Group reflection activity

(This activity takes approximately 15 minutes)

Choose a word to describe how you feel when you think about educational reform. Using a post it note place your word on the designated area of wall.  

Take a moment to look at what others are sharing. 

As a whole staff, discuss:  

• What do we notice about the words describing our feelings?

• Are there areas of commonality?  

 ‘We may not be able to change the world but what we can do is change our inner world to embrace the external world’ 

In his keynote, Pak Tee summarises the importance of a positive mindset for us all. He outlines the impact gained by approaching situations from a positive stance - which is of benefit not only to us, but also the people we work with. He encourages us that taking care of ourselves also serves to take care of the education system at large. 

Please watch: Dr. Pak Tee Ng: 31:47 – 35:45 minutes

Group discussion activity

(This activity takes approximately 20 minutes, groups no more than 10)

Combined Reflect & Ideate (10 minutes): 

• Ask teachers to write on sticky notes: "One professional challenge where a positive mindset would be helpful." 

• While brainstorming, encourage them to jot down specific strategies (e.g., "Seek feedback from a colleague" or "Introduce and practice new idea with class for a week") on the same sticky note. 

 Share & Refine (5 minutes): 

• Have teachers share their challenges and strategies on the board or a large sheet of paper. 

• Facilitate a quick discussion, encouraging them to build upon or suggest improvements to each other's ideas. 

Action Planning (5 minutes): 

• Briefly discuss how to integrate the most promising strategies into their routine. 

• Encourage teachers to choose one strategy and write a short action plan with a timeframe for implementation (e.g., "Talk to [colleague name] about observing my class next week"). 

Wrap-up (Optional, 1 minute):

Briefly discuss key takeaways and remind teachers they can continue brainstorming and refining strategies outside the activity. 

Santiago Rincon-Gallardo’s keynote serves as a reminder of why we do the busy, demanding and rewarding jobs we do.  

In a podcast titled Changing Conversations, which was recorded after his SLF keynote, Rincon-Gallardo discusses empowerment along with Michael Fullan. In the podcast he reminds us we don’t need to wait for approval from authority as to how we negotiate reform, “…the leader you seek is you”. This comes from strong evidence that the professionals most invested and best equipped to make improvements for learners is their teachers.  He is keen to stress that the empowerment of teachers and the strength they hold is pertinent in all things reform. To this end we should be aware of our strengths.

Group reflection activity

(This activity takes approximately 10 minutes)

1. Brainstorming Strengths (3 minutes):

Ask teachers to silently brainstorm their strengths for 3 minutes and write each one on a sticky note. 

2. Sharing & Visualisation (3 minutes):

Invite teachers to share their strengths one by one, sticking their notes on the flipchart 

As they share, encourage others to add supporting comments or similar strengths (e.g., "I agree, you're great at explaining things!")

3. Empowerment Sources (4 minutes):

Divide teachers into pairs (or small groups if needed). 

Ask them to discuss, "What are some things outside of work that empower you?" (e.g., hobbies, family, nature walks). 

Each pair should choose one source and write it on a different coloured sticky note. 

4. Wrap-up (optional, 1 minute):

Have each pair share their chosen source of empowerment with the whole group. 

If time allows, encourage teachers to consider how their strengths can be used to empower others. 

Wheatley, M. J. 2023. Who do we choose to be? San Francisco, CA, USA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.  

Haig, M. 2021. The Comfort Book. London: Canongate Books. 

Brown, D. 2016. Happy. London: HarperCollins Publishers. 

Education Scotland. 2024 Coaching in Education Online Professional Learning Resource  [Accessed 3 September 2024].