by Dio Communications
From the Principal
Mary Curran — June 21, 2023
I was fortunate to attend the Secondary Principals' Conference (SPANZ) this term. The following is a summary of the keynote speakers from the conference.
Prof. Yong Zhao, University of Kansas, Education Leader.
Keynote and Workshops: Education in the age of smart machines/Personalisation of learning
Interesting questions were posed.
- With the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), will retention of knowledge continue to dominate how we assess and teach in the future?
- How do we prepare to integrate AI into our future teaching, learning and assessment programmes? How do we teach with smart machines?
- How will AI affect high-paying career pathways? How will universities prepare for this?
Key takeaway points from the keynote
Personalised learning and assessment programmes, where problem-solving, creative and critical thinking will become paramount. The role of the teacher moves from knowledge instruction to mentor/coach/facilitator.
Schools will become about:
30% - what are the most essential things a student needs to know to function in our society.
40% - what should be in the local curriculum.
30% - personalised learning programmes that work from the individual's strengths and talents and a global classroom.
In Summary
It was an interesting Keynote, offering food for thought that will need to be discussed with departments as we navigate how Artificial Intelligence affects teaching, learning and assessment programmes within a ‘Dio’ educational setting and an NCEA framework.
Dr Hana O’Regan Tumu Whakarae / CEO, CORE Education
Dr Hana held many positions on national boards, review panels and committees across education, Maaori development, national identity, Treaty rights and policies and health. In 2021, Dr Hana was appointed as a member of the Waitangi Tribunal.
Keynote: Creating courageous learning environments - leading through equity
Interesting questions posed:
How to affect change
Be aware
Of the inequities that exist - their causes and effect
Be brave
And committed enough to do something about them
Be deliberate
and planned in your approach.
In summary
As an educational institution
This requires us to advocate for inclusion and diversity actively
Be intentionally anti-racist and anti-sexist
Be deliberate about creating a new narrative that creates the will for change.
The narrative must be based on a clear understanding of inequities based on historical events that may still inform practices today.
Associate Principal Sonja Maree, and Deputy Principal Gina Fitchett, also attended the 2023 Asia Pacific Summit on Girls’ Education this term. The summit is specifically for educators, researchers, academics and authors to connect, collaborate and hear from internationally renowned experts on the latest issues and research affecting girls' education. We were fortunate to have had Dio leaders attend a conference empowering students to be ethical, globally-minded changemakers. Following are some speakers and research that Mrs Maree and Mrs Fitchett found inspiring and relevant to Dio.
An advocate for youth entrepreneurship, Nicole Dyson's research has shown that we need to focus on developing the capabilities in our students that employers are looking for in an employee. Our focus must shift to creating adaptive mindsets and strengthening our students' creativity, innovation and project management skills. In doing so, our students will learn to develop enterprising mindsets, becoming active participants who ask questions and take others with them. This is exciting and sits perfectly alongside Dio’s growth in the STEAM area in the coming years.
Another inspirational speaker was Taryn Brumffit, 2023 Australian of the Year. She highlighted the danger social media and influencers have on today's youth. The constant body shaming, conversations about weight, restricted eating and counting calories lead to serious psychological conditions. Research shows increased body dissatisfaction leads to strict dieting, youth cosmetic surgery and vaping. As educators and parents, we are responsible for teaching our students to love their bodies and embrace who they are. Our health curriculum and pastoral programmes align with this thinking, and we will continue to celebrate body positivity and diversity, reinforcing that ‘you are excellent exactly as you are’. We will continue to have courageous and challenging conversations with our students and address issues as they arise, as they are a worldwide reality and need to be spoken about.
Mary Curran
Principal
