#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Hi everyone. Justine from Auckland, New Zealand. Currently studying for my PhD focusing on gifted and talented ed. Former DP and leadership roles for many years. Tech geek. #whatisschool
Q1) Jack Ma recently stated that educators must stop teaching knowledge and instead focus on soft skills like creativity, teamwork & problem finding. What are your thoughts? #whatisschool
A1 I think soft skills do need to be taught, but I also think that we cannot abandon knowledge. For example as a reading teacher - you absolutely need to know how to read...#whatisschool
A1) too often Ss are asked to regurgitate info for the sake of a grade. Learning involves skills and Ts need to assist Ss in improving those skills so Ss can be lifelong learners #whatisschool
A1: I agree within reason. It’s important for us to have standards to guide creativity and innovation. Otherwise where is your starting point? I like selecting fewer standards though which allows for in depth student cantered work #whatisschool
A1: I think we need to complement academics with skills such as collaboration, listening, speaking, etc. They should be embedded within each other. #whatisschool
A1: I think there’s a need for both. Use knowledge and skills to develop better creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Our focus should shift, perhaps. #whatisschool
Hey buddy - great to see you joining us! EVERYBODY pay attention - Thomas is one of the greatest Innovators I have had the pleasure of working with - follow him! #whatisschool
A1 agree. We must focus on process and developing skill sets and the mind of how to apply them. Content knowledge is what we use to challenge that process/skills so it has opportunity to grow in depth #whatisschool
Q1) Jack Ma recently stated that educators must stop teaching knowledge and instead focus on soft skills like creativity, teamwork & problem finding. What are your thoughts? #whatisschool
#whatisschool A1: these soft skills you speak of are vital with today’s Ss. I teach middle school tech and kids are so centered on a grade, that it takes away the love for the work they’re doing. They need to use these skills to make the learning/creativity the central part.
A1 they are equally both important, educators should find a balance to develop both in our Ss, soft skills can greatly help oir Ss with how they relate to peers and people #whatisschool
I think this is important - however do you think the curriculum is quite overloaded. How do we determine what is needed and what can be found later #whatisschool
Great response of “within treason. “ We need to be careful about boutique, “out there” private sector theorists influencing Ed. that everyone fishes over. #whatisschool
A1b: Ss have access to information, but what can they do with it??? Filling out a worksheet is meaningless. They need to be solving problems, asking more Qs and researching new answers #whatisschool
A1Nope - that's a miss. There should be less emphasis on "rote learning" and fact regurgitation. But more emphasis an analysis and synthesis, and creativity, etc. But facts, and understanding the difference between facts and opinions, are still very important. #WhatIsSchool
A1- I agree. There are plenty of book smart people around. Success & innovation occur when smart people work in teams and create synergy. #whatisschool
Check out British Columbia’s new curriculum. They’ve done a good job (from what I see) of cutting back on standards and keeping essential questions #bcedchat#whatisschool
Q1) Jack Ma recently stated that educators must stop teaching knowledge and instead focus on soft skills like creativity, teamwork & problem finding. What are your thoughts? #whatisschool
Totally - I think the article suggested talks about a move away from teaching knowledge like we know it / totally agree curriculum is a must #whatisschool
A1) I think reaching soft skills such as creativity, teamwork, problem solving automatically leads Ss to seek, collaborate and acquire knowledge required for things that matter to them #whatisschool.
