Focus on Learning

I had the unique opportunity of attending the January 29, 2015 Focus on Learning forum “Rising to the Global Challenge” at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver with uber-educators, politicians in education, and representatives from the business sector. There was not much information available to the public and attendees regarding the event except for key speakers and time of arrival. The lack of information up until the event created an online vibe of uncertainty, mistrust, and skepticism.

I did not expect to attend the BCED Forum in person, but I feel fortunate to be one of three representatives from the BCSTA (BC School Trustees’ Association) with the BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff and BCSTA CEO Mike Roberts. That being said, it was good to see other school trustees present at the event in addition to teachers and students. BTW: the students were exceptional at the forum.

Overall, the event was well orchestrated. First of all, invited attendees were given assigned seating. I sat between representatives who were from IBM and SeaSpan. What was so interesting, these two people were as excited and curious about the event and invested in education as I was. This was reassuring. Each of us had no idea how the day would unfold and what we would walk away with.

The event entailed 5 keynote speakers: Andreas Schleicher, Yong Zhou, Stuart Shanker, David Albury, and Marc Kielburger. Each presenter had approximately 20 minutes to speak to express their point of view on teaching and learning, which was then complimented with questions or comments from the forum facilitated by Tony Mackay. All those in the Wosk Centre had an equal voice and opportunity to speak and be heard. Speakers ranged from teachers, students, superintendents, and business people. The conversation was rich, diverse, and insightful.

What I love about education is, everyone has an opinion about education. Some points of view are based on research, others on experiences, and some a combination of both. This event was thought provoking and engaging. There was definitely passion in the room and it was apparent that we all wanted the same thing for our students. The big question is, how do we get there? The forum was a engaging and an excellent opportunity to hear the voices of others.

We also had the opportunity to speak to our neighbours. I must admit, the IBM and SeaSpan representatives sitting beside me shifted my point of view. What I learned is, people in industry want we want. We want to educate our students so that they can thrive in the 21st century. I was moved when the person from SeaSpan person said that he didn’t want to see specific job training in schools because this would narrow their learning experience and understanding.

The big idea of the conversation was, these students will change their job every 7 years. Maybe he/she might start in the industry as a welder, but maybe they would want to shift into business management or engineering. I love that!!! Why not learn Calculus, Welding, Fine Arts, and French? One is not exclusive from the other. Why not promote learning as an opportunity to innovate, create, and think critically? The courses or programs only provide the context.

Ultimately, I would love to find ways to have students love learning. Learning must be meaningful, purposeful, and challenging. With this love, anything is possible. This message was made clear by the student participants, particularly students having a voice in their learning, structuring their learning, and personally investing in their learning. I really appreciated the student voice and candidness. It’s really about them that gives us our purpose in education. They inspired me.

What I learned from from the IBM representative is that we have to be open to change and cease opportunities. He was a former educator as well. After a full career in education, he transferred his skills to industry. In fact, he is an exemplar of what we want from our students… to be lifelong learners… to be adaptable and malleable… to accept new challenges with an open mind and open heart.

At lunch, I had the privilege to speak with teachers from the BCTF, parents from BCCPAC, Metis representative, and an Assistant Superintendent about what we were learning at the event and what we want to see in education. What an exceptional opportunity to dialogue with other stakeholders an informal way about education, what we dream for our students, and how can we get there.

The BCED Focus on Learning Forum was an innovate way to relaunch the good intentions of the BCED Plan that was dialogical, cooperative, and participatory. If you would like to see the Forum, go to http://new.livestream.com/bced/bcedforum