Working in schools and colleges
With over a quarter of a century of experience in schools and colleges I have seen a lot of developments and changes. Some very imaginative, some a little too prescriptive for my liking. The pendulum has swung backwards and forwards; from academia to pastoral care; from content to process........ then back again, hopefully achieving balance? Currently in the United Kingdom a major theme in our educational institutions and in all agencies dealing with young people is, 'Every Child Matters'. This is a Government initiative attempting to establish 'joined up' management based on five key outcomes: Being Healthy; Staying Safe; Enjoying and Achieving; Making a Positive Contribution; Economic Well-Being.
Despite the many changes and the most recent initiatives, two things in education should remain constant. First is the belief that central to the educational process is the understanding that educators want all young people to achieve their full academic, social, physical and spiritual potential, regardless of their ability, their socio-economic background or any other areas that may prejudice their achievements.
Second, all young people need to experience a positive rapport or connexion with their teachers and key workers. I have long held the view that all adults working with young people should be catalysts for positive change. But change or development is the final link in what I see as a six link chain. Change arises from understanding; understanding from explorartion; exploration from motivation and motivation is achieved as a result of acceptance. But acceptance cannot occur unless the adults are connected to the young people. To achieve this, educators need to develop their own skills; in particular effective communication skills. This should equip them with the understanding of how to create a learning environment that nurtures the emotional and cognitive lives of the students, involves them in their learning and also offers them individual support.
To find out more about my training work on 'Student Connected Learning' please contact me at