@kresak2j agreed we still need to use standards as it helps students reflect (and measure) progress. But, we are seeing standards move from content-based to skills-based which is an interesting shift #whatisschool
As our attention has turned to testable information creativity has suffered ... true critical thinking and the ability to troubleshoot has disappeared ... too many looking for the answer and not a solution. #whatisschool
Check out British Columbia’s new curriculum. They’ve done a good job (from what I see) of cutting back on standards and keeping essential questions #bcedchat#whatisschool
A2: This is my working definition: Innovation is the product or the fruit of creativity. It is about adapting ideas and bringing them to life. #whatisschool
I have kids ask this in reading all the time...what is the right answer...well in my subject there isn't always one right answer. Ss HATE that today....#whatisschool
A2: it’s important for it to be around experiences that shift from what’s always been done to something new. It’s is NOT hardware or expensive labs in my opinion #whatisschool
A2: It depends what mindset you come from - positive, growth mindsets will think of it as a positive learning culture. Others may think of it as a fixed and negative culture #whatisschool
A2 Innovation needs to be the process of embracing change, encouraging risk and providing opportunities to question within and outside of the curriculum #whatisschool
A2) innovation is a mindset throughout the school: how might we???? Try something new/design/create/iterate/explore/reflect. Look in the mirror and see what can be done better for the sake of the Ss #whatisschool
A2 Innovation in teaching often is risk and opportunity combined with value....important to recognize innovation for one may be old hat for another #whatisschool
A2 - Anything new that improves teaching & learning. It doesn’t have to be mind blowing - just something your students didn’t experience before. #whatisschool
A2 in schools it is more about learning and gaining authentic experience in the process of innovation, making connections with design thinking and practice prototyping #whatisschool
A2: Innovation is the introduction of something new into an environment; change; it can mean something very different based on the environment and context #whatisschool
Yes. I always tell international schools that say “isn’t that expensive” to look at awesome public schools in the US or Canada that are doing it with little resources #whatisschool
I love this idea. I try and tell our students that innovation doesn't have to be inventing something never seen. It might be combining items in unique ways or changing user experiences. #whatisschool
A2 Innovation is doing things in newer AND better ways. Newer doesn’t always means better. Don’t have kids do 20th century tasks with 21st century tools. #whatisschool
A1: What a poignant Q! I just came across this article this morning.
Google finds STEM skills aren’t the most important skills:
https://t.co/rfKi2hJj7O#whatisschool
A2. Innovation is about expecting and valuing change to improve the learning experiences of students AND teachers. It's about possibilities. #whatisschool
A2: Moving the school towards more student-centered practices based on present sound research. It’s also a more collaborative approach of solving problems instead of just knowing answers to qs. #whatisschool
Q1;A1: I agree. I think focus on soft skills like creativity, teamwork & problem finding will automatically yield to gain in knowledge & better understanding of human values. #whatisschool
Improvement in teaching approaches that takes into account the changes in society (i.e. technology) so that we can better prepare our students while still teaching important skills and content #whatisschool
innovation in school ... are we really that innovative ... we're on a 5 year cycle where we rename what we are doing and calling it innovative ... bells and pretty lights do not equal innovation #whatisschool
Love this! Was talking to my media Ss today about no grades. They were worried abiut individual grades. They couldn’t grasp their heads around everyone doing things differently. That if they do their jobs well and with #passion they’ll succeed. #whatisschool
A2 There are a number of components for meaningful innovation.
1 Willingness to change
2 Environmental support for change
3 A goal for the change
4 Assessment on the value of the change, esp wrt the goal.
5 Go to 1
#WhatIsSchool
A2)Opportunities to create and explore, taking risks to try something different and that is meaningful to us or our community.
