Brian's Blog

A strong foundation in education relies heavily on effective communication with parents. This communication goes beyond mere formalities; it acts as a bridge connecting the classroom and the home. By fostering a collaborative partnership between educators and parents, effective communication empowers all parties to support student learning and wellbeing. This, in turn, cultivates a cohesive and supportive educational environment for all. As the area that I live in has been impacted by severe weather and my own home was affected by flooding, it is more of a personal reflection than thoroughly backed by research. Though without much work, evidence backing my perspective is likely to be found. In this blog post, I will explore the importance of effective parent communication in fostering a successful educational experience for students. When educators and parents communicate effectively, they form a collaborative partnership that benefits everyone involved, most importantly the students. ...

  This Easter long weekend is a time for reflection and remembrance within the Christian calendar. As such, it offers a perfect opportunity to explore the concept of servant leadership and how historical leaders exemplified this approach. In this blog post, I will explore the immense value servant leadership holds for educators in today's modern schools due to its ability to address the complex challenges and needs of contemporary education ( Larson & Sweeney, 2013) . It promotes a student-centred approach, aligning with contemporary educational philosophies that prioritise individualised learning and student wellbeing ( Larson & Sweeney, 2013; Sprenger, 2017 ) . By focusing on the needs and growth of each student, educators can create inclusive and engaging learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and backgrounds ( Sprenger, 2017) . Servant leadership is driven by serving others over seeking power. It's about core principles like humility, selflessn...

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...