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

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

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

student engagement tracker?...

'New technology tracks students' eyes, head, mouse and keyboard movements helping teachers understand engagement levels.' A great idea? Not sure. Some students would feel ill at ease about being 'watched' and perhaps disengage further? Quiet students have 'special' engagement? https://t.co/baRIXdw3cG

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) May 8, 2020

possible new education 'normal' in the future?...

We could then have more 'education readiness' for a crisis. Students could develop a more enhanced sense of being independent learners. Teachers would have the opportunity to develop online skills and keep better pace with technology.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) April 17, 2020