Education Leaders

Jim Thompson, an educator and instructional coach who has been referred to as the most positive person in education talks to me today about how to improve professional development using video coaching. We discuss:·Jim’s early careerWhat we’re doing with PD ain’t working so Jim started with instructional coaching and using videoThe difference between professional development and professional learningGood professional learning does not look like yearly principal evaluationsCOVID has lowered barriers to introducing video as PD toolHow to bring in video coaching into your school – using relationships to generate buy-inRecommended readingExamples of using ‘selfies’Enhancing your leadership using video reflectionKey Quotes“Something isn't right. I said, if our goal is to help people, help teachers advance student success and wellbeing, and if perhaps our greater goal that in this process that we help us all to become better versions of ourselves, what we're doing ain't working. But we keep doing it year after year.“We have a growing and tragic teacher shortage. People are not going into this field. They don't want to go into the field. And the folks that we invite into the field and become teachers: a lot of them don't stay.”“This doesn’t require a million dollars in investment. It just requires a will and a desire to look at something that might be more helpful than what we're already doing.”“Life isn't a linear progression of success after success after success.”“Growth happens when it's confidential, non-evaluative and there's trust.”“How honored do you think teachers feel with a 20-minute unannounced visit? You think a brain surgeon would advance their profession with a 20-minute unannounced visit from their colleagues. This is crazy, isn't it? But we keep doing it year after year.”Links mentioned by JimTeaching Learning Conference 2023, Orlando, FLCollectivED The Centre for Mentoring, Coaching and Professional LearningProf. Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Growth Coaching InternationalA quick guide to video coaching by Jim Thompson & Casey KosiorekThe Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success, by Jim KnightRadical Learners: Online self-paced Instructional Coaching coursesYou can find Jim on Twitter using his handle @schoolguyI’m on Twitter and Instagram with the handle @leaningshane.You can also follow me on LinkedIn and Youtube.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I delve into the contentious territory of educational debates and polarizations. We discus the power of a balanced approach and the importance of nuanced thinking in the context of education.Key TakeawaysBalance isn't about compromise, but rather a blend of effective elements from both ends of the educational spectrum.We tackled the debates around phonics vs. whole language, traditional vs. progressive education, and the technology divide.Ultimately, the middle ground often yields the most effective solutions, combining the strengths of both sides.Continual professional development and the cultivation of empathy are keys to embracing the middle ground.Open-mindedness, understanding, and the readiness to adjust our views based on new insights and evidence are essential traits for leaders.Quotes"The most effective leaders often find themselves occupying that middle ground, weaving together the best elements from both ends of the spectrum.""Some of the most innovative classrooms actually seamlessly integrate technology, enhancing learning while still preserving that human connection element.""We should be engaging in professional development opportunities that really try to challenge your thinking.""As international school leaders, it's crucial to appreciate the complexity of these issues and the power of a balanced, informed decision-making process.""Educational leadership isn't about picking a side. It's about understanding all perspectives, finding the common ground, and forging a path that integrates the best from all viewpoints."Recommended Readings"Why Johnny Can't Read" by Rudolf Flesch"Reading Reconsidered" by Doug Lemov"Cultural Literacy" by E.D. Hirsch Jr."Finnish Lessons" by Pasi Sahlberg"The Flight of a Butterfly or The Path of a Bullet" by Larry CubanGet InvolvedYou can join the conversation on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @leaningshane.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do traditional teaching methods still have a place in the modern international school? Are things like textbooks, call and response or direct instruction still valuable. If your school is grappling with these questions, this episode is for you.This episode features my conversation with Dan Guerrard, an experienced music teacher based in Penang. We delve into a crucial discussion on teaching approaches, the use of workbooks and textbooks, and the importance of traditional methodologies in international education.Episode Summary:We kick off the episode by navigating the "black or white mentality" dominating the education sphere. Dan brings to light the importance of avoiding categorizing teaching methods strictly as good or bad, emphasizing the necessity for nuance and context.Dan passionately advocates for the use of workbooks in international education. He underscores the benefits they offer, particularly for English as an additional language learners and transient students. Workbooks, as per Dan, provide a tangible resource for students to review and track their learning progress.Key Quotes"A workbook is actually incredibly useful for [students] to be able to go away and just look back over the work that they've been doing."_ - Dan GuerrardIn a captivating segment of our discussion, we explore the often controversial topic of textbooks in education. Dan shares an intriguing anecdote about a school discarding textbooks, illustrating the prevalent yet misguided belief that "no good teacher uses textbooks". We discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of textbooks, ultimately agreeing that textbooks are merely resources that can be beneficial if utilized thoughtfully, not just blindly followed.The conversation shifts to the value of a more traditional teaching approach, with music education as the focal point. Dan expresses his concern about wasted opportunities in music education where students spend significant time without gaining substantial skills or knowledge."What have they learned in 360 hours of music tuition?... They spend most of the time, keyboards and messing around in groups."