Author Archives: mwalker

think divergently – encourage a DaVinci in your class or school [this century]: Post one

Posted on October 26, 2010 by mwalker

Sometimes you just stumble upon a great resource that helps you to challenge your own thinking. Well here is one by a well known writer, thinker and talker… Sir Ken Robinson. This clip is one to use and challenge others thoughts – … Continue reading →

Posted in flexible learning spaces, Instruction, school, school structures, Teaching, Video Clips | 3 Comments

Hasta la Vista!

Posted on October 25, 2010 by mwalker

I couldn’t help the image but I thought of those immortal words when he – yes Arnie –  said “Hasta la Vista” which means of course “I’ll be back”. I’ve been busy completing a Masters Course this year – and wait … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Masters in Education Course | 1 Comment

Hard lessons for better leadership

Posted on September 21, 2010 by mwalker

I’ve been feeling a mixture of guilt, fatigue and overload over the past month as I grapple with work commitments and university study so the blog has gone somewhat quiet of late. But I couldn’t help notice this article by Professor … Continue reading →

Posted in Industrial Issues, Instruction, Leadership, school, school structures, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Steve Jobs address to Graduates

Posted on September 8, 2010 by mwalker

I’ve just watched tis 15 minute clip in which Steve Jobs tells 3 stories about his life. These stories were life defining and have three messages if you like: do something you love for a job – you spend a life … Continue reading →

Posted in Video Clips | 6 Comments

two girls one dream

Posted on August 31, 2010 by mwalker

It’s easy sometimes to get lulled into thinking about oneself and the sometimes small things that occupy our attention or stress. As I prepare for school tomorrow this clip serves as powerful reminder to all us, particularly those in Western … Continue reading →

Posted in reflections, Uncategorized, Video Clips | Leave a comment

Yong Zhao speaks about the limitations of test scores to define good schools

Posted on August 30, 2010 by mwalker

Yong Zhao a University Distinguished Professor at the College of Education at Michigan State University and international consultant to many governments talks here about the dangers of the narrow use of national test scores to define what students need. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Leadership, reflections, school structures, Technology, Uncategorized, Video Clips | Leave a comment

High Expectations for all students.

Posted on August 30, 2010 by mwalker

High expectations for all – now that’s a trick. Marzano talks about how we stay with students [who get it quickly – brighter? – well in this discipline at least] longer with more demanding questions. One of the tricks is … Continue reading →

Posted in Instruction, Teaching, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Social Networking

Posted on August 9, 2010 by mwalker

Most of us at some point have attended a party, work function or been somewhere where you look at a person and say I know you from somewhere. Well that happened to me last week  whilst attending a special session on Instructional Rounds … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching, Technology | 1 Comment

Why the fuss about flexible learning spaces: building the case for relational trust and personal learning skills.

Posted on July 18, 2010 by mwalker

This is the second post on working in flexible learning spaces [refer categories to access the first on challenges]. Common Context: We have two flexible learning centres at the school currently occupied year 1’s and year 5/6’s. Both the year … Continue reading →

Posted in flexible learning spaces, school, Teaching | 2 Comments

Differentiated instruction the Holy Grail or something that can be done?

Posted on July 11, 2010 by mwalker

Last term our district instructional rounds team visited a school where the leadership team identified differentiation in instruction as the problem of practice. Nina and Jenni posted this clip on the Ning and I have copied it to my blog … Continue reading →

Posted in Instruction, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips | 2 Comments

Data Teams: the ongoing quest to improve teaching and learning and not just the latest fad!

Posted on July 10, 2010 by mwalker

As our second semester begins we at Elsternwick have planned a series of 8 professional learning team meetings [PLT’s] on Monday nights to focus on the use of data to improve student learning. This carries on from the 6 PLT’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Instruction, school, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips | Leave a comment

Using IWB’s in Classrooms not the silver bullet

Posted on July 7, 2010 by mwalker

Just replied to Chris Betchers post on using IWB’s in classrooms. Worth a look

Posted in Teaching, Technology, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Carl Sagan’s message not lost

Posted on July 2, 2010 by mwalker

Sometimes its useful to get a reality check on what’s important. Have a look at this clip – I think its useful to start conversations with teachers and senior students.

Posted in reflections, school, Technology, Uncategorized, Video Clips | Leave a comment

Graduate teachers must read: U…

Posted on July 1, 2010 by mwalker

Graduate teachers must read: URL=http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/summer10/vol67/num09/The-Relationship-Balance.aspx

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Personalising Learning and Assessment in the 21 Century

Posted on July 1, 2010 by mwalker

  This little clip talks about using technology to personalise learning and record individualised assessments online. Its a timely reminded as we move forward with the Ultranet here in Victoria and the power of technology to personalise learning for students. … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Instruction, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips | Leave a comment