Perspectives

Lynne joining a P1 class in Stirling last week. Thank you to all the schools that invited us into their learning environments last week - it was a privilege.

We are now two months into our 4th year of Single Steps Learning…and realised that our blog and snippet writing has taken a back seat! (Actually, there is not even room on the back seat with all of the resources we cart around with us!) On reflection, social media is a useful tool for connecting with people and ideas, but occasionally the 'face-to-face' life and work also needs to be given the time, space and thought that it deserves.

Many of our events in September and October have focused on the culture needed to explore multiple perspectives and take a risk. 

Andrew has been busy reflecting, collating and writing new reading excerpts for these events - one of which begins with the following...

"Collaboration requires interaction. Interaction can be tricky. It can involve the meeting of different values, different perspectives, different learning and emotional needs, fragile and/or inflated egos. That’s life."

Education and curriculum development is a massive, problem-based task at international, national, council, school, class, teacher and learner level. Multiple perspectives. Multiple egos. Multiple experiences. Multiple values. Multiple expectations. Multiple outcomes. No wonder there is confusion, fear, excitement, exhaustion, inspiration, disillusionment. 

Everyone is looking for a solution that works. Yet, ultimately, are there only "imperfect solutions to the perfect problem"* that is mass public education?

Sometimes in education it is hard to remain positive and remember why you love your job. Sometimes, the pressure mounts and the space, time and ability to reflect and celebrate is squeezed. 

Yet, magic moments occur every day. In the smallest ways. We had the privilege of being a part of these moments in classes last week. Sometimes it is an unexpected smile on the face of a child, sometimes a question asked or comment made, sometimes a random act of kindness, sometimes a lightbulb moment of understanding, and sometimes you stand back and observe, and realise that your class has taken ownership and responsibility for their learning. Watch out for these magic moments…and take time to celebrate. 



*Quote credit: Zach Bullock