_ - Dan GuerrardWe wrap up our conversation discussing strategies to implement more traditional teaching methods. Dan suggests that starting with Rosenstein's principles of instruction could be a good way to initiate this shift."If you're going to try to get everybody to buy into something… you've got to do something which people will struggle to reject." - Dan GuerrardKey Links:Traditional Primary Music Blog: traditionalprimarymusic.com/You can find Dan on Twitter: @DanGuerrardRosenstein's principles of instruction – Playlist from Tom SherringtonDan Guerrard's insights challenge us to question traditional stances and to continuously strive for improvement in the way we approach teaching and learning.Find me on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @leaningshaneYou can also find me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/leaningshaneJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this I explore the challenges and opportunities for international schools in the wake of COVID-19. Drawing on last week’s conversation with educational psychologist Dr. Angie Wigford, I provide strategic insights and share practical examples of how schools can successfully navigate this new reality. The episode ends with a concise five-point checklist to guide school leaders on their journey towards a new normal.Key Moments00:17 Introduction01:25 Recap of conversation with Dr. Angie Wigford01:54 Integration of Technology in Post-COVID Classrooms, LanguageNut, MyOn02:53 Fostering Student Autonomy03:21 A Blended Learning Model04:17 Nurturing Emotional Well-being05:15 Asynchronous Learning05:44 Professional Development06:37 A Five-Point Checklist for Leaders07:49 ClosingKey Quotes"COVID's posed a lot of challenges to our schools. But it's also presented opportunities for us to reassess and to reshape the way we're thinking about our teaching and learning practices.""We're obviously not about to totally revolutionize education, but one thing we can do is to use a blended learning model.""As we journey towards this new normal, our goal should be on creating an environment where everyone can thrive.""With open communication, adaptability and a focus on student-centric learning, we can establish a new normal that benefits everyone."Find me on Instagram and Twitter using my handle @leaningshane or reach out on LinkedIn.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Educational psychologist, Dr. Angie Wigford, shares the findings of her survey conducted among students and educators across the Asia on the effects of COVID on international school students and staff.Key Points Discussed:Impact of COVID-19 on Student Wellbeing: The conversation starts with Angie's research findings revealing heightened anxiety levels across all student age groups due to the pandemic. She also discusses the challenges of declining emotional regulation among students, especially in the older age brackets.Positive Outcomes amidst the Challenges: In the midst of the hurdles, a silver lining emerges with students showing an enhanced ability to use technology and work independently. The pandemic, despite its downsides, has driven positive changes in teaching and learning methodologies.Navigating the 'New Normal': There's a critical need to reassess and adapt to the 'new normal' in education. A major concern is the tendency to revert to pre-COVID-19 pedagogical practices. Angie advocates for an evolved approach that resonates with the current realities and needs of students and educators.Fostering Post-traumatic Growth: A highlight of the discussion is the concept of post-traumatic growth. Angie stresses the importance of leveraging the potential benefits of the situation, such as asynchronous learning, which would help redefine educational practices in international schools.The Well-being Agenda: The significance of well-being for both students and educators has become more prominent in the pandemic context. The need for an individualized well-being approach that takes into account the unique needs of students and educators forms the crux of the conversation.Key Quotes1. "We haven't turned children off learning. We've just given them a different learning experience." - Dr. Angie Wigford2. "The way forward is a well-being approach which is individualized for teachers and for students." - Dr. Angie Wigford3. "We were all traumatized and teachers are scrambling to get back. Things are harder for them." - Dr. Angie Wigford4. "Many educators want to go back to the old normal. But … there's such a need and importance to create this new normal." – Shane Leaning5. "Wellbeing is now well and truly on the agenda. We were fighting for it before, and now it's there. That's a massive positive." - Dr. Angie Wigford6. "Students are better at working independently... because they've had to. Yes, they're not so good at working in groups and we know that the social impact is highly significant. But there are some positives." - Dr. Angie Wigford7. "Students now are better at using technology. They're cleverer, they're more focused, they know how to search, they know how to manipulate software and hardware, these are benefits that can be built on." - Dr. Angie WigfordGet involved in the conversation on Instagram or LinkedIn by following me: @leaningshane or send me an email at shane@shaneleaning.comJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to my take on insights shared by Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills for the OECD. From the rise of artificial intelligence to rethinking teacher pay and status, I unpack key highlights from the OECDs view on the state of global education. Join me as we explore thought-provoking trends and data that challenge the way we think about education. Episode Summary:Shane kicks off the episode by introducing the webinar by the OECD on the state of global education. While Andreas Schleicher isn't on the show, Shane delves into some of the insights shared by him. The episode focuses on four key areas that international education leaders should pay attention to. Segment 1: The Rise of AI in EducationShane discusses how AI is making significant strides in education. He highlights a literacy test given to AI, revealing its growing ability to answer complex questions. Shane shares the OECD's prediction that by 2026, AI will outperform humans in answering the most difficult questions. The implications of AI automation and the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven future are explored. Segment 2: Rethinking Teacher Pay and StatusShane explores the connection between teacher pay, job satisfaction, and teacher recruitment. He challenges the notion that higher salaries alone make teaching more attractive, citing examples from Luxembourg and Finland. Shane emphasizes the need to consider factors beyond financial compensation to foster a thriving teaching profession. Segment 3: Addressing Gaps in Teacher DevelopmentShane examines the importance of professional development for teachers. While educators generally feel well-trained in pedagogy and subject content, there are areas where teachers lack confidence, such as technology integration and teaching in multicultural settings. Shane highlights the role of international schools in bridging these gaps and fostering