Return to Passion

Taking a break from my academic writing to engage in my blog writing. I would have never thought that I would enjoy the act of writing… in my mid-40’s. This would not be my preferred activity as a child, adolescent, or young adult. I was always a bit self conscious about my reading and writing ability. I may have mentioned many blog entries ago that I did not pass English 100, I failed the English Competency Test (ECT) at UBC (twice), and took an ESL continuing education course to pass the ECT (when I only speak English). This is only one story of my reading and writing struggles. I am even surprised that I am a teacher writing her dissertation. Thus, I returned to blog to practice the act of writing. I cannot write my dissertation if I believe I cannot write.

So what’s my inspiration for today’s blog entry? My passion. When I left teaching in public schools five years ago, I was totally stoked on Assessment for Learning (AFL) and how it positively influenced student learning. I mean, I taught secondary math and students were more motivated to learn because of AFL, not grades or marks. In fact, the summative assessment should affirm what they’ve learned from AFL. That’s where the magic is. So, when I left teaching, I wanted to make a new career of it as an educational consultant. My dream was coming true and I had facilitated several AFL workshops in public and independent schools. A long story made short and two job actions later, my dream had redirected to math tutoring. Although I provide ongoing formative feedback as a tutor, I believed that AFL was no longer in my future.

Once again… who would have thought? Right now, I am preparing for a course and workshop I am delivering and facilitating in the fall. Guess what it’s about? ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING. What??? Why??? How??? Looking back, it started out with a friend recommending me to present at a math forum at UBC. This led to an invitation back to the forum in the following year one of the keynote speakers. This lead to being asked to work on the Math K-9 Curriculum Development Team. On another pathway, I became a school trustee. With a nudge here and there, I became a member of the BCSTA Education Committee. One conversation led to another, I was recommended to represent the BCSTA on the Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum. Finally, on a third pathway, I met some pretty amazing people while facilitating AFL workshops to teachers. Once again, another person makes a recommendation and now I’m teaching this course on curriculum, assessment, and evaluation. Guess what all of these outcomes have in common? Yup… AFL.

I thought I was saying goodbye to my passion for AFL. I was tutoring and not practicing AFL as a classroom teacher. As it turns out, I have been using AFL all along… as a tutor, curriculum writer, and school trustee. Now, I am gifted with the opportunity to teach AFL to teachers as a course instructor and workshop facilitator this fall. I have returned to my passion. As I look back, everything that I have experienced led me to this point in my career. I am returning back to teaching. I am teaching AFL as it relates to the new curriculum and communicating student learning. And, I am teaching teachers. Could I have asked for anything more? Best of all, I am the learner. I have never prepared a university level course before. I have never used Moodle as a means of teaching and learning. And, I have never facilitated a professional development workshop with elementary school teachers.

I am at the face of learning and I am totally stoked. I am excited about my dissertation writing and I am so looking forward to other professional learning experiences that lay ahead of me in my work as school trustee, research assistant, and independent educational consultant. I am absolutely thankful to my professional learning network and community. I love connecting with likeminded individuals. The last 5 years has been absolutely incredible. I just adore all those who support and encourage me to take risks in my practice and I am only mentioning a handful of edu-awesomeness I am so fortunate to be a part of. I have much gratitude and look forward to what’s to come. Yes, this is one chapter in my narrative, but I’m delighted to know that AFL continues to be a part of my pedagogical journey. #brilliant