I have been privileged this month to present a number of keynotes and chair a seminar across the GCC and Azerbaijan. What has struck me is the sheer passion leaders and teachers who attended have for education, and a relentless desire to improve learning in the classroom. The number of delegates who wanted to engage in conversations around learning, technology and coaching and share their experiences after my keynote was humbling. 

My keynotes and presentations began at the Northern Emirates Conference Sharjah, UAE and then I moved on to keynote at the 3rd International learning conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Next I joined the Macmillan learning roadshow keynoting in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan.  Finally I chaired a seminar and presented a workshop in Ajman, UAE for NGE Initiative whom I am working for. My presentation and keynotes were around Assessment for Learning, Coaching and the Future of learning, all of which have implications for teachers and leaders.

Below are some images from these events.

As mentioned the feedback was overwhelimlgly positive and it was inspiring to meet so many educators from all different cultures and backgrounds in such a short space of time. However what was also interesting  presenting in those countries was hearing the challenges from delegates which they all faced in implementing the new ideas and strategies I was presenting.  The challenges all had a common thread and seemed to be universal no matter the country or culture.

Issues raised included poor salaries despite the rising expectation teachers and leaders have placed upon them. Some teachers and leaders are less prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty and focus on their continual improvement in their own time, and who can blame them.

Talking about the future of learning raised challenges around budgets to implement new technologies and the professional development required for schools to bring them to a standard where technology would have an impact.

Finally how outside influences, pressures and mandates from government or society are having an influence on leaders and teachers. These pressures good or bad are influencing decision making which is not enabling schools to develop a risk taking culture to embrace innovation, new technologies and coaching programmes that develops a growth mindset and improves learning. 

When asked questions during the panel sessions or keynotes to address these concerns I could only offer the following advice;

• As Covey says try to control your ‘circle of influence’. Let go of those things you cannot control and focus on those within your influence and which you can improve upon. This should help you stay focussed and positive.
• Have a Veja- De moment (‘The ten faces of innovation’ – Tom Kelley). We all know that a deja-vu moment is when you think you have been somewhere before and you haven’t. Well a veja-de moment is when you have been somewhere before and rather than doing things the same way, as a result of some training or reflection, you see things differently and do things in a different and improved way with improved results.
• Be comfortable with comfortable. Ask the question, when was the last time you did something for the first time? Take a risk.
• Develop a coaching culture where you can learn from others by having a growth mindset.
• When introducing technology ask these 3 questions
  • Where is the learner going?
  • Where is the learner right now?
  • How does the learner get there?

If you cannot answer these questions in your classroom or school then don’t bring in new technology at this point. Focus on improving pedagogy, assessment for learning and developing a personalised environment . If you are able to answer the 3 questions then ask this final question;

• How can I use technology to improve the learning? 

In summary;

• Focus on the impact of learning by backwards planning.
• Innovation is about people who are able to connect the dots not the technology.
• No amount of technology will replace bad teaching but it can amplify good teaching.
• The future will be personalised and will (with the help of AI) be able to adapt to who you are.
• The Future will also value people with what they do with what they know, not what they know.

I hope all my colleagues and connections have a restful and happy holiday and I wish you all good health in 2019!