#ukedchat Archive
Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
Thursday April 7, 2016
3:00 PM EDT
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Be good to chat with other north west edu folk during tonight's
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So, our first qu: is autonomy & independence valued in education?
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A1 I value autonomy in my role as a teacher and in my leadership role. It is a big motivator
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they are 2 different things.. plus it's a closed quetion ;-)
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A question is only closed if you let it be. Want is your opinion and why?
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A1 Also the aim of education for many of my Ss (ASD) is developing those skills that create as much Independence as possible
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Many different types of autonomy and independence. But is it something to strive for in education? https://t.co/MK3Z179qIW
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A1- Autonomy allows for good leadership & taking responsibility whilst independence allows for creativity in teaching and learning
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Are we talking autonomy for teachers or students?
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Ideally, the attendance register should be completed when the candidates are being identified
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Dare I ask what time scale that is?
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A2- I would say more autonomous since more teachers are wanting to take up TLR roles and more senior roles in education
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Could you give some details about how things have changed? Some examples?
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A2 Definitely more accountable, whether this prevents autonomy depends on the confidence of leadership I think.
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A1 A lot of people in the system say it is, but can struggle when schools, teachers & learners exhibit such characteristics.
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A2 more accountable and data driven for core subjects - more freedom to design own foundation curriculum
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A3 Yes very much so, our head is very keen to allow teachers to make decisions, you will be held accountable but also supported
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Do you think that is due to worries about relaxing control over key areas?
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is that personal experience or national issue?
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What is holding back other schools from following your example? Does permission need to be given for independence?
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yup, too many control freaks still and not enough trust
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maybe size of school, league tables both issues we are lucky not to have.
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Do you think that greater freedom has filtered down as better lesson/learning for the children?
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an ethos of trust needs to exist so Ts are confiident enough not to have to ask permission
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How can the culture be changed. Possible without changing the people?
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A3- Yes, especially to enhance learner experience. Its about finding the right balance between the two
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I think teachers try to do this but find it difficult at times. a1
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A4- Everything has its ups and downs, its about how we use those moments to bring out the best. We have to believe in ourselves
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if you are values driven, you do what you believe is right and are prepared to argue the case. We need to keep at it.
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A4 depends on school ethos & the level of morale, capable autonomous Ts should be valued by all
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This is illegibly how things are meant to be now in the Ofsted guidelines.
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Fullan talks about 'exploiting policy'. I like that!
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most would like to attribute tiny amounts of creativity to autonomy, the reality it's stifled and zapped
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A4- Independent teachers inspire others teachers to have confidence in what they do to deliver learner enhacing sessions
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a2 less. Superficially autonomy is encouraged but realistically it is oppressed.
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A4- Independent teachers inspire other teachers to have confidence in what they do to deliver learner enhacing sessions
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Can you cite some examples? (I have plenty myself!)
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Indeed. Mavericks are not often welcomed. How can we change this and put creativity back in the centre?
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labelled brown nosers. I think some look on enviously when passion and autonomy naturally occurs
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A2 it is possible to argue less, as outcomes the same in all. What is happening in England good/bad example. Always some outliers
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Thanks for that. Interesting reading.
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unrealistic high expecs. re: tests/results=time implications/curr. content implications 1/2
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certain teaching schemes are also being pushed. 2/2
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A5- Share best practice, praise and recognise staff who perform well, incentivise staff to improve performance and standards
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Do you feel that accountability is in place for our autonomous schools?
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Is that achievable from non-teaching SLT?
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A5 SLT need to support teachers including CPD, chance to lead and collaborate - no micro-managers!! https://t.co/qaYYc6SZ65
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Leaders who provide space and time to allow for creativity to flow and nurture and celebrate it
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yes, if the independence stems from competitiveness. But usually, they are a gift a4
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It doesn't have to be Teaching based practice, it could be time management, progress tracking or even self motivation
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What can teachers do if this is the case?
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Recognise and support teachers... Allow autonomy and have competent leaders who have earned their place in SLT leading by example!
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A2 Schools needing to improve standards don't see autonomy as a priority.Those with solid standards can enjoy freedom of autonomy.
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Do we have autonomous schools?
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A5: Highlight & praise good practice & develop middle leadership roles to encourage self-management
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a5 ensure they have the time/resources to make this feasible. Lead by example - be an autonomous leader.
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There are independent schools...
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provide ideas, a variety of tools to access and support
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A6 Seems to come down to student voice and allowing students to explore the concept of learning. https://t.co/r5vr7zVqJm
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A6- Giving them the necessary skills for them to develop themselves. Through scaffolding teaching and learner centred work
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Are the time/resources needed always known? These things can overrun. What happens then?
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What does think of X-sector convos on how to support more schools to embed ? Do you know ?
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A5 Intrinsic self-management surely prerequisite of effective teacher... Sympathy to line managers of those who need spoon-feeding
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teachers ask yourself. How many of your SLT could mark 10 classes of books every 2 weeks and not miss a spelling mistake?
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A6: Provide many opportunities for open-ended tasks, ask lots of open questions, vary between independent/paired/group learning
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that is where trust and a strong relationship is vital between slt and teachers.
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Q7: allow students to take explorative steps on their own. Provide options to choose from and coach to success
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Q6. Ooops. Got a bit excited
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Voluntarily Ofsteded or not at all I believe (Please correct me if worng Twitter!)
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'independence' has to be whole school ideology, embedded within day to day life constantly modelled by all. a6
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High expectations - look at early years practice and expectations and build on them. Choice in activities https://t.co/Mut9ysnlB3
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A4 Teachers need autonomy but they also need to collaborate and accept responsibility for all learners and collective good.
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A6. By training them to learn and build from failure. Don't communicate targets - they breed dejection or 'that'll do' attitude
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q7 it is possible tho difficult. It is desirable as long as children's outcomes are the most important thing.
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Also, child-led planning, project work, celebrate individual responses. It's in the ethos of the school
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by celebrating all attempts and guiding positively. Independence will happen once confidence is embedded too
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A7- Both desirable yet possible though it must caters for pupil needs, help their development & enhance experience of learners
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Respect for what children are capable of. I could get on my soapbox but I won't!
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Q7 Outside influences such as local community/environment can enhance autonomy of curriculum and provide more meaningful learning
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a6 is anyone finding that schemes they may use restricts encouragement of independence-children AND teachers?
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Gym and a garden centre with a good cafe. Not at the same time 😉
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A8- Maintain professionalism and more importantly BE YOU
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yep high expectations for all - So important for those others have not shown faith in
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Evidence in education – a lever for professional autonomy? The Alliance for Useful Evidence https://t.co/xTycxzJ8zJ via
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I leave work on time (eg just after 3pm) every Wednesday to hit the gym
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Ring fence some time that is precious - Friday nights and all of Saturday for me
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A8. Follow and visit his blog for lots of inspiration!
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A8: Prioritise & switch off from work as often as possible. Do what you want to do at the weekend & then fit work in after
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