Let's learn together

Moving overseas pushed me out of my comfort zone.  Each school followed a different curriculum, had its own unique context and welcomed students with a wide variety of language profiles, perspectives and cultural identities.  These communities of educators encouraged me to explore different teaching methods and learn how to approach this craft from multiple angles.  I felt I was filling my teacher's tool kit.

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An introduction to the IB (International Baccalaureate) really shifted my thinking.  Each of the 4 IB programmes (aimed at children from early primary all the way to the end of secondary school) is inclusive in design and delivery.  As Jayne Pletser, the curriculum manager for inclusive education at the IB, puts it, inclusion is “an ongoing process to remove barriers to learning, with respect to all students." (ibo.org)

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Many years later I am no longer teaching French or running an SEN department but have the privilege to work as an Education Consultant in China.   Teachers want to get better and better at supporting all the students who pass through their doors.  In a landscape that is becoming more and more open to inclusion, OBC wants to be at the forefront.  This is only possible by working together.

A recent return to school has me looking at change in education on local, national and global levels.  This is a certainly a gripping time to be involved in teaching and learning; our world is changing and what we do in the classroom is transforming alongside it.

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Teachers know that collaboration is such an important part of our learning communities.  I would love to hear from you!    Let me know how we can work together, share resources and take steps towards improving our schools.​  Contact me at: onebigclassroom@gmail.com when you have a minute.  I hope this site can become a place of sharing and support.

 

Sincerely, ​

Mirjam Berghuis