A Paradigm Shift... (again? continues?)

"school (textbooks) as our world" to "the world as our school" is not new to us... vaguely, started when technology was introduced to schools, i.e. when the ICT Masterplan embarked its journey in Singapore schools, through ICT mp1, mp2, mp3.... hm... mp4(?) which I lost count... or perhaps it has seamlessly transited from one to another with a lesser and lesser distinctive difference... and today, we are talking about PDLP, SLS framework.

My world... as a teenager comes from the textbook, from the teachers (and probably sometimes, the television and the radio). They shaped my world view. I am grateful, as the years passed, with technology, mankind has become more aware of the world, As people become more affluent - we touched base with the world through technology, through travel. It progressed from "school (textbooks)" to "mode that connects us to the world" that shaped our world. 

Am also grateful that I had chosen the teaching profession, having the privilege to be the first to see, feel and contribute to the transition... bringing the world to our learners! The generations (since the birth of technology) no longer have their world view shaped by the books/ teachers, but through first hand personal experience. 

How do we leverage the "world as our school"? What are the affordances we can draw out from the "world"? What kind of "experience"? How do we leverage this "world" to become the environment that our learner interact to gain new knowledge/ skills and deepen their understanding.

The lowest level, probably is about awareness - the "world" broadens our horizon, our awareness so that we are no longer limited and work within our myopic version. That was mp1 attempted to achieve, still today, it is among what we do. This would never be outdated. But this is not enough. SAMR arrived, though it appeared differently in our context, but that was what we used as a guide, to gauge our progress... and today, it's about being immersive, being part of the environment and being able to interact with the environment, to learn through what the environment can provide - not just with technology, but virtually or blended. 

a slide shared by Dr Hang (see earlier post)

20230930《如何在 STEM 科目運用 See Think Wonder 思考法》

Attended the webinar on a Saturday morning - a critical skill in the current landscape, that distinguishes one - through one's ability to think and extend. Dr Hang Kim Hoo (the founding principal of NUS Maths and Science School) has articulated how powerful this skill could be! and he illustrated with several very relatable examples and bringing in his own experience - that made it so easy for one to just follow his think-aloud - he was actually role modelling how we could do this "see-think-wonder", which he emphasises the questions to ask - how wide and broad, or how refined and specialised they could be. 

This approach could benefit each individual at differing degrees - also depends on how far and how comfortable one is ready to wonder out of their expert area (or comfort zone). 

Below are 2 example that I attempt to put together after the session, using some of the pointers he shared, and some thoughts I had: 

Example (1) ChatGPT: 

Through his illustration, what I gathered is, depending on how ready we are (in terms of curiosity) and the extent we frame our parameter to wonder - that would determine the types of questions we ask. In other words, the kind of questions we ask would be a reflection of the "pre-requisites" that we have. Hence, we will need to work hard enough to venture beyond and have the courage to ask and tread into unfamiliar grounds - this in turn could encourage greater curiosity that pushes us further.

Example (2) Pre-Fabrication 

I like this example and think it demonstrates how powerful a trigger (i.e. image, scenario) could be, when well selected. In this example, it demonstrates how wide the scope questions can go... treading into several subject disciplines, creating opportunities to promote deep discussions or research.

Tapping on what Dr Hang has shared, I extended and made some linkages as shown (in green). Have also came up with some thoughts (in purple).

Though Dr Hang organised the following points as potential benefits, I feel that the first 2 bullet points are the 'enablers' to develop's one's ability to see-think-wonder - it is a continual effort, self-driven, the urge and willingness to practise. Whereas, the next 2 posts are the outcomes that we would be able to demonstrate when we have "internalise" these practices. 

[Exhibition] Now is not the time

Visited the exhibition on 11 September - Teachers' Day.

My first 'participation' in this commemoration of LKY's 100th anniversary. The secondary intent was really to find out what are some of the AR features/ installations that it mentioned in the website. Have learnt something useful - for both intentions :)

Had a good break and some fun... that breaks the monotonous routine in this September, the one and only one day that has little link to work.

Direct LINK