LEARN! LIVE! 2017 Staff Conference

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Teachers are always learning. The recent LEARN!LIVE! Staff Conference was an exciting and invaluable opportunity for our College staff to learn together as a community.

Thursday’s program allowed teaching staff to focus on strategies that promote deep learning. Research shows that the ability to nurture deep learning is one of three factors that separate exceptional teachers from the rest of the pack (Hattie, 2012). An experienced, dedicated and generous group of staff presented workshops to their peers on learning intentions, success criteria, problem solving, metacognition, questioning and discussion, SOLO taxonomy and emotions for learning. Deep learning challenges students, encourages them to take risks in their learning, and then in turn, learn from their mistakes. Understandably, it can lead to feelings of discomfort and frustration. However, the benefits include: equipping students with the skills to solve problems, think critically and creatively, self-regulate emotions and learn more independently. Our vibrant teaching staff are now motivated to engage our students in more deep learning opportunities.

Faith formation and wellbeing were the focus for Friday. Presentations by Sister Kerry Willison, David Michie and our College psychologists provided insightful reflections on prayer, mindfulness and mental health. The day ended with a number of staff wellbeing activities designed to foster collegiality. Many of these activities were facilitated internally and in doing so, we were able to appreciate and share the skills of our talented staff.

Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive:

“The whole day was organised very well, I enjoyed the sessions and the presenters were highly informed on their area of expertise. I found both sessions I attended on Thursday stimulating and I will definitely try out some of the strategies and suggestions offered to enhance deeper learning.”

 “I felt my time was being put to great use”

 “Superb way of interacting with staff outside of my department”

Thanks must go to all staff who contributed to the planning and facilitation of the LEARN! LIVE! Staff Conference. It was an enriching and empowering professional learning experience.

Jayne Kingwell, Head of Professional Learning

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