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Practical Pedagogies 2015

By Maggie Morrissey on October 30, 2015 in Teaching and Learning, EAL, Science, IT & Computing, Education Debates

Practical Pedagogies Conference was held on 15th to 16th October 2015 at the International School of Toulouse (IST). This was my first workshop held at an International Teachers Conference, and to say that I was looking forward to this event is probably an understatement. I have run many CPD events for both my own company […]

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Course leader was outstanding – providing practical strategies and creative ideas."

This course opened pathways into science that I never realised were there. One activity on the course involved fruit. We had to make a list of adjectives on what we could see, not touch or taste. This was a perfect example of how to begin an investigation in the classroom; start with the visual aspect and then move onto other senses/experiences to build on, evaluate and cement our first thoughts/findings. I have applied this approach in the classroom (reception class) while teaching about minibeasts: we started by reading a book about spiders; described the spider in the book; looked at and discussed a picture of a real spider; talked about what spiders can do and how they do it; went outside to try and capture a spider discussing where they might live; finally caught one and the children intuitively went to find food and made a habitat for it in the container; took the spider into the classroom and are now studying his behaviour and appearance first-hand. This in depth investigative process took little time to prepare and deliver. It also helped the children to overcome their fear of spiders and helped adjust their preconceptions. The course definitely challenged my thinking about science and has made it a much more enjoyable experience for the children I teach and for me. For them it's fun, informative and hands-on, they cant believe that it's actually a lesson. The outcomes and observations produced are outstanding. I can't believe the amount of information they could absorb in such a little amount of time.

I am currently not attached to a classroom but from my previous experience with Investigative Science, it showed me that it is a process which enables all students to see Science as an area of learning, which they are able to participate in, as it involves observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena which they are often naturally inquisitive about. I was challenged to redefine my approach when teaching Science. I gained understanding of how Investigative Science lends itself to all aspects of the Science curriculum and the need to take small steps in order to achieve the desired learning outcomes . I also understood how Investigative Science was able to differentiate and involve all students in the classroom thus enabling all students to become thinkers and involved in the scientific process. I would highly recommend this PD to other schools who are grappling with Investigative Science or would like to introduce this concept of learning to all teachers, whether experienced or not. The presenter was well spoken, engaged her audience with practical activities and listened to all the questions asked, responding with answers which clearly displayed her knowledge and understanding. A very passionate and motivated speaker.

The course was good for providing creative and practical strategies and is very helpful in defining and evaluating the role of an ICT coordinator."

Went to Technology To Teach's course on developing self-confidence not knowing what to expect at all. I was very impressed! She turned a roomful of awkward young people (myself DEFINITELY included!) into a group of warm acquaintances, laughing and joking, sharing experiences and ideas. It was quite an innovative form of teaching, compared to what I've previously experienced - focusing on IT communication solutions, visual aids and good old fashioned discussion. After every session I went home with a spring in my step, and a smile on my face. Also, I've since successfully done a presentation to thirty business people and government executives! If you have the opportunity to work with Maggie, take it up - so, so worthwhile.

Practical Pedagogies 2015

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