passion to make, design and learn eventually leads to innovation in school environment #Whatisschool
Yes for some school but I do feel like there has been a shift. Look at @hightechhigh or Shanghai Americans innovation institute. Those aren’t doing what we’ve always done #whatisschool
Absolutely! If they don’t, Ss look to them for direction and lack confidence to be independent and produce on their own. Too often Ss think they need to do something for the T to get the grade. #whatisschool
Right... the def of innovation is "a new method, idea, product" so we need to evaluate what we are actually doing that is different and what is actually working
#whatisschool
i teach kids to think ... by whatever means necessary ... not sure if it is innovative ... today the most thought provoking class came with me at the front of the room leading a discussion ... #whatisschool
A3: understanding that what they learn in school might not prepare them. But giving them the skills to learn new things and adapt to new environments #whatisschool
Indeed, thinking you know something, knowing something, and actually doing it are all different things. The transfer of knowledge from the classroom context to actual practice is an interesting question. #WhatIsSchool
A3: Unemployment and machine learning - machines will take over a lot of jobs in the future but what they won't replace is human centered traits like creativity https://t.co/YeX0cJSknV#whatisschool
I treat my class like a real job. Get the broadcast ready, make sure our work is complete. Work on the #podcast for class, complete the #socialmedia. as we #create all this work, make it better every time. #learn something New with every piece of media you create. #whatisschool
Leap of faith supported by colleagues, school districts and gumption. #whatisschool we’ve relabeled so much & so many barriers, but starting small & “just going for it” My middle name is “Pollyanna”
Agreed, innovation for KG students is different from their buddies on G4 nevertheless it is as important and essential as it leads to #stuvoice and #stuchoice when it is student-centered #whatisschool
A3 For struggling students, it is the idea of perseverance #GrowthMindset Honestly, I see so many kids just give up at the first small hurdle #whatisschool
A3: what a loaded question! #mentalhealth, ability to manage time, communication, maintain relationships, skills necessary for work and to transfer those skills to new situation. #whatisschool
i teach kids to think ... by whatever means necessary ... not sure if it is innovative ... today the most thought provoking class came with me at the front of the room leading a discussion ... #whatisschool
A3) It worries me that learners can’t start or hold a conversation, they don’t seem to know how to actively listen to someone, or when someone is hurt... they just stand there & stare, no idea how to help, what to do #whatisschool
A3) It worries me that learners can’t start or hold a conversation, they don’t seem to know how to actively listen to someone, or when someone is hurt... they just stand there & stare, no idea how to help, what to do #whatisschool
A3: The students of today face factors as adults we cannot guess: AI to global warming problems are popping up everywhere. How to prepare? Teach them to think for themselves..be creative and to collaborate. No problem is so big when people work together to solve it. #whatisschool
A3 as a tech teacher, this is hard, but the biggest issue is their phones. They do not know how to talk to people anymore. I can’t tell you how many time kids have been disrespectful because of their phones. We need to teach them how to appropriately use those tools #whatisschool
A2 innovation needs to be about providing children with a growth mindset and the opportunities to become confident independent learners, using a range of tools and strategies. #whatisschool#innovation
A3 A lack of empathy, initiative, and personal communication skills could hinder future employability. Teaching of Soft skills needs to be integrated and explicitly taught in the curriculum #whatisschool
A3: The thought that high school or even university is the end of the learning journey. We all need to continue to learn and adapt and grow. #whatisschool
A3) some Ss need simple life skills, think home ec, while others need to be independent and figure out how to think critically on their own. Can be a tough ask for many who are not afforded opportunities in school #whatisschool
A3: With access we have to the internet, we have become accustomed to getting information instantly. As educators, we want to find a way to build perseverance and the willingness to explore a thought. #whatisschool
A3) most jobs are taken away by robots due to advanced AI, creating, innovating and coming up with new ideas is a mandatory. Ability to do human things that machines are not capable is a must! #whatisschool
There shouldn't be one answer for anyone. Tech is the answer for my on student with Autism who cannot communicate without it...but for my AP Lit student, tech is not the answer #whatisschool
I know, even in HS, they can't manage their time when completing an exam. I tell them to look over it first and answer all the Qs they know and then spend time on the Qs they are not sure about. #whatisschool
A3 that they never had a chance to a develop their appreciation of the aesthetic, to be immersed in art as an experience, to learn what it means to be a human #whatisschool
A3: My biggest concern for students success beyond school would be their sense of grit, seeing failure as growth, and ability to adapt. There is a massive gap between school and the rest of theirs lives...how do we change this? #whatisschool
I remember finally being on my own after college and had to learn how to be in charge of my entire existence. My schooling did not prepare me for much of it #whatisschool
