Edited by Keith Redman

Topics covered in this edition include:

• Have you booked your place at ANSN’s 4th National Forum, in November?
• Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Information sessions for 2010 Hub (VIC)
• Setting up the Dimensions of Learning (DoL) Hub in Toowoomba
• Cognitive Coaching in Perth, 2009-2010
• Integrating ICT pedagogy in School Community Workshops
• Developing Wonderful Readers and Bee Bots workshops (TAS, NSW)
• A poem for reflection
• Some interesting reading
• Reminders of ANSN activities, introduced in previous editions of E-News 

Have you booked your place at ANSN’s 4th National Forum, in November?

As announced in the previous edition of E-News, ANSN will be hosting its fourth national forum, on Tuesday 17 November, in Canberra. Have you booked your place yet? This year the forum provides you with a unique opportunity to explore the Federal Government’s Education Revolution – two years into the government’s term of office – and discuss its impact on school education.

The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard (pictured), will launch the forum and deliver a précis on progress with the Education Revolution, as well as an overview of what has been accomplished to date.

The forum will be held in the Old Parliament House in Canberra and the cost is $100 per person, including lunch. If you have not already registered, email your rsvp as soon as possible (places are limited) to cathy.danaher@ansn.edu.au For further details click here.

 

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Information sessions for 2010 Hub (VIC)

 

Over the past three years ANSN has run comprehensive training for teachers and school leaders in the use of Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) – to develop skills and share strategies for integrating the technology into classroom practice.

This action research-based training, in Hubs that serve particular geographical areas, has been highly successful. The following is a sample of feedback.

Noble Park Secondary College has sent three teams to training in IWB use in 2009. The program has been a stunning success, with staff praising the standard and practicality of the training, which is delivered by staff who know what is needed in a successful classroom. The IWB teams are now an integral part of embedding ICT practice in our classrooms.

Joan Carroll. Assistant Principal Noble Park Secondary College

In 2010 there will again be opportunities to join an ANSN IWB Hub in Victoria, facilitated by Andrea Federico and Kate Cooper (below left and right). Membership of one of the IWB Hubs also gives schools the opportunity to purchase Promethean Activ boards at a reduced price, negotiated by the ANSN.

In the first week of September, information sessions were held for Victorian schools in the St Albans/Keilor, Moonee Valley and Melton areas, demonstrating the potential of Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom, and explaining and answering questions about the Hub’s five days of professional learning, spread throughout 2010.

If you missed out on these information sessions but are still interested in joining a Hub in 2010, there is one more information session being run, on Thursday 15 October, 9.30-10.30am at Ashwood Secondary School, Vannam Drive, Ashwood 3147, To register for this session, please send an email as soon as possible to kate.cooper@ansn.edu.au. These sessions have been very popular and places are limited, so act now.

Setting up the Dimensions of Learning (DoL) Hub in Toowoomba

Tina Doe (ANSN National Networker, below left) confirms that exciting opportunities are developing for schools in the Toowoomba area, as they begin or continue their pedagogical reform journey through the DoL framework. Teachers from the area have been involved in the Setting the Stage 2-day workshop, which focuses on building positive attitudes and perceptions (Dimension 1) through productive Habits of Mind (Dimension 5), and working in teams to explore the concepts (below right). 

The participants in this workshop elected to extend their work beyond the initial workshops and came together on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August to explore Dimensions 2, 3 and 4 of the DoL framework. Building on that work, participants from Centenary Heights State High School are now “seeding the ground” on campus, in preparation for their staff’s broader membership of the Toowoomba Dimensions of Learning (Introductory) Hub, starting in Term 1, 2010.

Tina reports that Harristown State High School has also committed team members to participate in this Hub – part of a very positive beginning for the use of DoL as a common pedagogical language in this education precinct. Tina is now inviting teams from feeder primary schools and independent schools in the area to join the Hub as well – which will add value to future work across a range of clusters, working parties and planning teams. 

Tina is keen to finalise details and dates for this Hub as soon as possible, so that members can plan ahead in next year’s diaries. To register for the Toowoomba DoL Hub, or for more information, please contact her by mobile at 0421 440 725 or email to tina.doe@ansn.edu.au. 

Cognitive Coaching in Perth, 2009-2010

Gavin Grift and Leith Hogan (below left and right) report that the ANSN National Cognitive Coaching Team, in partnership with the Center for Cognitive Coaching, will present a further 8-day Foundation Training program, from 1–4 December 2009 and from 16–19 March, 2010, based at Canning Vale College, Perth, WA

Cognitive Coaching℠ can be integral to developing a school culture of student, teacher and leadership learning success. Gavin explains that participation in this intensive workshop will equip you and/or members of your team with a set of strategies for thinking, and a way of working, to help you shape and reshape your thinking and problem solving capacities, to achieve learning success. Cognitve Coaching, designed by educators for educators, was pioneered by Art Costa and Bob Garmston. The 2009-2010 program will be conducted by ANSN/Center for Cognitive Coaching Agency trainers. Participants will:

• develop their knowledge of Cognitive Coaching℠ as a model of human interaction that promotes self-directed learning;
• develop communication skills that are necessary for coaching but also applicable to a wide variety of situations; and
• develop their identity, skills, and effectiveness as mediators of self-directed learning in self and others

To help you evaluate the possible benefits of participating in the program, Gavin suggests that you consider the following detailed feedback, from participants who took part in the first Foundation Training program in Perth.

