Developing inquiry based units is crucial to engaging our students in learning that has meaning for them. Starting with the end in mind, using backward design, ensures that you have a clear understanding of your ultimate aims. This workshop will focus on the specific steps you need to take to get there. Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop rich end-of-unit assessment tasks that allow for student choice and differentiation, whilst meeting curriculum requirements.Participants will develop an understanding of scaffolding learning activities, towards that end aim, that are based on a hierarchy of thinking that can be directly applied to all year levels, subjects and/or integrated unit.

Do you have to report on students’ ‘Interpersonal Development’ or ‘Personal Learning’? This practical workshop demonstrates how to create real and observable opportunities for students’ interpersonal development and personal learning. Participants will be guided through the development of cooperative learning strategies and an effective process for reflective journaling that truly engages and supports all learners through an evidence-based approach. Application of these strategies provide information for the teacher to support informed judgements of student learning against the VELS Dimensions of Interpersonal Development and Personal Learning, making the learning and development visible to teachers.

Your classrooms are rich in thinking; but do your students plan, articulate and understand the thinking strategies they use? This practical workshop is about helping students to think about their thinking and helping teachers to inspire, repair and record student thinking. Participants will be involved in clear practical demonstrations that show everyday applications of these thinking dispositions in the classroom including Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick’s Habits of Mind. The incorporation of Habits of Mind in teaching supports and provides clear links to the VELS Dimensions.