A little bit about Mel
I've been teaching for a long time and have my own teen children going through high school. The one thing I know for sure is that getting to know a student - their interests, learning process, habits, goals etc is crucial to meeting their needs. What suits one frustrates the hell out of the other. All of us crave a sense of control and so much of what we do to students assessment-wise and learning-wise takes this away. I've learned that learning and progress is not linear and not much of it can be truly measured in 'results'.
Quickfire
I’d rather develop: Knowledge / Dispositions
Students learn best when: They do stuff / Relationships are strong
The best food for building a class culture is: Chocolate / Popcorn / My secret fudge recipe
Assessment should: Be mana enhancing / Show kids where they need to get better
The most powerful presence in the room should be: What needs to be learned / The student's dreams
Student imagination: Upends my best plans / Makes learning exciting
My #1, never-fails strategy is: Chatting with students / Smiling
The best phrase to start the school year is: I'm so pleased to see you all! / This class is about learning, not assessment / Who are you?
Completed thoughts
School is like a park bench, it ... might not be where you wanted to sit.
When I was getting started in education, I wish ... I'd spent time in primary and early education spaces.
I sleep well at night when ... something I've said hasn't upset a student.
To make learning an empowering experience, teachers should ... encourage fun.
What sticks out for Mel is
Just in general, when you go the extra mile for someone, or make someone feel more secure and capable in your subject than they've felt before and your relationship feels genuine. There are always the occasional 'friend request' or tag on social media or email when they are older thanking you for what you meant to them.
If you want to connect with Mel, you can do so via
Email: melanie.eade@wgc.school.nz
Twitter: @mel_eade