30/04/2012

Training in Oxford

Last July I trained on an Oxford Teachers' Academy Course in Oxford with fellow trainer Jules. You can read about the course and see a video by following this link. (I look nice and tanned).

http://oupeltglobalblog.com/

Barcelona

WOW - presented here at the University of Barcelona on Saturday. A really beautiful room in a stunning University. Ironically I was talking about the old world of learning in such a venue.

I have uploaded the notes for my workshop - developing literacy skills under Handouts. Unfortunately the pictures didn't upload but I hope the text is enough to remind you of all the activities.

I happened to see a few of these cafes around the city. I am not sure what kind of coffee they serve - but I am sure it's uplifting!!

23/04/2012

In action at HUPE

Handout for HUPE

If you attended my sessions at HUPE at the weekend, the handout is under the Handouts tag. Easy to find.

Ten things that make a conference great!



1.       Great organisation – the sort that you are never aware of, but underneath the smooth, efficient surface is a team of extremely hard-working people making sure that everything – and I mean everything down to the smallest detail – is planned and executed.

2.       Great presentations – not too many, so that the choice is not overwhelming and so that all speakers get a reasonably sized audience. A variety of talks that engage, interest and entertain. Talks that get better year after year: as speakers realise the quality of presentations around them, we try to up our game and improve our talks.

3.       Great location – makes it a treat to attend. Sea and sunshine are always a good combination, but noone can guarantee the sun!

4.       Great venue – everyone needs to be comfortable and eat well.

5.       Great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

6.       Great social programme – so there’s an opportunity to chat, laugh, dance and forget the stresses of everyday life.

7.       Great coffee breaks with scrummy cakes and excellent coffee to keep us all going.

8.       Great book exhibits to showcase the best that publishers have to offer.

9.       Great timing – all sessions starting and finishing on time. This may seem a small thing, but if just one person goes over it has a knock-on effect and can cause frustration and confusion.

10.   Last but certainly not least – Great people!

My warmest thanks to every single person who attended the HUPE conference in Opatija, Croatia last weekend. It was a GREAT conference.




15/04/2012

Czech Republic and Slovakia

Just back from a four day trip - Bratislava, Ostrava, Brno and Prague. But why is it so cold in London?




08/04/2012

Antalya, Turkey

Phew, just back from one day in Turkey. I have created a new page for handouts, so anyone who was at the event and wants the handout - it's on the handout page.

It was glorious to enjoy the spring sunshine on the coast.


Back in London it's wet, grey and chilly.

02/04/2012

Croatia

Just back from three days in beautiful Croatia, where the sun shone on the sea and Spring was definitely in the air. I was lucky to stay in Split which is a stunningly attractive city with a huge history. I also got to visit Makarska and Zadar.
What strikes me more and more is that teachers are willing to come to presentations after school (in Zadar on Friday afternoon after a long week) or at the weekend (when there are plenty of other important things they could be doing) and what they want is something practical they can take back to the classroom - be it a ready made task or an idea - something they have understood the value of, enjoyed themselves and know will make their teaching more effective. We trainers all owe it to these teachers not to waste their time and appreciate the sacrifices they make for their own self-development.
And thank you to everyone for their kind and thoughtful gifts!