All the best for 2010.

I make the same resolution every year… to lose 30 pounds. I usually do, only in time to gain it back by December 31st!

I appreciate your viewpoints here, especially the first point about school and education. Perhaps the most frustrating part of public school how the institution itself gets in the way of its purpose. Politics, red tape, and the need to (try to) satisfy, not educate, everyone pull us further away from our ultimate goal.

Last year I wrote these 9 assumptions: http://transleadership.wordpress.com/about/. I review them periodically and I have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate some of your thoughts above. Thanks for moving my thinking along.

I like your idea about calling students learners – I also like to use the word children as we are a primary school.

You will no doubt know that we in NZ are entering a high stakes testing era. My goal is to work towards a system for school which does as little damage to the children as possible.

Enjoying some lovely summer days here in P Nth – not doing too much running at present and have just brought a dog!

When I did this, I provided more choices for my learners as to how they learned and demonstrated their learning. It really helps move to a more differentiated learning environment. Now, most of my students are in charge of their own education (with me as a guide).

“Technology” is one of our “tools.” Whether we’re using Google Docs to collaborate, “prezi” to present or a pencil, they are all “tools.” (by the way, you showed me prezi at the Iowa technology conference in Iowa City earlier this year — a big thank you))

Really enjoy your work and willingness to share your ideas. Have a great 2010.

My son will graduate grade 13 this year with a wealth of knowledge gained through voracious reading on the Internet and many skills acquired by actively participating in social and community programs. My daughter will, hopefully, follow in his footsteps. They do well in school and participate in school programs, but the bottom line is: a school system that teaches learning by rote and utilises standarise testing fails in its mission.

Only change I would make — #6 should be #1.

Will see you at ICE…hope hope.

Jen

I guess it goes back to one of the shifts I think is happening in the world of education, that how you learn has become much more important than it use to be, and what you learn is less. It’s all changing too fast.

Using the same old language perpetuates the same old images.

On another note, semantics aside – in this case, I think we need to focus on action, as the belief and the words are not getting the job done. Yes, I’ve been told to be patient as change takes time, but we can’t afford to keep waiting IMHO.

Happy New Year!

Interesting thoughts here. But I noticed you left out how you’ll learn.

I’m curious what books you’ll read, what theories you’ll study, and what new topics you want to learn about, be them related to learning or not (i.e. gardening).

This post is much about what you’ll do or not do. What will you learn or not learn?

Chris