TESSOL: Undergraduate Diploma

This year I have been very fortunate to have been awarded one of the TESSOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) scholarships through the University of Auckland. My application was supported by my leader of learning Heath McNeil and Karyn Patterson (head of ESSOL). 

Currently, I have Tuesday night classes at the University of Auckland, Epsom Campus. I have successfully completed the course EDPROFST227: TESSOL Language Learning Need in Semester One. I have learned quite a few activities and tasks to practice with my learners. This course also helped me to reflect on my teaching practice and pedagogy not just with English Second Language learners but with all my learners. At the moment, I am in Semester Two currently working on EDPROF372: TESSOL: Language Learning through Tasks.

I will blog more about some of the tasks, activities and assignments that I have done later on.

Spiral of Inquiry Reflection: Digital Technologies in iDevelop

How did you make a difference to your iDevelop workshops?

Did it make an impact? How do you know?

What do you still need to work on?

This term our Spiral of Inquiry focused on using digital technology in the habitat. This was carried out with a Professional Learning Group that had other learning coaches focusing on the same iDevelop area. My focus was to use Google classroom effectively with my learners in iDevelop (literacy or maths). I thought best to use Google classroom with my literacy group and small micro-teaching groups.

I used Google classroom to share google documents and presentations with my learners. The difference it has made has been minimal so far. I am still learning to how to use it with my small reading groups as devices are limited. Using google classroom has made a slight impact because learners are enjoying using devices to complete activities online. From observations, learners have enjoyed using Google classroom and are able to help others.

I have learned with the help of Donna Golightly, how to assign documents to learners without them having to make copies of it and to use. She has also helped me to assign documents in classwork rather than  on stream. I am currently learning to how to best use and manage google classroom with twelve devices for my group. 

Thank Claudine and Raman for leading the Spiral of Inquiry for us.

Please find my personal spiral of inquiry document here.

Flatbush 7 2019

Today was our Teachers Only Day. And Flatbush 7 has come around again. Flatbush 7 schools are: Ormiston Primary School, Ormiston Junior College, Ormiston Senior College, Baverstock Oaks Primary, Mission Heights Primary School and Junior College and Te Uho o te Nikau. Flatbush 7 in it's second year, but this time held across Mission Heights Primary and Mission Heights Junior College campus.
Our keynote speakers were: Chris Clay in the morning, and Peter O'Connor in the afternoon.

There were four workshops across the day and introduction speakers before each. These speakers were: Chris Clay, Melinda Webber, Grant Rix and Peter O'Connor. The four workshop categories: Cultural Responsiveness, Connections, Well-being and Inquiry.

The first workshop was called Learning a Language through Passion Projects with Alicia Tauiliili from OJC (Ormiston Junior College). One key idea I took from this session was that Languages and Culture are so important for learners identity in the classroom. I like the idea of learners using a Glory Box to share who they are.

The second workshop was called Real World Science with Science teachers from Ormiston Senior College. One key idea I took from this session is that Science needs to be taught through and with real life scenarios. For example: Physics class went to Rainbows End and looked at the rides and how they worked and the forces that were involved in the topic.

The third workshop was called Student Well-being through Whanau Ora and Hauora run by Ashley Sio and Mike Mansell from Ormiston Junior College. A key idea I took from this session was the models that they used to plan both Whanau Ora and Hauora, and ensuring that they are both linked throughout the programmes they focus on.

The final workshop for was called Leading without Knowing with Jenny and Jane from Ormiston Junior College. A key idea I took from this was how I see myself with my learners and wider world that included: agency, inquiry and well-being. Another key thought that was presented was to look after beginning teachers and how valuable they are.

I gained a lot of ideas from the four workshops and from all presenters and experts today. I need some time to reflect over and put into practice the ideas that interested me today.

Thank you to all organisers, speakers and MHPS, MHJC for a great day of Flatbush 7 Workshops.

Naku te rourou, nau to rourou ka ora ai te iwi
- With your basket and with my basket, the people will live
Other translations I've hear are: With your basket and with my basket, the people will thrive. Maori Proverb. Today was a prime example of teachers across schools sharing their basket of knowledge with others so that our learners can thrive.