It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was…
Author: innovativelearningdesigns
Early Numeracy: Mathematicians at Play
“Problem solving is natural to young children because the world is new to them & they exhibit curiosity, intelligence & flexibility as they face new situations. The challenge … is to build on children’s innate problem-solving inclinations & to preserve & encourage a disposition that values problem solving.” • Principles & Standards for School Mathematics We want all children…
I still want the revolution
“I still want the revolution. I want things to be different.” Sharon Jeroski, Horizons Research, MOE Curriculum Transformation Lead The change and transformation is really not about curriculum. It is actually about how we engage students in learning & what we do in classrooms with our students. A B.C. Teacher’s feedback on MOE Curriculum Transformation The opportunity to learn…
All Canadian Surrey Schools: The Apple of Apple’s i
The prestigious award for Apple Distinguished Program is finally coming to Canada and has landed in Surrey. The Social Studies iPad E-text Project is an exciting innovation and an important part of a larger radical social movement happening in Surrey (#sd36learns). The teacher-led grassroots initiative is the forerunner program through which this recognition was achieved….
Making Space for Change
I recently presented a keynote called Design for Collaborative Learning: Current Trends and Pedagogy,” subtitled “Making Space for Change,” at the B.C. CEFPI Annual Conference of school planners and architects. I was asked to provide a birds-eye view of the new curriculum, talk about it in the context of collaboration and speak to the implications for…
A Celebration of Life: The End of an Era
Author’s Note: This post is the tribute I delivered at the memorial for my parents, Ernest and Esme Underhill, along with a post-tribute reflection. When I think of my mom and dad there are some things that just stick in my head because they are symbols of what it meant to grow up in our…
Innovative Learning Designs: MakerSpaces Project
Changes in educational possibility arise as new media alter the ways of knowing and the opportunities for participating in the creation of knowledge. Robbie McClintock The Invitation to Maker Space One key to transformation in education is helping students reimagine what is possible. Students who imagine printing structures they designed are…
The Rock & The Whirlpool: Navigating the Dilemma Dance
It is clear that the challenge lies in the transition zone. This is a risky space. It can be chaotic and confusing with so many different ideas competing for attention. And it can feel an uncomfortable and under-valued place for many professionals. …
Igniting the Passion: Celebrating Our Learning
“People of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating we seek to be amused or entertained. Celebration is an active state, an act of expressing reverence or appreciation.” Joshua Heschel Celebration is a choice: we choose to appreciate and value something that we feel is significant. It is an opportunity we…
Designers and Directors of Their Own Learning
“Collaborative inquiry that challenges thinking and practice involves people working together in meaningful ways to deepen understanding and challenges what they already know and do.” S. Katz & L, A. Dack (2012) What does it look like to engage in a journey to explore innovative learning as teachers and students? Chimney Hill Elementary school…