I believe that every child is capable of deep and critical learning; when engaged is capable of developing a joy in knowledge, in learning, and in performing; and when engaged with is capable of developing and displaying sophisticated perspective taking abilities resulting in community membership and participation.
I believe achieving these things does not come easily, or without effort, for either the students, or the teacher.
For the teacher, it does not come without planning, enthusiasm, deep and broad discipline, pedagogy and information technology knowledge, skills and understandings, a sense of humour, resilience and an abiding belief in respect, classroom management, creativity, and crafting metaphor and experience to motivate and resonate with students. To achieve this requires seeing students as individuals, as well as a class; to see them as developing people across academic and non academic domains; to challenge their beliefs of what they can achieve.
For the students, it does not come without significant and consistent effort and self discipline, self-belief, resilience and mutual respect. Whilst educational opportunities, access to materials and student centredness has never been greater, it is in no way easy being a 21st century high school student in New South Wales.
I am a very advanced user of technology in the classroom and personally, and yet design physical non technology mediated activities where it will better achieve engagement and understanding. It is an extraordinary tool, for use by teachers, students individually, and in groups: however it is no substitute for the creative design of learning and assessment activities.