I absolutely agree! I see it so often, when my kids friends come over, they sit at the table & we all talk before they “hang” I’m amazed that they tell me, they go days w/o talking to their Ps #whatisschool
We have just banned phones from 8.30 - 3.15. Have to be in the student’s lockers. Its in response to many factors. So far it seems to be working well. Kids not such big fans ATM #whatisschool
A3 as a tech teacher, this is hard, but the biggest issue is their phones. They do not know how to talk to people anymore. I can’t tell you how many time kids have been disrespectful because of their phones. We need to teach them how to appropriately use those tools #whatisschool
A3) It worries me that learners can’t start or hold a conversation, they don’t seem to know how to actively listen to someone, or when someone is hurt... they just stand there & stare, no idea how to help, what to do #whatisschool
A3 Whether their mindset will be appropriate to the culture that they will face as an adult. Can we foster innovation and adaption, as mentioned earlier, live long change. #WhatIsSchool
Another problem is Ss take the answers from the internet at face-value. Just the first link that pops up will be the start of their “research”. We need to do better! #whatisschool
A3 Innovation might mean something different for each individual depending on the mindset. Innovation happens when we risk to think and act differently and out of the box. #whatisschool
Have the same issue with my Ss now. They never start conversations or come up with new ideas. I really have to push to get anything out of them. This year has been the most difficult. #whatisschool
Dealing with adversity is a must. People say embracing failure however that suggests you should enjoy it. Rather dealing with failure and growing is what students need to be able to do. #whatisschoolhttps://t.co/Eg7v5XRUNS
A3: My biggest concern for students success beyond school would be their sense of grit, seeing failure as growth, and ability to adapt. There is a massive gap between school and the rest of theirs lives...how do we change this? #whatisschool
A3 - Grit & resilience are key. I see too many smart kids struggle when they move away from home and have to juggle their studies and other adult responsibilities. #whatisschool
You see this far too often and it's scary. How can we expect the students to develop the skills needed to cope in the 21stC when some teachers still have 19thC attitudes and values? #whatisschool
Q2;A2: “Innovation” in a school environment may look like embracing change, maker space, flexible learning environment, each learner working at own pace & learning in it’s own way, learners taking risk in a positive safe environment etc. #whatisschool
A4) we are looking at schedule, curriculum, Ss interests, soft skill assessment data to make sure our mission and WHY fully address the needs of our Ss #whatisschool
A3: I believe that social, emotional and mental health issues are significant among our young people...they need to know that we stand with them...acceptance, compassion, love. #whatisschool
This is true, but we have to be careful not to diminish the more traditional jobs - trash people, plumbers, etc.. Too often Ss feel that these paths are being diminished..#whatisschool
I agree, that often devices are thrown into a school and believed to be ‘innovative.’ First you need to look at the style of teaching and shift the mindset of teachers. #whatisschool
A4: One of the ways our students bring light to school events, connect to the community, and create is with the school newspaper club. We sell 300 dollars in ads every month to print it so all students have access. Innovation and entrepneurship . #WhatIsSchool
A4. In my previous teaching life my Ss (aged 10-13) designed and built their own Makerspace https://t.co/I8191xQvVC They owned the whole learning process. I've always done this from when I started in 1999. #whatisschool
my instruction is completely different, but is that very innovative? ... or is it just more portable and flashy? #whatisschool Justin Timberlake's half time show was very flashy and had a selfie, but was it better?
In reply to
@kresak2j, @MarisaEThompson, @hightechhigh
A4 we encourage students to be problem finders and work towards solutions. Our entrepreneur space brings in real world edtech startups to work alongside students and share their journey #whatisschool
A4: All of our Year 6/7 students are part of an Innovation course. My aim is to develop a growth mindset and help our students solve problems #whatisschool
A4: In my previous school, we honor Ss voices. 1 KG class wanted to speak up to save the turtles & said they wanted to share. Ts involved the local news channel to show their letters on why we should help. #whatisschool
they do but it can be taught...it's about setting priorities...my HS Ss came back and thanked me for helping them with developing time management skills . #whatisschool
A4: every teacher set an innovation goal around student learning this year. It’s been successful but to varying degree depending on the teacher. #whatisschool
A4 Physical space of school under big construction changes. students observing so much of the process. Seeing changes, being flexible while they face challenges. We have innovation center, science rooms, art room, library and integrate the spaces in the curriculum
#whatisschool
Name a few. Call out a few teachers who don't want their students to learn to think in their classroom. You say there a are many, name a few. #whatisschool
A4: Based on where we are in our innovative journey, we are focusing on building a growth mindset. Setting up the students for flexible thinking and jumping back when making a mistake. #whatisschool
A4: We aren't there...yet, but we are starting with developing a growth mindset & we have a "field experience" day built into our 6-day schedule rotation during which Ss can go on field trips, engage in STEAM activities, & participate in outdoor learning.
