Learning partnerships
Active learning partnerships make learning more effective and enjoyable. We have incorporated these into the Learning for You activities in each section. The best form of partnership for each situation will depend on your context and learning preferences. A summary is included below. Feel free to modify these to suit your own learning needs.
Team
The innovation team includes the people in your school who are leading the innovation with you. The team will include teachers but may also include other staff, parents and students. This team may start off quite small, for example, it may consist of 3 or 4 teachers from a faculty group. Over time it is likely to grow as your innovation becomes embedded across the school.
Colleagues
It is important to have two or three trusted colleagues within the school that you and the team can refer to in order to test ideas. They are outside the team and often bring fresh insights to your plans. They are people of whom you can ask questions and from whom you can seek feedback.
Mentor
The most effective school leaders have strong networks which can consist of mentors, learning partners, critical friends, coaches or similar. A number of peers told us about the power of a supportive relationship outside their school.
Online network
There are numerous quality sites where you can chat with people who are also implementing innovation and change in their schools. You will find some groups on PLANE. Others share on Yammer and Maang. We have a dedicated network space at Maang: Leading Innovation and Change at https://www.maang.nsw.edu.au/st/group/1210
My journal
You will need a place to record your learning and to undertake structured reflection. You could establish a portfolio or journal within PLANE or use software like OneNote or an app like Evernote to set up a learning journal or portfolio.
Team
The innovation team includes the people in your school who are leading the innovation with you. The team will include teachers but may also include other staff, parents and students. This team may start off quite small, for example, it may consist of 3 or 4 teachers from a faculty group. Over time it is likely to grow as your innovation becomes embedded across the school.
Colleagues
It is important to have two or three trusted colleagues within the school that you and the team can refer to in order to test ideas. They are outside the team and often bring fresh insights to your plans. They are people of whom you can ask questions and from whom you can seek feedback.
Mentor
The most effective school leaders have strong networks which can consist of mentors, learning partners, critical friends, coaches or similar. A number of peers told us about the power of a supportive relationship outside their school.
Online network
There are numerous quality sites where you can chat with people who are also implementing innovation and change in their schools. You will find some groups on PLANE. Others share on Yammer and Maang. We have a dedicated network space at Maang: Leading Innovation and Change at https://www.maang.nsw.edu.au/st/group/1210
My journal
You will need a place to record your learning and to undertake structured reflection. You could establish a portfolio or journal within PLANE or use software like OneNote or an app like Evernote to set up a learning journal or portfolio.