California: Cornwin Press, Inc. Retrieved on 7th May, 2015 from http://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/files.