I came expecting...	I got...	I value...	I need...
to learn a way of coaching that could be useful when working with colleagues	more than I expected.  I enjoyed the blend of theory, research and practical application and am motivated to continue my CC journey	the process.  Whilst complex it makes sense.	time to practise and possibly more opportunities to discuss with other participants.
learning on Cognitive Coaching the opportunity to practise and develop skills	valuable PD and tools for personal development and tools to be more effective in role at school	the opportunity worthwhile PD	to practise
to learn strategies and skills to help me in my day-to-day work	a whole new way of looking at thinking about me and how I can move forward with all aspects of my life	the skills and strategies learned and also the friendships made.	time to assimilate and practise what I have learned and some time in the future to revisit with experts.
to gain an understanding of Cognitive Coaching and to be able to utilise it in my role as Principal	what I expected and met such wonderful positive women	what I have learned (I hope I can remember it and hold on to it) and the people I have met (there is such hope for our students and system)	to know and value that I can
to understand the cognitive coaching process as another way of interacting with staff, to improve student learning outcomes and create high morale in the workplace.  To assist with change management strategies.	a valued and pragmatic process to use in my work place.  A series of ‘maps’ to assist solving problems.  These templates were very useful.  An opportunity to practise what we learned.	learning about the states of mind, the skills I gained in further understanding people’s perceptions, view of the world and their realities.  The psychology and philosophy underlying cognitive coaching is particularly interesting.	more opportunity to practise paraphrasing questions, etc.
to become a better communicator	that listening is such an important tool.  Something I need a lot of practise with.	the time spent practising.  The professional and personal conversations and what coaching is going to do for my staff and me.	lots of time and a glass of wine!!
Thank you for the best PD
to become an efficient and organised coach. to learn new things that I would know “everything” by the end of the course	to feel at ease reassurance new skills – a new way of ‘conversation’ - with a purpose enthused a reality check – I don’t know everything.	the views and experience of my female colleagues critical feedback the expertise of our ‘coaches’ that I can make mistakes	lots of practice to organise networks to stay in touch to share my learnings
Thanks - wonderful
to become aware of what Cognitive Coaching is all about	A lot more than that fantastic strategies to use opportunities to practise the Planning Conversation Map, Reflection Conversation Map, Problem-Resolving Conversation Map Importance of Paraphrasing Rapport BMIRS PACE – lead States of mind new friends – great discussions	being provided with the opportunity to acquire CC professional learning thanks DET for recognising Women in Leadership the great presenters, Sue and Janelle	to continue to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE support from colleagues to bounce ideas off follow-up Professional Learning sessions networking more knowledge and understanding (reading) – States of Mind.

 

This program consists of an intensive eight-day course, offered in two 4 day segments. For further information and to download the flier, please follow the following link
http://www.ansn.edu.au/projects/cognitive_coaching

Integrating ICT pedagogy in School Community Workshops

Hanan Harrison reports that workshops are being organised around the country, to explore teaching through the use of ICT – as a new way of working that can transform the way in which we facilitate student learning. DEEWR is funding this professional learning experience in ICT pedagogy for regional/rural school teachers at both primary and secondary level.

The professional learning experience is in three phases:

• Phase 1 – Online self reflection and preparation; building connections and sharing resources (with an Edna group site available online from 10 August 2009) 

• Phase 2 – One formal seminar for professional conversation and professional development, to connect teachers to ICT teaching techniques and online resources, and to assist in the development of individual action learning plans

• Phase 3 – School-based action learning research project, supported for up to three months by a Learning Mentor, culminating in a celebration of learning. Participants will have access to online support and resources to implement their own action learning project, share and exchange ideas and build sustainable networks. 

A State-based ICT Support person will be each participant’s local link and the face-to-face seminar will be delivered by a national Learning Mentor, skilled in integrating ICT pedagogy into school communities and action learning projects.

The project is being managed by Education Queensland International (EQI), with assistance from Australian National Schools Network and engagement from Australian Government Quality Teacher Program Project Officers.

