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Key Skills. A whole school approach Athy College. Our first meeting – Jan 2009. Staff taken to a fancy hotel NCCA representatives present for support but session was led by our own teachers (who were already trained in and using key skills)
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Key Skills A whole school approach Athy College
Our first meeting – Jan 2009 • Staff taken to a fancy hotel • NCCA representatives present for support but session was led by our own teachers (who were already trained in and using key skills) • Presentation of our own experience of key skills and some practical methodologies
Action – reflection – action cycle • Staff feedback was positive and encouraging • 3 months later – another staff workshop • Staff had the opportunity share reflections on their own work during the 3 months
Support from management • Teachers held “buddy” meetings once a month • Either students were given a long lunch or one class was cut from the end of the day for the meeting • Each month staff agreed to work on a different key skill and share their experiences
Supports to the process • A folder was placed in the staff room with teaching tools and methodologies that complimented each key skill • Teachers filled in reflection sheets at each meeting (their own and their students’) • Two of us were on hand to offer support and assistance
TheBlog • Allowed access for everyone from home or work • Cut down on paperwork • When a member of staff found something that worked well they posted it on the blog for all to see and comment • Very positive way to work and give feedback
Key skills and instructional leadership • Supported by Kildare VEC • Marry together very well • IL equips teachers with the tools they need to teach effectively and key skills help make up those tools
TLC – 2011- 2013 • Teaching and Learning Club • 3 of us met once a week to focus on a whole school approach to teaching and learning • Once a month we presented one idea/methodology/tactic to the rest of the staff after school for 20 mins • Little incentives were given to those who attended
This year • TLC meet voluntarily once a week for 20 mins after school • Ideas are shared and work is reflected upon • All staff are invited to attend and most usually do.
Also - don’t underestimate email • Staff are in the habit of sharing work and resources • The outcome of the TLC meetings is shared with everyone and any resources are shared too • If anyone comes across a great website or tool it is shared • All staff members have ipads and use them to share ideas and apps
What helps in getting all on board? • Allow time for change to occur • Genuine enthusiasm and support from management – time and resources • Incentives to change • Motivation – willingness to keep the ball rolling • Professional development • Access to up to date IT • Reflective practice