Centre stage papers – Days 3, 4 & 5: Extending the vision

How do we provide support for deep learning? Teachers!

 

 

Interesting that ‘depth’ should be the considered term in guiding our discussion for this conference on ‘Are we meeting the needs of the learner’. I wonder if the backlash against the decades of ‘curriculum broadening’ initiatives has finally started. Or is there a deep hidden agenda creeping in here (paving the way for another cost-free vote winner). Perhaps the conference organisers are into deep sea diving or just biased against other dimensions, such as height, breadth or even time (is there no law against dimensionism?).

Actually, in taking part in the discussion on what deep learning actually is, I have high hopes of rediscovering the value of depth, or even heights of understanding, in educating our students. The question is how to do this while still retaining our commitment to providing breadth of experience and the long-term devotion to educating our children for generations to come.

So, how do we provide support for deep learning?

Teachers!

We provide deep learning through continuing to employ actual teachers who love their subjects and their profession and have dedicated their lives to passing their knowledge and passion for learning to others.

Job done! I can go home now … although, as I have lots of space left on the page, I would like to take the opportunity to make some additional suggestions for our politicians in the UK.

• Ban educational jargon and, particularly, use of the word ‘pedagogy’.
• Get rid of privatised examination boards. These are clearly much more interested in maintaining profits than the quality of education. In fact, ban privatisation of all schools, educational services and staff.
• Abolish the post of education secretary and create a leadership post that is independent, appointed according to merit and achievement in education, and insulated from politically motivated reform.
• Reverse all statutes and changes to teachers pay and conditions made in the last 10 years.
• Employ teachers. There’s a concept!
• And try not to cause any more wars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Jeff Bates is Head of Technical and Systems Development at St Marylebone School, in London, in the United Kingdom. He studied yeast biochemistry and the chemistry of alcoholic fermentations for four years in the chemistry department at Reading University. Finally, he found gainful employment teaching science at Furze Platt School, in Maidenhead, and has survived the last 12 years at St Marylebone as a science teacher, ICT teacher, head of ICT and head of technical and systems development. He also somehow found time to be a teacher governor and a parent.

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