Transformation Pacific

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence” - Abigail Adams 1780

An important aspect in improving student learning outcomes is developing
high-quality teacher-student relationships

A key concept in evidence based teaching is progressive learning. Can you tell how learning should progress in your subject area?

Here is a story I have come to tell to illustrate the importance and fundamental role of assessments to design meaningful learning experiences for students. The story goes like this.

A teacher went into class to introduce computers to students. This was the first lesson in ICT that he was giving to this class. He brought to class a big model of a computer. He told his students that what they were seeing in front of them was a computer and that the computer had many parts. At the end of the lesson, he said, every student will know what these parts are.

So he pointed to the screen and said to the students, 'This is called a screen'. Then he asked them the question, 'What is this called?' 'This is called a screen', responded the students in chorus. Then he pointed to the keyboard and said, 'Students, this is called a keyboard. Is that clear?' The students answered in chorus 'Yes!'. And the teacher asked them, 'What do we call this students?' The students answered, 'This is called a keyboard!'.

So it went on and on until he finished all the parts of the computer. After that, the teacher gave each student a photocopy of a diagram of a computer. Their task was to label 10 parts of the computer. The students complied and completed the task. Of course, all the students got 10 out of 10.

The teacher reviewed the lesson and said that he had achieved his objectives, the students had learnt, and he had evidence of this learning through the exercise where all students scored 10 out of 10.

In the school grounds, students were at best cynical of their first lesson and at worst disappointed. One student summed up what they felt as students: 'We learnt nothing from that lesson. We knew everything about those parts of the computer before the lesson began. It was a worst of our time'.

Let us know what you think is the moral of this story with regards to assessments, teaching and learning.

The value of an educational assessment should be measured by the extent to which it helps a learner grow in her learning journey.

Effective teachers use assessments as evidence of what they should teach. They do not teach what they think they should assess.

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher ... is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” -- Maria Montessori

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job. ~Donald D. Quinn

2017 will be a year to remember. TP Director Vongai sets the 2017 work plan with Educational leader Josephine. We all wait anxiously for details of TP 2017 programs.

POSITIONS VACANT

Transformation Pacific is a provider of educational support services designed to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s continued investment in improving the way our children learn and the methods our teachers and parents are employing to develop Papua New Guinea’s future generation.

A job opportunity exists for two young, dynamic, self-starter persons with a possibility of leaving behind a lasting legacy.

1. Programs Director

• Design, programme and implement TP’s Teacher Enrichment Forum.
• Design, programme and implement TP’s Media Centre.
• Mobilise financial and human resources and build a critical mass of people who use the services of TP.
• Develop networks and synergies between TP and a host of key stakeholders

Education and Experience
At least a first degree in education with training or experience in media and technology in education.

2. Assistant Programs Director

• Support the Programs Director in designing TP’s Media Centre
• Support the Programs Director in mobilising financial and human resources and build a critical mass of people who use the services of TP.
• Work with Programs Director and key stakeholders to develop networks and synergies.

Education and Experience
At least a diploma or first degree in media (film) with background training or experience in uses of media and technology in education.

Duration of contract is three (3) years commencing 10th October 2016.

Position Location: Popondetta, Oro Province

Interested applicants can send your Expression of Interest to the following email address for more information: [email protected]

Applications close 9th September 2016