Community of Practice and Situated Learning
Stoll (1998) places the importance of understanding school culture as the starting point for leading change towards school improvement. Some internal and external factors that shape a school culture include the school history, the student socio-economical background, external contexts such as national educational policies, and societal changes.
Activity 2: Your professional community
What are the current issues in your community of practice? How would your community of practice address them?
My community of practice has undergone a number of changes that not only impacted on my community of practice but 'sadly' affected the other schools and local community.
Since 2012, the Ministry of Education closed two schools, merged 3 primary schools, re-opened a new High School from Years 7-13 and a Kura Kaupapa school was established. Fortunately, there was one school that was 'untouched' by the Ministry...
What are the challenges that you face in your community of practice? How would your community of practice address them?
School Culture
Stoll (1998) defines school culture as three dimensions, the relationship among its members; the organisational structure including the physical environment and management system; and the learning nature.
Creating a school culture in my community of practice is a 'work in progress' as there have been a number of changes
The three dimensions stated by Stoll (1998) above is where my community of practice is working towards. There has been a number of changes such as such as a new principal (2 years), staff leaving, and new appointments. Therefore, my community of practice I consider to be, 'a work in progress.'
The three dimensions stated by Stoll (1998) above is where my community of practice is working towards. There has been a number of changes such as such as a new principal (2 years), staff leaving, and new appointments. Therefore, my community of practice I consider to be, 'a work in progress.'
Reference:
Stoll (1998). School Culture. School Improvement Network’s Bulletin 9. Institute of Education, University of London. Retrieved from http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Understanding-school-cultures/School-Culture
Wow Verbena that is a lot of change to go through in a short amount of time. We are going through some changes too though more in terms of the learning nature that Stoll (1998) refers too. We have started impact project learning on a Friday and this has definitely taken some 'reculturing' of teachers, students, parents and the wider community. Like Stoll (1998) mentions communities are often resistant to change and students can be a conservative force to reckon with (we are especially finding this with our seniors who have been conditioned to rote learning).
ReplyDeleteYay First post ever Kama...Thank you! Yes, definitely alot of 'changes' that has impacted on school culture. I personally dont mind 'change' if its good for all concerned...at the top of the list for me is to ensure 'our tamarikis' is priority in Community of Practiice. What is 'impact project learning'? Is it when the learner plans their learning for the day?
DeleteHey Verbena
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reflection it really is helping me with the completion of my assignment so thank you very much. I am displeased to hear of your community of practice. It must be uneasy, as a beginner teacher I need all the support and advice that I can get. I know if I was in your shoes I wouldnt cope. You are very strong and exprienced. Goodluck