Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Future Schools Day 1 - Keynote Charles Leadbetter

Chairperson for the day - Anne Knock - SCIL - change for an education that's worth having - a nice quote 

Charles Leadbeater -  Demos think tank
And his  latest publication to read 'The frugal innovator ' 

Learning to make a difference
When we think about the future of learning and schools we need to be thinking that being innovative is more about 'looking hip and funky' - technology is not the answer - schools that look cool, may not be cool and funky in terms of learning.

Instead we should be asking what is missing from our education - the 'why is missing - the purpose - what and who is this for? Children want to feel that their learning means well to them.
Students are often physically present but psychologically somewhere else - I think we can identify with this. 

Interesting comment made on exams - they are about guessing what the examiners are looking for and the ones who guess best do well.
 
Countries with high tertiary stats are not doing well in employment stats - for example South Korea stats - 75%  unemployment rate of graduates - in the  Uk 25% of catering workforce are graduates - scary 

How do we make learning relevant for that - need to look from the future back - 'how not think about it...
Broad terms and not specific - Leadbeatter sees the issues facing education are based on constraints 
- tightening constraints on spending an incomes; climate change and environmental
- rising aspirations 
These lead to frustration - 
BUT an  outcome of frustration is innovation
Limitless collaboration - powered by technology
Endemic uncertainty - especially in big corporations

Particularly like the phrase 'An age of oxymorons. - the working day extends - frenzied stagnation 

What kind of organisations thrive in a world like this?
- open, adaptive,min ovation, purpose
- creative community with a cause - a mission 

Great innovators ask the difficult questions!
Intuitive collaboration 
Flat open communicative structure 

What kind of assessment would go on in places like these?
- continual, diverse and generative
What would a school like this look like?
What would you learn at a school community like this?What capabilities and habits be?
- knowledge - how do you know, how do you test and then apply the knowledge
- questioning - how to pose good questions- challenge debate resond- learning how to ask questions 
- communication - present, persuade 
- collaborate - achieve more if you can collaborate with others who are not like you - skills need to be developed
- making - how to create tangible products in the real world 
- persistence - overcome obstacles - set challenging goals - be supported to learn in action

A violin is as important a technology for learning as a laptop! Fabulous image of all Yr 7s who are given a classical instrument on the first day!

In the real world learning - pig farm Paraguay - self sustaining economic community - with a purpose - businesses  pay for teacher salaries

Experience how to be self governing

Apps for good awards - link here - most important thing - you start with them - it's about people not apps  - confident, capable young people who can communicate 

Under the radar movement of teachers who want to make a difference - who want to do more than just get through an exam

Ask the why question to start with!

Hear Charles on TED - 



















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