where we started
The impetus behind our work was specifically linked to key targets of the Northern Metropolitan Region in Victoria. The region had initiated a School Improvement model referred to as "Powerful Learning". This model had a simple focus - to foster Literate, Numerate and Curious students.
The strategy itself initiated considerable discussion among Principal colleagues and teachers. It also initiated considerable discussion with us as to how we could develop a curriculum that promoted curiosity and independence whilst still meeting the demands of a State imposed curriculum. |
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We first heard Professor Sugata Mitra speak at a conference in Melbourne in 2010. He spoke about his research and the "Hole in the Wall" project he had led in India.
Part of his learnings focused on the concept of Minimally Invasive Teaching methods and also the fact that students were able to learn things for themselves using the computer and a high speed internet connection.
Sugata's presentation got us thinking, ...we felt that it had the potential leverage to harness the natural curiosity of students.
The challenge for us would be to strengthen the line of sight back to the core curriculum and to develop protocols and improvements that would ensure that successful S.O.L.E. sessions could be easily replicated in the mainstream, in any setting.
Part of his learnings focused on the concept of Minimally Invasive Teaching methods and also the fact that students were able to learn things for themselves using the computer and a high speed internet connection.
Sugata's presentation got us thinking, ...we felt that it had the potential leverage to harness the natural curiosity of students.
The challenge for us would be to strengthen the line of sight back to the core curriculum and to develop protocols and improvements that would ensure that successful S.O.L.E. sessions could be easily replicated in the mainstream, in any setting.