Photo by Damir Klaic-Kljuc sourced from pasisalberg.com
Self-professed 'change maker' Professor Pasi Salhberg believes four golden rules can improve the role of teachers and leaders: build trust in schools, when the going gets tough loosen the grip, invest in social capital and make teaching fun.
Countries across the world have been captivated by the success of Finnish Education, and Pasi's wealth of experience as a classroom teacher, teacher educator, researcher and policy advisor make him the ideal spokesperson for what makes for a quality education. Earlier this year, The QCT's Vicki Cameron was fortunate to attend the 2017 LEAP (Leading Educators Around the Planet) Conference where Pasi was the leading keynote speaker. Pasi believes Australian teachers can create authentic, discovery-based learning experiences by reducing the amount of "downloading and imitating". "Curiosity leads to discovery and creativity, and they are the fundamental things of our time," says Pasi.
He believes that the factors that make a difference in education is a focus on quality teaching, coverage of the curriculum and instructional leadership. "People need access to great practice," says Pasi, "And then there'll be a natural response." Pasi commends Australia's acknowledgement of the complexity of teaching, supported in the Australian Professional Standards for Teaching (APST). |