Beliefs Statement about Teaching and Learning

We now live in an increasingly diverse, globalized, and complex, mixed-media society. We have no idea of what the world will look like in the future, yet we are charged with preparing our students for life in that world. These students are facing many issues such as; global warming, famine/poverty, health and mental issues, and many other environmental and social issues.

With emerging technologies such as e-Learning we are left with unlimited possibilities for exciting new discoveries and developments. Today's students are digitally savvy with computing devices, mobile phones, gaming devices and the World Wide Web. These 21st century learners need curriculum for life aimed at engaging them in addressing real-world problems, issues relating to humanity and questions that really matter. This is dramatically different from the model educator of the past. The time of textbook-driven, teacher-centred, paper and pencil is no longer the teaching or learning approach.

Teaching and learning involves the use of strategies which maximise opportunities for interaction. Listed below are some points which are evident for both teaching and learning.

• Participation and Collaboration
• Use of prior experience/knowledge
• Adoption of new perspectives and positions
• Openness with respect to learning outcomes
• Peer support and peer learning
• Reflection
• Ownership of and responsibility for learning
• Motivation, curiosity and feedback