Thoughts and reflections on teaching and learning – Cohort 21 Member Blog
Written by Garth Nichols
In his latest book, Nuance, Michael Fullan refines his previous research and writings on what it takes to be an effective leader of educational organizations. We can all agree that this has never been more important. We can also agree that concepts of leadership, and practices successful leadership have never before been so disrupted. Gone […]
Written by Garth Nichols
It is a happy coincidence that I read this book Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett as I was also researching student agency. Emotions and agency are inextricably link through the cognitive processes, such that: “The three most important aspects of learning – attention, focus, and memory – are all controlled by our emotions, not […]
Written by Garth Nichols
Chess is not an infinite game, nor is football. These have defined beginnings , ends and winners. In his latest book, Simon Sinek argues that many organizations, businesses, corporations and even politicians are playing ‘finite games’. They are concerned about the various finish lines, be they quarterly reports, the next mid-term, the bottom line, or […]
Written by Garth Nichols
Do you want to be good at something? Do you want to excel or be the best? How might you do this? Start early, focus early, train early and get that head start, right? This book, by the same author of The Sports Gene, advocates that our natural inclination to applaud and seek ‘head starts’, […]
Written by Garth Nichols
Everything is f*cked. Really? That’s some bold language to use to describe the world. Sure, you might even agree that this sentiment sums up the the current state of affairs. However, this isn’t a book about the current state of affairs, it’s a book about YOU. No, I’m not saying that you’re not “F*cked”. No, […]
Written by Garth Nichols
Perhaps you’ve heard the story of Greg Wells, breaking his neck early in life and this awakening him to pursuing of human health by studying its fragility and potential. His work is prolific, important and accessible. His first book that I read is called “The Ripple Effect” and addresses how to make incremental change by […]
Written by Garth Nichols
The school where I work is an incredible place to be, especially this time of year. The capacity of giving and thoughtfulness know no bounds, as does their holiday spirit! Our sustainability initiatives are extending and being integrated into long-standing programming: something as simple as hot chocolate mornings requiring students to bring their own mugs, […]
Written by Garth Nichols
Congratulations to “Growing Success”! It is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary next year, but how many will show up to the party? There will be COPs (Conversations, Observations and Products) and lots of Assessments (otherwise known as ‘Celebrations of Learning’) for, of, and as Learning. But we are going to KICA this party into the next […]
Written by Garth Nichols
The role of an educator is grounded in trust. Trust is the foundation of learning in our homes, classrooms, travel experiences, and in our schools as a whole. You would be interested in this book if… … you enjoyed politics and wanted to know more about the role of the GG … you wanted to […]
Written by Garth Nichols
After this past Friday’s Cohort 21 3rd F2F, I was prompted to think about why these days resonate so powerfully. There are all those ‘ways of knowing’ that are intangible and quite personal that tell me that these days work for me, that I learn deeply, that I am changed by the information of others. […]
