Brian's Blog

In our role as educators, we constantly strive to equip students with the skills they need to excel not only academically but also in all facets of life. One such crucial skill is critical thinking, which enables individuals to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. This skill is fundamental for success in today's complex and rapidly changing world (Facione, 2011). The purpose of this blog post is to demonstrate the significance of critical thinking and the transformative influence of visible thinking routines in nurturing this vital skill. The post aims to advocate for a shift in practices towards a more student-centred approach, enhancing student learning and promoting lifelong learning. This approach encourages students to become curious, reflective, and independent thinkers (Brookhart, 2017). Early in my teaching career, I was introduced to the work of Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison (2011) through Harvard University's Project Z...

Effective teaching hinges on educators having a clear vision of student achievement. Backward design, a method pioneered by Wiggins and McTighe (2005), facilitates this clarity. It prompts educators to begin with the end in mind, identifying desired learning outcomes before crafting lesson plans, assessments, and activities. By prioritising the destination of student learning, educators can strategically shine a light on and illuminate a map of the journey to get there, ensuring each step contributes meaningfully to student growth (Grant, 2002; Fullan & Langworthy, 2014) . In this blog post, I will explore how backward design can transform learning experiences. By starting with the end goal, educators can pinpoint what students should Know, Understand, and Do (KUDo’s). This deliberate approach not only fosters engagement but also cultivates essential skills such as understanding one's learning preferences (Fink, 2003) . By equipping students with the tools to comprehend their l...

  The classroom isn't just a blackboard and desks; it's a crucible where futures are forged. Education is evolving, and at the forefront are educators who dare to be different, who embrace the role of the wildcard. These are the innovators, the empathetic mentors, the critical thinkers who see beyond the curriculum and shape tomorrow's ethical leaders. As educators, we wield the power to shape the minds and hearts of the next generation, not just through textbooks and tests, but by fostering ethical leadership, inclusivity, and critical thinking. This is the call of the wildcard, the educator who ventures beyond the traditional, becoming a character apprentice, a guide on the path to becoming ethical, inclusive global citizens. In this blog post, I will endeavour to encapsulate the evolving landscape of education by highlighting the pivotal role of the wildcard educator in shaping tomorrow's ethical leaders. I aim to highlight the pivotal role educators play in going be...