Learning Never Stops

Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. Mattie Stepanek Image source : http://thevitalityinstitute.org/tag/cross-sector-collaboration/ I have been having so much fun lately. Since I've come to know about the inquiry workshop I have to conduct in a certain part of India, my mind has been abuzz. I have absolutely no idea about the history and culture of the place and I knew my challenge was to come up with a theme that would engage my workshop participants. And so I turned to my best sources of inspiration: my colleagues and of course my PLN. I know of many educators who prefer to create a workshop presentation all by themselves for reasons unknown to me. But what that tells me about them is that they are just not interested in learning from others and  feel that they alone can come up with interesting ideas. Isn't that just sad! I remember sending a tweet to Edna Sackson ( sitting far away in Australia) a...

“ People can make choices to support the sustainability of the Earth’s energy resources .” Me to students : Does that make sense? Students to me : (after a while)...not really...  Their understanding of "energy" during the pre-assessment task also reflected a superficial knowledge of the term. And thus our unit of inquiry started. As I was browsing the net, I came across this picture prompt- a map, which I thought would serve as a great provocation. The annual energy consumption per person . Kids love guessing where countries are, so it was a great way to address some geography at this point.  I had also been reading Craig Dwyer's  post  which inspired me to change my inquiry cycle and use a simpler one. Wonder (while exploring)- Explore (while wondering)- Create (while reflecting)- Reflect (with subsequent wonderings). I was feeling more at ease now. The map allowed the students to make a lot of inferences based on patterns whi...

November. I had the privilege of conducting a workshop at  PIPS, Hong kong . Here are a few photographs to remind me of the wonderful learning that took place. Caveat :  be prepared for an explosion of colours  which may play havoc with your senses.  Hopes, Fears and Wonders Chalk Talk  The participants felt good about sharing their work.  Some great texture and ideas in the ART room. Fishing nets in the classroom. Great idea for displays. A focus area in the classroom. The use of color  to inspire students ... the green calmed the kids a lot. Plenty of children's work on display throughout the school. The Principle, Mary.  Katie, the PYP Coordinator I love the child-friendly atmosphere. Teachers creating a before and after the presentation. They analyzed each and every slide so thoroughly. It was fun listening to their conversation. They referred to the 7 prin...