Well, I wasn’t sure what to expect this year at EARCOS. I did not sign up for a pre-conference workshop as I normally would, so came with less direction of what I wanted to learn than in previous years. Quickly I was able to establish a few useful threads though. Such as: international mindedness and global citizenship; technology in education, as well as two personal ones: managing stress and public speaking tips. Here are a couple of the big highlights for me.
The keynotes were worthwhile as always, culminating in the powerful and emotional story of Kim Phuc’s journey from her Vietnam War injury and iconic image when she was 7 years old. From near death to pain to anger to hatred to forgiveness and peace and love. A life lesson for us all in there. Possibly the best speech I have ever heard.
Listening to the bold steps that WAB, Beijing is taking was inspiring, to say the least. I am envious of the strategic and relatively successful way they have embarked on their #flow21 transformation. Student choice and voice as well as giving the space and time for kids and teachers to fail and … (sorry, I cannot resist adding) to develop all important ATL skills, that really are the prerequisite for graduation.
It’s always fantastic to hear what Rami Madani has to say about curriculum and learning, so his sessions are guaranteed to be worthwhile, and Eeqbal Hassim’s expertise on global competencies was informative and helpful, too.
Thanks to the wonderful friends and colleagues I reconnected with or made for the first time.