This challenging question was recently asked by Thinking Skills guru Lane Clark. Whilst as educators we endeavor to have a ‘futures’ orientation and are acutely aware of the changing world in which we live, I worry that our Curriculum can lead us to more ‘delivering content’ than developing life-long learners. There are two professional development opportunities in 2014 on this important topic that are NOT TO BE MISSED!
Lane Clark has a well-earned reputation as an expert in powerful pedagogy and in the design and delivery of engaging curriculum. Her authentic, transdisciplinary approach to learning is founded on teaching students how to learn, how to think and how to use new technologies to enhance their learning. Lane has been a keynote presenter at the last five International Conferences on Thinking, alongside Edward deBono, Howard Gardner, David Perkins, Art Costa and other leading thinkers and educators.
In March 2014 Lane will be working with educators in Qld, NSW and Victoria to help unpack the General Capabilities component of the Australian Curriculum. There are 7 General Capabilities. They include Literacy; Numeracy; Information and Communication Technology capabilities; Critical and Creative Thinking; Personal and Social capability; Ethical Understanding and Intercultural Understanding.
According to ACARA the General Capabilities refer to an integrated and interconnected set of knowledge, skills and behaviours and dispositions that can be applied across the curriculum to help students become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens. Schools will be expected to assess and report against these capabilities. Lane will be presenting two-day workshops at Taylors Lakes (VIC) on March 17 and 18 and in Castle Hill (NSW) on March 25 and 26. Flyers with more information are attached.
Lane will also be in Brisbane working with the City Cluster of schools on March 7 and 8. Further dates are being planned for 2014 and 2015. Please contact me if you are interested. The itc publications conference “Simply Teaching – Deeply Thinking” will be held at the beautiful Gold Coast on July 18 and 19. The two day program looks great and is aimed at both teachers and school leaders! All sessions are aimed at creating the effective classroom.
Reinforcing the importance of explicit teaching in developing the deeper thinking capabilities of all students. A flyer is attached – book your place now! The earlybird offer closes on Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day – in case you forgot! If you’d like me to present at your conference or work with your staff, email me steve@stevefrancis.net.au