intercultural understanding. Segment 4: The Power of Collaboration and SharingShane explores the importance of collaboration and professional learning among teachers. He shares the research findings that while informal exchanges and resource sharing are common, structured professional development and collaborative activities are lacking. The impact of effective collaboration on teaching practices and student outcomes is emphasized.Key Quotes: "The things that are very easy to teach and easy to test are becoming increasingly easier to automate, which has huge implications for us as educators." "Teacher pay alone is not the sole factor in attracting and retaining talented educators. We need to consider the overall professional environment and support for teachers." "Developing teachers' skills in technology integration and teaching in multicultural settings is crucial for fostering inclusive learning environments." "Effective collaboration and structured professional development are essential for improving teaching practices and promoting continuous improvement."To access visuals and more in-depth information, check out the Twitter thread created by Shane, available here. You can find the original webinar in the OECD website’s webinar archives.Join the conversation and share your thoughts on elevating the status of teaching and the role of international schools by reaching out to Shane on Twitter (@leaningshane) or LinkedIn.If you liked this episode, please subscribe, rate,Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, something a little different. I share a quick email productivity hack that can help you maximize your time and get more done. Specifically, I talk about the best day to get things done with other people, based on research that shows when you are likely to get responses.What's your favourite edu-productivity hack? Get in touch with me using the social media links below:Twitter: @leaningshaneLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshaneJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Wilkes (Lucerne, Switzerland) and I discuss the future of online teacher training and how technology can support professional development. We explore the strengths and weaknesses of both online and face-to-face training, touching on the importance of reflective tools, peer feedback, and the use of multimedia in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation also covers micro-credential courses, AI-assisted learning management systems, and the potential pitfalls of the expanding online learning market.Laura Wilkes, TESOL Pop co-founder and passionate online learning advocate, also offers insights on upcoming trends in EdTech. Key quotes“Don’t make the mistake of just using online learning as a library.”"One of the great strengths of having online self-paced learning is that you can say, ‘You know what, in the morning I'm gonna study because that's when I learn best.’""AI assisted LMSs or … make it more personalized and tailored. For example, if you scored so much on a quiz and there's certain areas that you could review, the AI will push that to you to say ‘Hey, I know this was an area of difficulty. Why not review this or try this instead?’" Links referenced in the showTESOL Pop PodcastTrinity CertTESOL CourseEffective Professional Development Guidance from EEFBETT Conferences for EdTech --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/traveled/messageJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shane Leaning explores the question of whether the world can learn from China's education system. With over 1.4 billion people, China has one of the largest education systems in the world and has made impressive progress in expanding access and improving outcomes. Shane shares five areas that international educators can learn from China's approach to education, including traditional teaching methods, emphasizing hard work and perseverance, high levels of parental involvement, prioritizing professional development, and encouraging learning from other education systems. While these areas have their critics, they offer valuable insights into how educators can improve student outcomes.Stick around for the fifth area, which may be difficult to hear, but offers important lessons on continuous learning improvement. Whether you're an educator or policymaker, this episode offers valuable insights into how China's education system can inform education across cultures. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a rating wherever you listen to help spread the word.Key Quotes:"While there's some diversity in teaching methods in China, traditional methods are still widely used. The focus on rote learning and memorization in China has been criticized by some, but it's also been credited with helping students develop strong foundational knowledge and skills.""China does encourage learning from other education systems in order to gain new insight and improve student outcomes in China... While China has a strong education system, it does recognize the value of learning from other countries and systems.""China prioritizes professional development to improve teaching practice... Teachers in China often teach fewer hours than their counterparts in other countries, and this allows them to spend more time on planning, marking, and professional development."Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak to Julian Fisher, the co-founder of Venture Education, a market intelligence consultancy focusing on education in China. If you're an international education leader, you won't want to miss this fascinating discussion on the Chinese education system including the challenges of maintaining a strong school culture in a diverse and constantly changing environment. Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode: The Chinese school system is not uniform and varies from school to school, with some using more open teaching styles and group work. The best schools in China are arguably government schools where Chinese families prioritize their children attending good schools and universities in China, rather than international ones. The traditional model of international schools is seen by some with a somewhat neo-colonialist nature, and the transactional nature of the engagements. A school with a strong culture that lasts beyond any one leader or any one member of staff is crucial. Bilingual or international schools offer an advantage in terms of individual support for students. Chinese families have historically been brave and willing to explore opportunities, such as studying overseas. To learn more about Julian’s work and Venture Education, visit their website at https://www.ventureeducation.org/. Share the episode and spread the word if you found this episode useful. You can find me online on Twitter, LinkedIN and Instagram: @leaningshaneJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.