These blog posts are about how teachers can use a constructivist approach to co-construct learning spaces with their students In the past teachers have been invited to think about the learning environment as a ‘production space’, resulting in a factory-like approach to setting up the room with all decisions made before the students even entered the room. Decisions like who sits … Read More
The many faces of failure
I sit writing this among the clutter and chaos of children and adults packing to return to HaNoi after seven weeks of holidays. The dog has gone into a decline and is hiding under the bed, this is way too much drama for him. There is goodwill aplenty; noise at ear-splitting levels and the all available energy fast diminishing. It … Read More
Spelling Bee – To be or not to be a communicator?
Supporting communicators to become spellers. The act of communicating is a complex process of developing, sharing and receiving ideas. It takes many forms and is embedded in a multitude of spaces and serves various agendas. Being a communicator involves developing the skills, knowledge and understanding of the how, what and why of the different forms of communication. It involves developing … Read More
I ASK U – A model for learners to become active and resilient members of a learning community
I was watching an ad for a program on Australian TV that was showcasing young students and their proficiency as spellers. I found myself a bit distracted by the concept and found myself asking the question “so what?” This question wasn’t prompted by a disparagement of the young spellers and their significant spelling skills or a disparagement of the parents … Read More