A Good Exposure

My first international conference on Education. Focus is on effective schools and reforms. Another two days of it.

So far, the contents, the presentations that I have listened to has been most thought provoking, most enlightening. seeing the international writers in persons is most rewarding. To be able to hear their points of views and to reflect on what has been said ,and to put their views in the local perspective sets me thinking of the wide possibilities, the still untapped areas of research that can be carried on to help effective learning and management oi local schools .

The international talk about networking was most thought provoking. Not to say there is no networking amongst teachers from within the same districts . The depth, commitment level and the actual impact on the teaching learning and student outcome is I think an area that needs further probing.A lot can be done locally.

When amongst these groups of very committed intellectuals who gather every year to discuss, share their points of views and to reflect on what has and still need to be done in transforming schools takes a lot of dedication and passion and of course not forgetting their time and money.

So far these groups of researchers are quite confined to within the circle of their western counterparts . Though there are members from the far east and other countries outside the circle, but the main focus of studies centers around these core members.

So what works best in the west may not necessarily be applicable to the local scene. Especially so when it concerns schools. Even local schools within the same district differ . The school culture is something that is difficult to change. So if changes means upsetting how things are done in that particular school, there will be a lot of resistance from its members.

But having said that, school culture can be changed, but you need a strong leadership to shift the mindset of the school to accept changes.And perhaps while on the subject of school leaders, there must a better method of selection to ensure that only the best with all right qualities are selected to lead the schools.

Perhaps then, with dynamic personalities and leaders willing to take risks can do something be done about turning schools 360 degrees.

Its not about being in one's good books that ensures and guarantees that climb to the top of the ladder.

Its about what it takes to make that much needed change.