#whatisschool
A4: We have workshops for teachers and we also have 30 minutes of Creative Free Time (CFT) where students are encouraged to embark on creative projects, building and making STEAM projects also to be implemented #whatisschool
I’m not sure it’s solely that, I think maybe some Ps are overworked & stressed & don’t talk to their kids as much, so they’re left to own devices #whatisschool
A4 we also started a Singapore wide free event consisting of Bootcamps and training around innovation and entrepreneurialism https://t.co/wU0Szkz9TZ#whatisschool
A4- Student clubs are really student run - they plan events, keep the books, set up and run meetings, etc... For example, the FBLA runs the HS store (books, ordering, advertising, etc..) #whatisschool
A4: It is about creating culture of innovation. We can look at how successful business have done the same: celebrating risks (experimenting), being networked, getting everyone on board will have the greatest impact. #whatisschool#innovatorsdna
Q3;A3: The biggest threats that I see students facing in life might be digital disruption. Students need to develop critical thinking to be Digital citizens. Students need learn to ask questions & critically evaluate what’s served via social media. @mrkempnz#whatisschool
A5. The old "We've always done it that way and it worked just fine" mindset. Hard to shift sometimes. You need to show/model what's possible. #whatisschool
A5: forgetting important day to day skills like organization, conversational skills and basic communication tools like reading and writing #whatisschool
A5: Making sure that necessary skills are still being taught, Ts who are afraid to try it & don't have best practice, Ps who don't underst & want traditional schooling, possibly $
#whatisschool
A5: Failing! School community could feel that it’s not working bec there are so many failures. But the key is having that #mindset of learning from these setbacks, & knowing how to get up & try again. #whatisschool
A4: We have "lab time" which is a block of 40 minutes everyday where students work on whatever they want with any teacher. We also have PBL courses for G7, G8, PBL built into grades 9-11 & seniors do a capstone project. #whatisschool
A5: Without a vision, mission, or purpose innovation and entrepneurship are pointless. There must be a destination or something that needs accomplished. Trying to teach these skills in isolation is like sailing a ship in circles on the ocean. #WhatIsSchool
A5: The difficulties can come from families and faculty. Before the innovation becomes materialized, it is tricky to know what to expect. The unknown can be scary. #whatisschool
What did you think of it? I sometimes wonder if a M-F schedule would be better, but there just isn't enough time in the day/week to get everything in...
#whatisschool
It's systemic. According to what I've been reading; Disciplined Minds by John Schmidt who looks at professionals / PhD programs through the eyes of physics (he's a physicist) #whatisschool
A5: leaders should be attune to innovation fatigue, in highly dynamic and changing settings, we can tend to accept all innovations and exhaust our teachers. Innovations should be evaluated and vetted from a leadership standpoint esp when the impact is high. #whatisschool
No one likes to fail. One needs to view failure as a climactic element and be able to see past it; seeing it as one step of the journey rather than the end. #whatisschool.
