Another secret to success and it is around Collaboration. We have seen two types of partners participation. Some ask why things are not finished yet. They get frustrated and leave having nothing to do. Others ask what can be done, see a problem and work feverishly to fix it. They have plenty to do and stay.
Yesterday I had Lucy, a student, visit me with a problem. Lucy said that there was not enough going on 'in world'. Yes, I said, "you have a problem". "So what are you going to do about it?"
Lucy accepted the challenge and, after a brief discussion, got to work. She agreed that we needed regular and purposeful events that matched our vision and that would attract students. She picked awareness raising for cancer as it is almost November and we do a fund raising drive as part of the Movemeber initiative.
Lucy then sent an email (the content of this blog entry) and asked me what I thought. My answer was that after reading her email I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat as she had demonstrated to me the best thing about teaching and learning here at MLC School - independent thought and confidence to take action.
What you have done, Lucy, is taken a small concept and expanded it to the point that it may just work.
I read, from her text, a true understanding of how to build community, how to think strategically and how to engage youth from cultures around the world in purposeful activity.
Thanks so much Lucy and keep at me to support you as best I can. Exciting stuff, wish it was on some exam somewhere. Yes lets chat some more.
I have included, within her text(in pink), the comments that show you what I saw, I guess this is what I would mark her on if the curriculum allowed me to test this stuff.
Hey Mr.Field,
Ok so here's what I've done. I have decided that the event (student matches vision of site and creates purposeful activity - cancer awareness) should run for about 30 to 40 minutes, leaving it short and sweet. (strategic event planning awareness)
I'm going to run the even twice, once in the morning at about 7:30 and again in the afternoon at about 5:00 (in order to give all schools globally a chance to participate)(global awareness). I'm not sure how these time suit everyone though.
I was thinking the event could run on the 20th, that's a Thursday which would be good for you, right? (nice work, meeting the clients need - this is the time our partners have indicated, on our wiki, their best availability ) So during this time we will have someone (i guess it will be me?)(responsibility, although we could speak about delegation here) who will introduce and conclude the events and keep everyone focused (making it purposeful).
So we will stream the video of your ex-Aussie Idol guy through (use of multiple and appropriate technoliges) and that can go for about 10-15 minutes (strategic - catering for the audience - good music for all to enjoy).
I'm going to make a stall that gives out free prim moustaches so that every one can wear one (initiative and technical skills). All this would be located at the stage, I think this would be a better place than the beach because there's more room (strategic thinking).
So also what I was thinking is, my mum has lots of contacts and I could get someone who knows about Movember and Men's health (ability to network), I could interview them and stream that though or do you think that would be too boring? We do have to have some information about the Movember theme. We could also put up some information on boards.
The other thing I thought of that I think would be really fun and heaps of people would want to join in was a building comp. (pre conference planning) I thought we could make it start on the 1st and finish on the 20th, so then we can give out the prize and announce the winner at the Movember party. So I thought if we do, do it, people would have to register so we know how many people are evolved.
We can make a working space for each in the Sandbox. I don't know what the prize would be, I was thinking somewhere along the lines of, a box of scripts and textures...? Starting on the 1st doesn't give us much time but I think I can pull it off. I need to contact the other schools and let them know about it and also put up some posters in world. (Understanding of virtual worlds and global working)
So what do you think of all this, its all to be confirmed ofcourse. Im going to up load some of these ideas on the Wiki tonight (sharing vision and communication skills), also start to make posters and notifying other schools. By the way, what if the full name of the ex-aussie idol guy? We need to organise for him to come to school one day. (follow up and pro active behaviour) Do you still want me to come see you tomorrow?
Lucy
Lucy is 14 years old and doesn't always do brilliantly in 'normal' classes.
The last word on this from our Principal...
Hi Lucy,
What a great idea!
Never underestimate the power of one to get a good idea up and active!!
Congratulations.
Watch this space and let's see how she goes, must talk about delegation but really, isn't this what education is all about?
