Education Leaders

• The problem with grades | A conversation with Amarbeer Singh Gill & Jennifer Curran

  Grades give us comfort and numbers feel concrete. But what if our obsession with quantifying learning is actually getting in the way of understanding it? Today, we're rethinking assessment.Shane Leaning speaks with Amarbeer Singh Gill and Jennifer Curran from Ambition Institute about assessment in education. The conversation challenges our reliance on grades and numbers, exploring the limitations of traditional assessment methods and offering insights into more meaningful approaches to understanding student learning.Key Topics DiscussedThe difference between attainment and progress, and why they require different assessment approachesWhy grades can be misleading without shared understanding of their meaningThe false sense of security that numerical scores can provideThe importance of ongoing formative assessment in the classroomFinding the right balance between measuring learning and facilitating itHow school leaders can evaluate and improve their assessment practicesGuest LinksAmarbeer Singh Gill (Singh): @SinghAmarbeerGJennifer Curran (Jen): @jennimc_dResourcesProfessor Becky Allen's blog on progress Daisy Christodoulou's book "Making Good Progress"Article by Singh and Jen on assessmentEpisode PartnersThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Build change that outlives you

  In this final episode of our organisational change series, Shane explores the often overlooked aspect of change management - sustainability. Drawing from the Work Collaborative model for organisational change and his upcoming book "Change Starts Here," he explains why creating sustainable change is about more than just maintaining a specific initiative - it's about building a culture where change becomes part of your school's DNA.Key Points:Change is continuous, not finite: The end of one change initiative should prepare your organisation for future transformationBuilding change muscles: Each change strengthens your capacity for future changeHonest reflection matters: Use the completion of change initiatives to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what you'll do differently next timeThe human element is critical: People's connection to the change process determines its longevityNavigating the hurricane: How to stay on course with your change initiatives despite inevitable distractionsFailure as part of the process: Normalising failure and creating a culture of experimentation supports sustainable changeEmbedding change in routines: Creating habits, review cycles, and support structures that make change "virtually invisible"Links Mentioned:Change Series Podcast - Filter by "Work Collaborative episodes" to follow the full change seriesEpisode with Sharath Jeevan on inflection moments - Discussing "asteroids and starships" in organisational changeEpisode PartnersThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is [email protected] the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. He is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Supporting Men in Schools | A Conversation with Ryan Parke

  Ryan Parke (The Men's Coach) shares his personal experience with the suicide of a friend and explores the complexities of male mental health. He discusses the common belief that men don't talk about their feelings, which he challenges. Ryan and I particularly delve into the role of testosterone in men's health, debunking myths about its effects and emphasising the importance of lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, and sobriety in maintaining healthy testosterone levels. He provides practical advice for improving men's health and wellbeing, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of male mental health issues.TakeawaysMen's mental health is often misunderstood; communication is not the only solution.Testosterone plays a crucial role in both physical and mental health.Lifestyle changes can significantly impact testosterone levels:Sleep is vital for testosterone production and overall health.Diet, particularly fat intake, affects testosterone levels.Regular exercise is more effective than antidepressants for mental health.Vitamin D is essential for testosterone production.Alcohol consumption can drastically lower testosterone levels.Understanding testosterone can motivate young men to prioritise their health.Resources Mentioned:The Men's Coach (Ryan's website) - themenscoach.co.ukOLLIE FoundationOver 1200 studies on male mental healthEpisode PartnersThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is [email protected] the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Why Good Plans Fall Apart (And How to Prevent It)

  "Plans are worthless, but planning is everything" - Eisenhower's wisdom applies perfectly to school change. In this episode of the organizational change series, Shane explores the crucial delivery phase where planning meets reality.Key Points:The delivery stage comes after six previous stages in the change processWhy the model is front-loaded with preparation rather than implementationHow to choose the most appropriate option for your communityUnderstanding and acknowledging the consequences of changeThe importance of clear accountability in successful deliveryWhy buy-in should already be established before the delivery phaseResources Mentioned:Double Diamond ModelThe Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonRight Kind of Wrong by Amy EdmondsonJohn Kotter's Eight Step ProcessEducation Endowment Foundation Implementation GuideRelated Episodes:Previous episodes in the Change SeriesEpisode PartnersThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is [email protected] the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• When Teachers Teach Teachers | A Conversation with Dr. Ciara O'Donnell

  This conversation explores the role of teacher educators, their unique challenges, and the dynamics of career transitions within the education sector. Dr. Ciara O' Donnell discusses the identity transformation that occurs during secondment, the impact of educational policies on teacher retention, and the skills required to effectively educate teachers. Our discussion highlights the importance of professional learning and the privilege of working with fellow educators to drive meaningful change in the education system.TakeawaysTeacher educators are a diverse and distinct group within the profession.Career dynamics and teacher life phases influence decisions to move into teacher education.Secondment can lead to identity transformation and disconnection from previous roles.Policies surrounding secondment can impact teacher retention negatively.Teacher educators often face challenges in navigating their roles and responsibilities.Effective teacher education requires understanding adult learning principles.Teacher educators play a vital role in bridging policy and practice.The role of a teacher educator is both a privilege and a challenge.Episode PartnersThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is [email protected] the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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