The year, 2010. The location, Tasmania. The task, the introduction of online learning in a system of schools. Over the period of the next two years I was to be a part of a small team that innovatively focused on…
The Foundations of successful Online Learning
Supporting the learning needs of all your students – ONLINE! Okay – that’s a big call, I know. But let me introduce you to an online learning model I have developed over the last 20 years of practice, that will…
How DO you plan your classroom?
Is it heresy to not begin planning with the curriculum, specifically state mandated? I run a student-centered classroom, so the curriculum is never my starting point! Here’s my 5-step classroom planning process I use to put my students front and centre of their learning.
Self-care in a demanding profession
Christmas Landcare – community based self-care I am sitting on an old bench on my sister’s kitchen veranda, a private moment of self-care before a busy day. The old, now disused, pool on my left, vegetable gardens and water tanks…
The Secret Ingredient
I love that scene in Kung Fu Panda. It is the end of the movie, and the team, including Po, have just defeated Tai Lung the fearsome snow leopard. Po is about to leave the village when his adoptive father,…
Music a symbol for the differentiated classroom
There is something magical about attending a classical music concert. Oops, did I just lose you? Hang in there, I am going somewhere with this! You enter the concert hall and find your seat. People are murmuring quietly. It’s all…
The Coffee Principle of Differentiation
Yes, it is true – I drink a lot of coffee. And so, I also buy a lot of coffee. My daughter always complains I drink too much, I buy too much! (really?) But it would appear she is right.…
When not all students learn
Did you ever have a time when differentiating your classroom didn’t work? Yes, it happens. Sometimes there are times when it appears that ‘differentiation failed’. I want to share you my story. A tale about two young lads. Now, I…
Differentiation – If the cap fits!
I decided to take my Man cap shopping. My Man has this favourite cap. He’s had it for years. It’s done the rounds. Camping, hiking, touring. It’s gone to soccer when my sons were little. I think that’s when he…
45 Years
The Arrival. 45 years ago I landed as an non-English speaking immigrant in Australia. I wish my teacher had had access to the Teaching learning cycle to support my learning in the classroom. The It is very useful in supporting the learning of NESB students either as a group or within the context of mainstream instruction.