1. Modern Learning
A change in pedagogy.
Where do we begin.

2. The starting point
To start the development of a modern learning pedagogical
curriculum we must first look at
What we used to know about learning
And
What we know now.
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 2

3. 10 things I thought I knew about learning
I used to think it was about the teaching.
Now I think it’s all about the learning.
I used to think my students learned best sitting facing the front of the
classroom.
Now I think they need to sit in
groups, in order to collaborate and
construct meaning together.
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 3

4. I used to think the classroom needed to be quiet and I needed to
be in control.
Now I think noisy lessons where the
kids are engaged often reflect learning at its
most vibrant.
I used to think silence had to be filled by repeating the question
or asking a different question.
Now I think silence means every student
has enough time to think.
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 4

5. I used to think differentiation meant setting different tasks for
different abilities.
Now I think digital tools often provide
natural differentiation for different
levels, abilities and interests.
I used to think every student had to put up his hand before he
spoke and all conversation had to go through me.
Now I think the best discussions are ones
where the kids are responding to each
other and I’m out of the picture
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 5

6. I used to think that praising kids was necessary positive
reinforcement.
Now I think that feedback needs to be
constructive and specific and praise on its
own isn’t helpful.
I used to think exercise books had to be neat, with a margin
drawn at the side.
Now I think exercise books are for
thinking, reflecting, scribbling ideas and
working things out, so it doesn’t matter
what they look like.
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 6

7. I used to think finished work should be hung on the wall so the
class could see it.
Now I think the best place for samples of
learning is on the class blog or wiki where
an authentic audience can read/listen and
comment.
I used to think that assessment was to find out whether students
had mastered a topic or a skill, and took the form of tests for which I
gave grades.
Now I think assessment should inform
teaching /learning and can occur through
any learning experience, including
listening to what students say.
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 7

8. I used to think PD was through conferences and workshops.
Now I think some of my best
professional learning has been through
shared forums.
I used to think the teacher was the teacher and the students were
the learners.
Now I think we’re all part of a
community of learners…
(Oops, there are 12 ☺) So what do you now think learning is?
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School 8

9. Thanks to
We Own the Sky -M83 on All Music - 2008
What Ed Said, 2013
23/05/2015 Wairakei Primary School With thanks to What Ed Said, 2013 9