A4: G7 students work in small groups during 1st semester & then individually in 2nd on PBL & G8 students work independently both semesters, but support each other. #whatisschool
Highschool seems to be really good at killing creativity and encouraging a "one correct answer" mentality. Primary schools are leading the way in this area. #whatisschool
A5 all school constuients need to be part of the process and change. A few years ago we adopted Singapore Math curriculum & recently invited parents to hear a guest speaker explain the program #whatisschool
Yes, if they are so bad they don't want kids to think in their classroom they should be called out. I mean, you have talked to them privately already, right? #whatisschool
We have a semester (its based on MYP design cycle). We teach some VR, AR and problem solving skills and then find problems within the school/community to solve. #whatisschool
A5 - change is difficulty or some, even if it is positive or needed. Others object when I bend the rules in order to introduce something new! #whatisschool
I took awhile to get used to it. But with so many Monday & Friday holiday, specialist were often missing classes. I loved it when I taught. #whatisschool
Excessive fear happens when children / people are isolated, not able to release emotions in a healthy way, unable to process emotions based on logical information. Can happen due to trauma / life events overwhelming person. #whatisschool
Awesome! We have around 250 students so far from all around Singapore. No need for supervision and everything is free. Let me know if you want more info! #whatisschool
It was absolutely amazing learning. All around Design Thinking. They recorded their learning on their blog in their own words. https://t.co/ob64RmUf6V Their ability to talk about what they learned was incredible. So many skills. #whatisschool
We are in our second year in the G7 & G8 & the students are really getting into it. Many are taking on big problems to tackle. The G12s are in the third year & due to senioritis they are more hit & miss, but the good ones are amazing. #whatisschool
#whatisschool A5: I think educators are fatigued and skeptical about all change and innovation. We have been changing and innovating for years, but not on the things that really matter
This is so true. Too often we move on to the next learning and don't give time for learning to be embedded. We don't do this to our Ss but expect it of our Ts. #whatisschool
Be a model for innovation. Change..try new things...fail...succeed. Complacency kills innovation. Learn alongside students and allow them to create. Guide the process. The only thing we truly control is ourselves...be the change you want to see. #WhatIsSchool
A6: Open the classroom, whether physically or virtually, & reach out to the school community. If we want to change minds, we have to model how it can be done. #whatisschool
If these teachers were in my dept, I most certainly would have talked to them. Are you suggesting that we don’t have teachers who are happy for Ss to think as long it conforms to how the T thinks? #whatisschool
Very true! I wonder if we can change the mindset that innovation can be the small changes we consciously make in our classes on a daily basis? #whatisschool
I’m a big proponent of building relationships with students and working with parents to foster these skills. Teaching anything or anybody in isolation from their reality gets us nowhere #whatisschool
#whatisschool A6: I think we need to really focus on process rather than content, that means, being willing to experiment with new behaviors, norms, etc in order to uncover a vision, and a path that we may not even realize is there, and shared
A6. Don't be afraid to be the 'Pollyanna' or the cheerleader / lone nut. Model and share the enthusiasm. Little nuggets of gold about what you're doing. Even better - get the students to do it / share it / model it. #whatisschool
A6 we need to make a conscious decision to examine the way we teach. Innovation can happen at the individual level and grow across the organisation. It’s all about mindset. #whatisschool
I think constraints help drive innovation. We often use constraints with our students to get them thinking differently. Use less to be more innovative. #whatisschool
constraints aren't necessarily bad, its just a matter how they are interpreted or mis-. I can be more creative under constraints sometimes because it gives me parameters to interpret vs interpreting the sky. Now if its constraint as in dictatorship of sorts...ya thats not good
A6: if people need ideas about publishing to an audience -- have a blog, make a website, have a Youtube channel & publish to Facebook, Twitter, SMS, you name it. #whatisschool
A6: We can lead by example or find the change agents in the school to lead the way. As a tech coach, I find it best to coach a small handful of Ts who will shine brighter for other Ts to see & be inspired by.
#whatisschool
A6: In the words of a former associate principal I had, "You need to be a shameless self-promoter because no one will know what you are doing, if you don't tell them." FACT! #whatisschool
A6: We can start by making small changes within our practice. When it works, it becomes infectious. Others want to jump onboard. Some will jest. #whatisschool
I think it's about changing and creating knowledge and understanding together. It's why I like the Communities of Practice model of professional learning for teachers so much. Everyone owns the learning at their own pace. #whatisschool
True. We have one student talking about racism in Korea, she is G7 & Chinese & has felt it personally. A G12 is working on an art exhibit about sexism in Korea. #whatisschool
Yes. I think we can start with soft skills, though presenting concepts and defs are important. However, storytelling / play makes learning fun and memorable. #whatisschool
I totally agree - however I think secondary could be inspired by primary. There is a little more freedom and flexibility to be a little more crazy and try new things! #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 Innovation, we talk a lot of tech, lots of new programs yet "innovation" can mean a new mindset to start over again in a new way, thinking is the pivot point and a chance to rebuild.
Change is hard. The brain doesn't like it. Slow change is important and not a lot of it. Or go all in, change as much as possible; creating cognitive dissonance that provides opportunities to adapt without overwhelming? #whatisschool