If you or your staff are interested in participating in these workshops, please contact your local State-based ICT Coordinator:

NSW - Joe Wickert - joe.wickert@ansn.edu.au
VIC - Mark Richardson - richardson.mark.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
SA - Neil Tregenza - neilt@leadingdigital.com.au
NT - Serge Komadina - serge.komadina@ntschools.net
WA - Leith Hogan - leith.hogan@ansn.edu.au
TAS - Craig Tyeson  - Craig.tyeson@education.tas.gov.au
QLD - Hanan Harrison - hanan.harrison@ansn.edu.au

Alternatively, you can contact Katy Stuart, the Project Manager for the Workshops, on (07) 3237-0616 or by email at katy.stuart@deta.qld.gov.auhanan.harrison@ansn.edu.au You can also contact Hanan Harrison, the Learning Mentor facilitating the workshop, by email at 

Developing Wonderful Readers and Bee Bots workshops (NSW, VIC)

If you have not yet experienced or registered for one of her Developing Wonderful Readers workshops, note that ANSN Networker, Lynda Page (below left) has her next session scheduled in Sydney on 21 and 22 September.

Workshop participants consider how to tap into the children’s prior knowledge and enthusiasm when using ICTs, and explore ways of using technologies to develop their students’ literacy skills, in the context of their own classrooms. To register for this workshop click here.

Lynda also presents Bee Bots workshop on early years robotics. Upcoming Dates are:

Sydney:
Venue: Marrickville Primary School
Location: Chapel St, Marrickville, NSW 2204
Date: 23rd October 2009                 

Mt Martha Vic:
Venue:  Osborne Primary School
Location: 120 Craigie Rd, Mt Martha VIC 3934
Date: 16th October  2009

Lynda can also work with you to plan and deliver programs in your area. If your school, or cluster of schools, is interested and has the space and numbers to run a Wonderful Readers or Bee Bot workshop, contact her on lynda.page@ansn.edu.au and she will work out dates that suit.

A Poem for Reflection

In a change of tone for ANSN E-News, John Hogan from WA has contributed a poem by Lao Tse, called Beginnings – which he received from two different sources in the same day, thought about and wanted to share.

Begin
difficult things
while they are easy.
Do great things
when they are small.
The difficult things
of the world
must once have been easy;
the great things
must once have been small…
A thousand mile journey
begins with one step.

 

Some Interesting Reading

Several items of interest have come to our attention through Australian Policy Online in recent weeks. These include:

Why "league tables" of schools are a failure

Ian Keese, writing in On Line Opinion, argues it is sloppy thinking that fails to distinguish between "underperforming" schools and "disadvantaged" schools. In his article, he notes that those who support publishing “league tables”, which rank schools by results, often take the high moral ground by arguing that to do so is in the interests of disadvantaged students, and that teachers only oppose them so they can hide their failures. For his discussion of related issues, including concerns about current media coverage and interpretations, see
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=9325

The world of e-portfolios

In this article, Allison Miller, from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, argues that as we move deeper into a digital age, e-portfolios will be a key method for demonstrating existing skills.

Educating the net generation

Gregor Kennedy has produced a handbook in which he investigates students' and teachers' use of new technologies. It includes details of eight case studies in which emerging technologies were implemented in learning settings across three participating universities.

Public education matters: reclaiming public education for the common good in a global era

Val Klenowski, writing in the Australian Educational Researcher of 3 August, 2009, argues that public education needs to be reclaimed, to fulfil its role as a 'democratising force' to address social and economic inequality and to respect and recognise diversity and difference.

Northern Territory student movement 2007 and 2008

The School for Social and Policy Research reports on student movements for all NT DET schools for two years, highlighting the issue of student movements being particularly prevalent for Indigenous students from remote communities.

New directions in European vocational education and training policy and practice: Lessons for Australia

Roger Harris and Michele Simons, from the National Centre for Vocation Education and Training, reflect on the wide scope of issues that governments are addressing and the role that they envisage for VET, both in the European Union and Australia.

Reminders of ANSN activities, introduced in previous editions of E-News

Cognitive Coaching – Research Circle
The 2009 Cognitive Coaching Research Circle helps member schools build reflective communities, using action learning and cognitive coaching to support changes in teacher pedagogy. For further details, email the Research Circle Co-ordinator at gavin.grift@ansn.edu.au

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Hub, Victoria – Reminder of dates
For the three IWB Hubs that started in Term 1, the remaining session dates are:
Group 1:    12 November 2009
Group 2:    19 November 2009
Group 3:    26 November 2009
For further details, contact andrea.federico@ansn.edu.au

Cognitive Coaching(SM) for Educational Leaders workshop in Brisbane
An introductory workshop on Cognitive Coaching(SM), Learning to Coach, Coaching to Learn, is being presented in Brisbane on Wednesday 16 September. The presenters are Sue Presler, from the Center of Cognitive Coaching(SM) and Viv White, National Coordinator, ANSN.  For further details and to register (if you are very quick), click here.

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