I am currently teaching the Junior Additional Qualifications Course at Brock University, as I have been for the past 6 years. While the course design is always in process – I have included opportunities for the participants to explore their own strengths, passions, and pedagogies instead of just answering post after post after post…
The interesting thing about this course is that the participants consist of both, very new teachers (usually working at the Secondary Level) and very experienced teachers, often consultants, coaches or leaders in their school. The experienced teachers are usually headed toward a formal leadership position like Vice-Principal or a “Department Head” and the new teachers are often exploring their options, potentially opening up an opportunity to teach for the Elementary Panel (moving from the secondary panel).
The best part of the course is the number (and varied types) of resources collected and shared. I try to remind the students enrolled, over and over (they probably get tired of it) to post their “forum reflections” in a blog somewhere – that their voices, experiences, and resources matter to the greater community of learners – parents, teachers, students and others in the business of education (which is pretty much the entire world).
I’m going to take the next few weeks to model the sharing and work done with these students by also posting my reflections and resources.
LINK TO OUR COLLECTION OF RESOURCES