6 minute read
Secondary Math JAWS. pg Learning Skills JAWS. pg 24
During a relaxed but highly productive two-day Secondary Mathematics Job Alike Workshop at British School Jakarta, FOBISIA Maths teachers shared their good practice, assessment ethos, differentiation ideas, meaningful inquiry-based teaching strategies and using technology to provide a more individualised learning experience for students.
The workshop began with challenging Maths teachers to answer the question, “Which is bigger 3 or 7?” - it sounds simple but we were challenge to put ourselves in a Theory of Knowledge lesson and think about how we would answer this and also challenge any instinctive answers. Technology was a major focus over the two days both in terms of software and apps that could be used to make Maths more engaging but also tools that could be used to create personalised learning spaces for students. Assessment for learning was another hot topic and excellent ideas on how to empower students to take responsibility for their own development.
The quality of the workshops was self-evident and everyone who was part of the JAWS event is to be congratulated for their willingness to both be a leader and a participant. The value gained by attending events such as these really does depend upon the contributions offered by the attendees, and this Secondary Maths JAWS stands as a perfect example of what can be achieved when likeminded, dedicated professionals work together. All those attending the JAWS event were highly motivated and enthusiastic about improving the teaching and learning of Mathematics, and for this reason, the sessions were challenging, constructive, humorous and thought-provoking. Everyone had lots of takeaways from the two days in the form of ideas, questions, resources and new strategies to use in the classroom and a network of support in all corners of South East Asia.
Simi Shah, Mathematics Faculty Leader British School Jakarta
Learning Skills JAWS British School Manilla, Philippines
On the Friday 6th to Saturday 7th of March, The British School Manila hosted a learning skills JAWS, focusing on three main areas:
How can we develop the learning skills of our students? How can we formatively assess the learning skills of our students? How can we make the learning process 'visible' to our students?
The workshop began with a presentation defining student feedback. The Harkness approach was introduced as being one way of providing quantitative and immediate feedback to children. Attendees then had the opportunity to gauge the usefulness of this approach using a Harkness App (‘Roundtable’) whilst observing students in a variety of different collaborative activities. The attendees found the App very useful and a tool applicable to a wide range of different ages and faculty areas.
Participating schools were then given an opportunity to talk about where they were on their journey to developing the learning skills of their students and the difficulties they were currently encountering. Whilst we were all on different timelines and all developing our own in-house models, there were certainly similarities in our approaches. Staff (and student) ‘buy-in’ remains an obstacle that we are all encountering. This is especially so in senior schools where exam scores become the overriding focus. Teachers need to think about what skills their students will take away from their lessons and apply to other faculty areas – a hard sell when teachers are being judged on the exams scores in the subject they are teaching.
The afternoon sessions began by looking at what learning skills mean to students. One school then presented the in-house ‘learning skills’ model they had begun to develop and ideas were shared with regards to the way forward. The penultimate presentation of the day was a bank of ideas on how to make lessons more learning skill focused. Whilst these ideas came from a science perspective, we all saw how they could be applied across a range of different ages and subjects. Indeed one of the nicest parts of the JAWS was the appreciation of just how important it is for primary and senior schools to share good practice – we can learn a lot from each other!
The final presentation of the day focused on the work of Carol Dweck – how to develop a growth mindset in children. The importance of mindset and ways to develop it were discussed.
Day 2 began with more ideas on how to incorporate learning skills in routine lessons. This was followed by a presentation detailing how ‘project based learning’ can be planned and facilitated, and how PBL is an excellent way of developing the learning skills of children.
The final presentation discussed ways of providing feedback to young children and, once again, the subsequent discussions showed how good practice in the younger years can be applied to the older age groups.
Overall, attendees found the JAWS to be a really positive experience. The quality of presentations and discussions was excellent. Many thanks to all who participated.
Jon Gane, Learning Power Coordinator British School Manila
Curriculum Review JAWS The Alice Smith School, Malaysia
Alice Smith School from Kuala Lumpur would like to thank participants from the FOBISIA schools who travelled to join us for our Curriculum Review JAW in May 2015. It was a great pleasure to host the event and work with such a highly capable, motivated and enthusiastic group of curriculum leaders from across the region.
Throughout the conference a range of first rate and insightful presentations highlighted the innovative curriculum design being considered by our schools. The group worked both as whole school and primary/secondary specialist teams and explored a wide range of topics, covering some of the following areas:
Curriculum Review at Alice Smith Planning by Backward Design Building up a post 16 Curriculum Applying the best of EYFS pedagogy throughout Primary IGCSE/GCSE - How many is enough? Enrichment vs Acceleration in Primary Mathematics A Focus on Acceleration vs Enrichment Curriculum Design from Building Design Curriculum Review at KTJ Impact Review Cross Curricular Links in KS3 Curriculum by Committee - managing change and developing ideas Cross Curricular Enquiry Life After Levels
The subjects reviewed were thought provoking and relevant to all schools at this moment in time. The topic of ‘knowledge versus skills curriculums’ sparked a high level of debate. The examples of curriculums operated in our schools was evidence of outstanding quality educational opportunities being offered by international schools in the region.
The JAW was a positive experience for everyone involved. Throughout the two days there was a productive atmosphere with a focus on collaboration, many participants established links that they will use to enable future learning at their schools. As well as this, the conference offered delegates the opportunity to reflect on curriculum initiatives and identify development actions for their schools.
A huge thank you to all of our attendees; their willingness to engage in a process of such rigorous and innovative professional development will ensure FOBISIA schools continue to provide some of the best educational opportunities available.
A big well done to all and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
