new approach to education needed...

I couldn't agree more with this approach to education...
I'd love to see this in junior secondary...
Many data-driven assessments+squished curriculum does not equal education.
It just ticks evidence (of what)? boxes.
More impromptu activities needed...https://t.co/SfCF20H03d

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) January 16, 2022

alternative lifestyles...

Alternative lifestyles can be a very desirable option. However, some responsibility must be factored in if you take other peoples' lives with you. The current local setting, the universal context, the current universal 'climate' are risk factors that need respectful attention.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) September 20, 2021

VIT registration...

PASSING THOUGHT: Just waded through my annual VIT teachers' registration...(+required a 5-year criminal record check)...What a minefield...PLUS polished my 20 PD hours record...So grateful I began that immediately after my last registration...This year has been so crazy hectic... pic.twitter.com/1KPsSTyBFW

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 30, 2021

corridors of power...

PASSING THOUGHT: In lockdown, more and more I'm aware of a dark disease lurking around corridors of power. That disease is not unique to politics, but includes businesses+even education. Power holders cultivate entitlement+develop patronising, self-righteous traits. Empathy lost. pic.twitter.com/fpVj5a6X4p

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) July 22, 2021

past student...

PASSING THOUGHT: Student I taught 7 years ago - email today-'I very much enjoyed your company at school. You opened my mind to undertaking things that were scholastic in nature, but outside of school control; such as my english fictional story which you posted on your blog.' WOW!

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) December 10, 2020

The added surprise was that the student wanted to meet up with me for a chat and share his life journey... I was overwhelmed... That means several past students are wanting to meet me for a chat over the Christmas break... So thrilled...

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) December 10, 2020

rubrics PD day...

PASSING THOUGHT: Freezing morning evolved into a warm, 25 degrees later afternoon...I sat in the sun for lunch at school to warm up...No students...PD day devoted to creating rubrics...English ones in the morning and History in the afternoon...The good news...I survived...Just...

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) December 9, 2020

higher education in 5 years?....

If Australia is ranked 5th in this global higher education online scenario, predicted for 5 years' time, how will that impact secondary education? Increased online delivery? Or suddenly jump from face-to-face to online post- secondary? https://t.co/IMMeFc0nLZ

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) December 5, 2020

a Pisa reflection...

Interesting that Australia ranks at about the midpoint between New Zealand above + United States below...Pisa purports to measure knowledge, skills + competencies. But I still feel that the test leans to knowledge-dependent skills and competencies...Where do the arts/trades fit?

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) November 9, 2020

addicted to learning and soul connections...

Addicted to learning and soul connections... I live and breathe for both... But also must include the sheer pleasure I get from supporting high school students - both in their learning + mental/spiritual wellbeing...The students give my life purpose and meaning...

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 22, 2020

indigenous farming...

This is simply amazing...The incredible possibility of perennial crops... saving the loss of topsoil. Kangaroo grass has massive root systems to hold the soil and draw up water. Even in dry areas, seasonal rain is enough. The advantages are endless. Consider indigenous farming. https://t.co/M3IgPz6h0E

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 22, 2020

Podcast - includes podcast transcript + slides + further links

Lotus Diagram of WWI treaties...

This Lotus Diagram represents a valuable, organised insight into post-WWI treaty confusions. The colour coding is a bonus. Well done. https://t.co/GYvWkNnA9z

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 22, 2020

school curriculum due for change?....

There has been years of diverse opinions on how the school curriculum should be a stepping stone to life beyond school. There should be some clear connection, a relevance. Is this how to do it? Consider the students, consider the region and voila! https://t.co/Xcc3Eanetf pic.twitter.com/wodINT0weA

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) September 26, 2020

 

Radical thoughts...New subject groupings?
1. Awareness of land - Land+animal management incl. Aboriginal culture esp cool burning+gardening
2. Science - Botany, geology+astronomy attract more focus
3. Creativity - Art, Poetry, Drama+Music
4. English and Maths=connector literacy

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) September 26, 2020

You may notice that History has no mention. History can be a focus topic in any of the above subjects, opening the door to an understanding that History is far more than events + politics. History would then help to build an understanding of where we have been in these subjects.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) September 26, 2020

Geography too has no special mention. It could be a vital focus topic in the awareness of land...hand in hand with History + wherever else it could enhance an understanding of a subject. History and Geography should not be exclusive, stand-alone subjects.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) September 27, 2020

timetabling?...

In the last few years my Melbourne school switched from a 7 period day, trialled an 8 for 2 years (ugh) and now on a 6 period day based on a 10-day timetable. The latter is great from the teachers' and students' point of view...never the same class every week last period Friday.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) August 7, 2020

The other advantage of a 10-day timetable is that all subjects have a greater opportunity to have morning lessons (more learning-friendly). I personally would like the 5-period timetable 2 2 1 (the latter after lunch) on the 10-day timetable.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) August 7, 2020

progress?...

I wonder if the 'historic wrongs and injustices' include the neglected/down-played/omitted stories in our history of aboriginal successes and achievements. Should more focus on the latter be in our school's curriculum? https://t.co/DPXkYEvX64 https://t.co/CMfs2of3ef

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 11, 2020

Beholden...

'Beholden' arises out of a larger project titled River Relations = collaboration of artists. The poem =114-foot banner of the entire Columbia River, has been exhibited as part of a number of gallery presentations displayed in the Pacific Northwest.https://t.co/IbKvcnUQ9G

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 9, 2020

An acclaimed poet and associate professor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Rita Wong investigates the relationships between contemporary poetics, social justice, ecology, and decolonization. For some time now, she has been researching the poetics of water.

a PD option?...

Looks like an interesting 'watershed' option for my PD hours needed to renew my teacher's registration. https://t.co/VmVANJIj1m pic.twitter.com/bRsurNKpYs

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 8, 2020

education is...

Likes the quote: "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." https://t.co/vOFbYaD5DC via @goodreads pic.twitter.com/WE7TuPK1R8

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) June 20, 2020

a living document...

I like to call mine a Living Document with a lot of TBD on it. 
As I get to know the students, I add material, oft with their input. My syllabus is an invitation, not a contract. - Dr Susan Blum - Twitter 17.6.20

And that is how I like to teach... No contract except a bare draft - open to one or more modifications...open to and dependent on students and variables...

SEQTA review...

Thanks for the lowdown!

— Kirsty Costa (@kirsty_costa) June 17, 2020

I have a love and hate relationship with SEQTA...I love what SEQTA is trying to do...You can guess the flip side...

the screen...

smiling teenage faces
and a waving hand hello
too soon
a clicked goodbye
on the Google Meet screen #tanka pic.twitter.com/M6yF2GdjbD

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) June 3, 2020

Adore the young teenagers in my classes... But in spite of the cheery hellos as soon as they appear on the computer screen..it's just not the same...Often, I feel tears welling at the end of a Google Meet...often...