Mark's Learning Log- Should we worry about socioeconomic segregation in Australian schools? December 23, 2024As we enter the Christmas Holiday period in Australian Schools it’s time to reflect on some trends and wonder are we getting better. I know that’s a broader query but a recent Google link on my phone this morning got … Continue reading →mwalker
- Wondering if all teachers in training and graduate teachers are being taught to instruct all students in reading as though they were in the red? September 29, 2024I have this wondering that we are teaching all students in the class – as a whole class lesson – in the junior years as though they all needed the intensive phonic instruction and frequent repetition. Yes some explicit instruction … Continue reading →mwalker
- Should we worry about socioeconomic segregation in Australian schools? December 23, 2024
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Disputing Classrooms – a text on innovative use of technology to “personalise learning”
A month or so ago all principals in Victoria were given this book “Disrupting Classrooms” just prior to the release of a new innovation in schools called the ultranet. We have all been reading this book in our own ways … Continue reading
Posted in Networks of Schools, school, Technology, Ultranet, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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Sustainability in schools – a broader view.
This week as part of Masters Leadership course we visited Collingwood College looking at the broad theme of sustainability. Collingwood College was the first center for the now nation wide Stephanie Alexander’s school kitchen gardens. These photos show the gardens … Continue reading
Posted in Monash University, school, school structures, Uncategorized
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What constitutes support for a teacher?
Over the past few month prompted by the news that our assistant principal was successfully appointed as principal to another school I have been working on a revised workforce plan. This plan is quite complex and covers role allocation, possible … Continue reading
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pink on performance pay
I was watching question time in Federal Parliament the other night having arrived home from a late school council meeting. I know you must be thinking – what question time? There was a question put to one of the ministers … Continue reading
Maths Problems: how to engage youth in learning to ask and solve maths problems using a little bit of technology.
Another fabulous TED talk this time on Mathematics, one of our school improvement targets. Meyer’s a secondary school maths teacher shows how we can connect students to maths problems using technology in real life situations. To learn to ask the … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematics, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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Our Blind Sides
I have been reading the book Blind Side by Michael Lewis and thinking about the parallels here in life and education. Now I do like watching American football on TV and confess besides the quarterback passing down field to receivers … Continue reading
Posted in Leadership, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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the power of common langauge
In this clip Marzano talks about the power of a common language to describe teaching. While he was talking about using his framework as a base to innovate from – I think no matter what framework the message is the … Continue reading
Posted in Instruction, Teaching, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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Using Technology in Schools
I have been following Chris’s blog for a few years now so it was great to be able to get a clip of him and hear him talking about his ideas and his ‘new’ school. The use of technology by … Continue reading
Posted in school, Technology, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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When more is not good – lesson intentions can make a difference
At year level leadership meetings we often read and discuss shared articles or writing from noted educators. Last week we discussed chapter two of Shirley Clarke’s book on feedback titled “Learning Intentions”. One of her opening lines is “It is … Continue reading
An advocate for reciprocal teaching – or hearing student voice in your classroom.
When I first listened to this address by 12 yo Adora I was rather skeptical and amazed. Her use of language is amazing but her message is simply. We need to hear student voice in curriculum development – so if … Continue reading
National Tests for students next month [NAPLAN] – so what?
Next month all year 3, 5 7, and 9 students in Australia embark on a series of National Tests over a 3 day period in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and number. Teachers have been encouraged to better prepare … Continue reading
Posted in Assessment, politics, school, Uncategorized, Video Clips
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Some coaching principles that might help avoid those awkward moments when dealing when upset or angry players or parents.
Let’s begin by acknowledging that it’s an honour and a privilege to coach. In thinking about some general principles that might guide coaches I came up with 5. If coaches follow these in their own style then they are less … Continue reading
Facebook | Mark Walker
Facebook | Mark Walker. I am busy trying to connect my Face book page where I increasing post video clips and links to my blog. I haven’t found Face book useful for having categories to search posts with yet.
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New Leadership
In Victoria, principal class positions are openly advertised and a selection panel which comprises a teacher and parents from the school and a regional network leader appoint the successful candidate. Sarah my Assistant Principal was recently successful in being appointed … Continue reading