Bernie's MindLab Blog

Activity Five: Legal and ethical contexts in my digital practice With the constant use of smart-phones, many students are armed with these pocket rockets and use these devices for a myriad of uses. One particular use that is popular with students is videoing. It seems this readily available device gives rise to becoming a lethal weapon when used for purposes other than what may have been requested by the teacher. I feel concerned that too often I hear reported cases of students videoing disputes between other students and using this as evidence to the detriment of those videoed. A worse-case scenario; students sharing these videos on Facebook. This is an ethical dilemma that I feel is on shaky ground and needs specific attention. I am acutely conscious of the risks involved when using social media and smart phones appear in my view, to be a given digital device carried by most students as a communication tool for a myriad of uses. The use of such devices include working in...

Activity Four: Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Responsive Pedagogy. I agree with Gay (2001, p.106) “using the cultural characteristics, experiences and perspectives as conduits for effective teaching” enables the ability to make change in learning. We are proud to have a growing population of both Maori and Pasifika students. Our roll currently has 21% Maori and 12% Pasifika and we have lead teacher positions with responsibility for both Maori and Pasifika students. There are five elements, Gay (2001) which include knowledge about cultural diversity (1) and achievement that promote change. Students at our college are educated in a diverse environment which prepares them for 21 st century New Zealand and the global environment of the modern world. Our Maori and Pasifika students achieve in learning, sport, culture, service and Young Enterprise business at regional and national level. Culturally integrated content in the curriculum (2) is reflected in a variety of ways in ...

Activity Three: The Broader Professional Contexts. Keeping abreast with educational changes Megatrends continue to shape our future in many ways. As a teacher of twenty plus years I have seen many pedagogical changes over my teaching career, from a traditional style of teaching and learning to a current Modern Learning Environment of which I am involved.  I have seen an explosive range of changes from chalk boards, whiteboards to 21 Century digital technology. This is just the beginning. It seems the realisation of education is changing in a rapidly changing world. We are at a tipping point and now more than ever, it seems students are able to access learning anywhere and at any-time with the broad range of options and technologies available to them. The need to change and work within this paradigm shift, I believe is paramount. Not keeping up with the transforming educational landscape and not being flexible to change as a classroom practitioner jeopardises the learnin...

Second Activity : Profesional Contexts My school is a state integrated catholic boys college  with a roll of 615. We are a years 7 – 13 school and we are a decile 8 rating. I feel however this is slightly inflated and reading other blogs on decile ratings, I tend to agree some of these ratings do not necessarily reflect the school community accurately. As a staff we are committed to our belief that the best preparation for life is an education which fosters excellence in a caring, diverse environment. And diverse our school is.  The diversity of cultures include, pakeha, maori, pasifika, Filopino and other minor numbers from other cultures. Of relevance, is the need to guide our young men through a broad range of academic, spiritual, cultural and sporting programmes in order for them to reach their full potential. Our senior management team are in a pivotal role in determining firm foundations to a successful school culture. Successful school culture drives success...

Rather late getting underway – but here I am on holiday, stressing over my first blog for this assessment. This is my observation on my community of practice. Community of Practice I teach at a catholic college and for me it is here my community of practice starts. The special character of an integrated school is very evident. The special character reflects a definite charism which constitutes who we are and what we stand for. It is within this system I feel a sense of belonging and as a catholic school we have a strong sense of being comfortable in an environment that promotes strong virtuous values. Wenger-Trayner,(April 2015) champion the notion; identity and recognition of who and where we fit in is a key element in a community of practice. Our senior management team encourage a supportive collegial environment where risk-taking and input to promote future focused learning is a given. In fact it is regarded as important; hence, I believe our school has the greatest nu...