K - 10

Mathematics Proficiency Standards

This PD looks closely at what the proposed ‘Proficiency Standards’ in the draft of the Australian Curriculum means and why it is important.  It looks at how we ‘teach’ it and how we know our students have ‘learnt’ it.  Although theoretical and analytical in nature, this session will involve lots of hands on activities as examples as well as an introduction to the proposed Australian Curriculum.  Participants will leave the session with much more confidence about the application, the teaching and the assessment of the ‘Proficiency Standards’ in the proposed Australian Curriculum.

Teaching and Learning– Approaches and Strategies

No matter what area of teaching they work in, teachers will be presented with a full-on, action packed, hands-on day and leave enthused and inspired to make their teaching even better.  The day will cover the following topics:

• The learning environment

• Fostering Positive Attitudes

• Learning Styles

• Multiple Intelligences

• Developing Higher Order Thinking

• Thinking Strategies and tools

• Different styles of instruction and Learning:

• Directed Teaching

• Cooperative Learning

• Inquiry based learning

• The 5e Instructional Model

• Scaffolding

• Differentiation

• Timeframes - Pace and Wait

• Reflection

• Testmonials

Developing the Thinking Classroom

This PD will introduce participants to the value of thinking strategies in the classroom.  By leading participants through some examples, this PD will examine the benefits of this approach for the ‘above’, ‘below’ and ‘average’ learner.  It aligns the various thinking tools and strategies with the ‘Blooms’ framework of thinking, providing question starters to guide learners to understand the expectation of given tasks and to equip them with appropriate learning/working tools and strategies to help them achieve these expectations.  During the course of the day, participants will experience a number of cognitive and cooperative tools and strategies and will be encouraged to identify their place in the framework and to reflect upon the application of these into their own classrooms, year levels and KLA areas.

This PD is suitable for administrators and teachers of all levels and KLA’s.  Participants will depart the session empowered with strategies they can implement the very next day.
Testmonials

Planning Curriculum Units

This PD provides a simple method of planning units with a focus on student product.  The unit can be anything from a day to a term in length.  The product is broken down into the skills needed to achieve the desired student products, which becomes the major content focus lesson by lesson.  Skills are identified in both the lesson content and the student products (assessment tasks).  Teacher’s list outcomes they want to achieve – including departmental, school, classroom, academic, organizational, social or personal outcomes, and these too guide the plan.  Strategies, Tools and Resources are all recognized as are the Departmental Expectations (e.g. Victoria – VELS).  Multiple groups can be catered for.  Once complete, these simple, single A4 page plans provide masses of information for principals, unit leaders, CRT’s, parents and school councillors as well as being a working document for the teacher on what is actually done in the classroom.

Teachers will commence developing a challenging unit during the session.  This PD would be suitable for anyone involved in curriculum and planning (P-VCE).

Developing Thinking
Tools and Strategies to Promote Thinking in the Classroom and Workplace
2 hour workshops

WORKSHOP ONE:  ENGAGING THE INTEREST

• Generating ideas rapidly
• Engaging learners in topics
• Encouraging focus
• Making connections
• Retention of detail

Strategies include: RAS, KWL, Y-chart, See-saw; Hot Potato

WORKSHOP TWO:  DEVELOPING IDEAS

• Generating ideas quickly and inclusively
• Striving for the best product
• Thinking beyond the obvious
• Considering other points of view

Strategies include: Round Robin, PMI, Extended PMI; I:4:P:C:R; Jigsaw, Comma Thinking Rule

WORKSHOP THREE:  ENGAGING THE LEARNER

• Engaging the learner through different levels of thinking
• Developing activities to get the most out of them

Strategies include: Silent card shuffle; Multiple Intelligences

WORKSHOP FOUR: ORGANIZING THINKING

• Organization Strategies for students
• Organization strategies for teachers
• Making ideas feasible and achievable

Strategies include: T-bar, concept maps, venn diagrams, Lotus Diagrams, Grids, Unit planning techniques

WORKSHOP FIVE:  DECISION MAKING

• Prioritising
• Justifying
• Planning (short term, medium,)
• Critically analysing
• Considering all factors

Strategies include:  Competition Organiser, Justified Best Choice, Round Robin,

WORKSHOP SIX: REFLECTIVE THINKING

• Assessment of effectiveness
• Thinking about ideas
• Identifying possible problems
• Identifying needed improvements

Strategies include:   SWQ2, Rating Gauge, S.W.O.T analysis; Six thinking hats,

Get the most out of your Thinking Toolbox

• All workshops include some cognitive and co-operative strategies
• All workshops make reference to the framework for thinking at different levels
• All workshops encourage reflection and transfer of strategies learnt by participants
• All workshops can be run as after school PD – cut your CRT costs

Discuss the times that best suit you.  Demonstrations of the Toolbox CD’s can be arranged.

Two Dozen Thinking Tool Templates Designed Simply for Teachers
Compiled by Linda Anania – TMELA Education - 2008

• Great for Reflective Classrooms
• Supports the infusion of Thinking Strategies
• Assists in developing Higher Order Thinking in Literacy, Numeracy, Success for Boys and all curriculum areas
• No more time spent constructing templates
• Great for all classrooms as well as staff and team meetings
• Quick and easy to use – just carry in your laptop bag
• See more details on order form page

Thinking Tool Templates on the CD

• Alphabet Brainstorm

• Attribute Listing Grids

• KWHL

• Thought Concept Map

• X chart

• Comparative Thought Bubbles

• Flow Chart

• Lotus Diagram

• PSCA

• T- Charts

• Think Boards

• Parking Lot

• PMI

• Six Hats

• SWOT

• SWQ2

• Venn Diagrams 2

• Venn Diagrams 3

• Action Planning Timeline

• Competition Organiser

• Justified Best Choice

• Rating Gauge

• EMBRACE

• Y chart