Exciting News About IES’ Professional Development Opportunities

IES Global 2024年03月19日 21:29

Exciting News About IES’ Professional Development Opportunities

International Education Services (IES) was thrilled to facilitate two exciting workshops in March, which took place in Shenzen and Shanghai, led by esteemed professionals, Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall and Rachel French. These workshops on concept-based inquiry promised transformative experiences for our IES community and deliver they did!

Our Presenters:

Rachel French: Harnessing the Power of Concept-Based Learning

Rachel French, a distinguished expert in her field, invited participants on a journey to explore the intricacies of concept-based learning. With a focus on practical strategies for creating dynamic learning experiences. Rachel's workshop promised to invigorate educators with fresh insights and key learnings. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a presenter, consultant and author, Rachel shared invaluable insights on how teachers could use concept-based learning to captivate and engage students in the learning process. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, participants emerged equipped with the tools and techniques to transform their classrooms into hubs of inspiration and discovery.

Introduction of Concept-Based Inquiry Model

A highlight of the event was the introduction of the Concept-Based Inquiry model, a pedagogical approach developed by French and Marschall. This model encompasses six distinct phases aimed at fostering students' ability to think conceptually. Participants were fully immersed in a range of teaching practices designed to support this approach. To illustrate these key strategies, video clips showcasing Concept-Based Inquiry in action were shared, enhancing the learning experience and fostering greater engagement among attendees. Rachel French received glowing reviews from attendees of her workshops, who praise her practical and easily implementable methods; a significant advantage for busy teachers. The attendees expressed admiration for her hands-on approach and the depth of discussions generated during the workshop. Additionally, the attendees highlighted the welcoming and proactive nature of the cohort and expressed enthusiasm for implementing the workshop's teachings in their classroom.

Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall: Illuminating Pathways in Mathematics Education

Concept-Based Mathematics Teaching for Deep Understanding

In a parallel endeavour, Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall, renowned as a luminary figure in mathematics education, brought her wealth of knowledge and expertise to the forefront in an enlightening workshop tailored to empower educators. With a focus on concept-based curriculum design, Dr. Wathall's workshop offered a beacon of guidance for educators seeking to deepen students' conceptual understanding of mathematics. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants gleaned practical strategies to craft immersive learning experiences within the mathematics classroom.

Navigating the Landscape of Concept-Based Learning

Set against the backdrop of Dr. Wathall's expertise, this workshop promised to equip participants with a rich tapestry of practical strategies tailored to nurture immersive learning experiences within the mathematics classroom, and so it did! Delving into multifaceted dimensions such as the pivotal significance of conceptual learning, the nuanced identification of core elements in mathematics, and the craftsmanship of quality generalizations and guiding questions, attendees embarked on a transformative journey aimed at fostering a comprehensive grasp of mathematics.

By the workshop's conclusion, participants emerged emboldened to devise unit plans steeped in profound conceptual understanding, poised to revolutionize their pedagogical approach to mathematics education; a valuable experience for all.

Upcoming Conference: Towards a Transformative Multilingual Agenda

IES continues to offer professional development opportunities in the coming months. Recently confirmed, in partnership with the American International School of Guangzhou, is a groundbreaking, two-day workshop on multilingual education, featuring renowned and esteemed presenters who rarely grace our region with their expertise.

This immersive experience promises to delve deeply into the realms of diversity, inclusion, equity, and empowerment. From innovative teaching methodologies to fostering linguistic diversity, each session will be thoughtfully curated to inspire and equip educators with the tools and insights needed to create inclusive and empowering learning environments. Don't miss this rare opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and transform your approach to multilingual education.

Join us for a dynamic and enriching experience as we collectively reimagine education by exploring the following topics:

Shifting from Monolingual to Multilingual Mindsets

Discover the fundamental shift needed to embrace the richness of multilingualism and cultivate a mindset that celebrates linguistic diversity as an asset rather than a barrier.

Asset-Based Pedagogy in Action

Explore practical strategies and pedagogical approaches that leverage students' diverse linguistic backgrounds as valuable assets to enhance learning outcomes and foster inclusivity in the classroom.

Providing Learning Access for All

Learn how to remove barriers to learning by implementing inclusive practices that ensure equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds or abilities.

Content & Language-Integrated Learning

Delve into the integration of content and language instruction to support language development while simultaneously engaging students in meaningful academic content across various subject areas.

Intentional Planning for Academic Language

Gain insights into intentionally planning instruction to explicitly teach and scaffold academic language skills necessary for students to succeed academically across different content areas.

Reimagining Multilingual Identities

Explore ways to celebrate and affirm students' multilingual identities, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their linguistic heritage within the educational context.

Supporting Student Autonomy and Agency

Discover strategies for empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering autonomy, and agency in their language development and academic pursuits.

The insights gained from this workshop will have lasting impacts on how participants teach throughout their careers, as they integrate new approaches and perspectives into their pedagogical practice. By prioritizing equity, diversity, and empowerment, educators will create transformative learning environments where every student feels included, represented, and empowered in their learning journey. Together, we can work towards a future where all students have equal access to quality education and opportunities for success.

We're thrilled to announce that exclusive discounts and complimentary seats are now available for schools that partner with IES. By collaborating with us, schools can unlock incredible opportunities for professional development and educational enrichment. Whether you're seeking to enhance your educators' skills, improve student outcomes, or foster a culture of innovation and excellence, our tailored programs can help you achieve your goals.

To learn more about the discounts and complimentary seats available through our partnership program, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team will be delighted to provide you with all the details and assist you in exploring how our professional development opportunities can benefit your school community. Reach out today and take the first step towards transforming education together with IES.