Time to Plan for Professional Development in 2024

Registrations Now Open for Winter/Spring Workshops

At the beginning of each new year, it is common to set your sights on new goals. We’re sure you’re reflecting on the advances you’ve made in your classrooms and thinking about ways you can become even more effective. As you well know, learning from others is a wonderful way to expand on your techniques and understand current developments in the field. In 2024, we would like to help you on your path of lifelong learning. As such, we have a wonderful lineup of workshops available in February and March that will help you start the year off right.

Rachel French, MEd.

Concept-based Inquiry

February 24-25, 2024

8:30 - 15:00

Shanghai Vanke Bilingual School

Overview

This workshop introduces a model of Concept-Based Inquiry developed by French and Marschall with six distinct phases. Educators will be engaged in a variety of teaching practices that help students think conceptually. Video clips of Concept-Based Inquiry will be shared to illustrate key strategies. Educators will have the opportunity to consider how specific, practical instructional strategies can enhance the units they are currently teaching in schools. Educators will leave with a toolkit of strategies that can be immediately implemented in the classroom.

Throughout the workshop, you will reflect on the strategic use of structured, guided, and open inquiry, considering the unique power each holds in the classroom. Together, we will explore the potential of moving beyond a single conceptual idea to articulate multiple understandings within a unit. The role of guiding questions in designing impactful learning experiences will also be examined.

Guiding Questions:

How can we design learning to achieve synergistic thinking between the factual and conceptual levels?
What instructional strategies support conceptual thinking?
What does Concept-Based Inquiry look like in the classroom?
What role does the classroom environment have in fostering a culture of conceptual thinking?

Presenter Bio

Director of Professional Learning International and certified Independent Concept-Based Consultant, workshop facilitator, trainer, and author, Rachel French, MA Ed. has led innovative curriculum design and transformed how educators teach and students learn for over 12 years.

Certificate: E-certificate signed by Rachel French will be issued 5 working days after the workshop.

Registration Fee: 4900 RMB (700USD) per participant

Group Deal: 10% off per participant for 5 or more participants

Early Bird：10% off before 20/01/2024

Please scan the QR code to register:

Dr. Jennifer Wathall

Concept-based Pre-K-12 Mathematics

March 9-10, 2024

8:30 - 16:00

Shekou International School, Shenzhen

Overview

This workshop will cover the concept-based curriculum design model specifically for mathematics. All content will be based on Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall's book "Concept Based Mathematics; Teaching for Deep Understanding in Secondary Schools" and everyone will be required to have a copy as this is the workbook for the workshop. Many early years and primary examples will be provided during the workshop. The book itself is 90% for grades Pre-K-12.

Outcomes

Understand the concept-based model for mathematics

Write quality generalizations and guiding questions.

Use a unit web to plan a concept-based unit.

Design engaging, rich learning experiences for your students.

Use formative assessment strategies to inform teaching and learning.

Create unit plans that focus on deep conceptual understanding

Guiding Questions

Why is it important for students to learn conceptually?
What are the facts, processes and concepts in mathematics?
How do I craft generalizations in mathematics? How do I craft quality guiding questions?
How do I plan units of work for concept-based mathematics curriculum?
How do I captivate and engage students?

Presenter Bio

Jennifer Chang Wathall is an author, educational consultant, and part-time instructor for The University of Hong Kong for the education faculty in the field of mathematics education. With over 25 years of experience in the education field, Jennifer has worked in several international schools in Hong Kong and New York. Based on her graduate studies in Educational Technology, Jennifer has designed numerous online courses that have reached thousands of educators from all over the world. Her research areas include blended learning methodologies and teaching for deep conceptual understanding.

Registration Fee: 4500 RMB (650USD) per participant

Group Deal: 10% off per participant for 5 or more participants

Early Bird：10% off before 20/01/2024

Please scan the QR code to register:

Matthew Parr, MEd.

Ready to Lead! A workshop for new and aspiring international school teacher leaders

March 16-17th, 2024

8:30-16:00

American International School of Guangzhou, Science Park

Overview

You will explore the art of leadership and the science of management by diving into not just what you lead, but why you lead, and how you can lead. Starting with your unique strengths and style, you'll develop a deeper understanding of who you are as an educator and what that allows you to bring to the table as a leader – and you’ll pick up some useful tools and strategies to kick start your journey in international school leadership on your way.

Guiding Questions:

What knowledge, skills and dispositions are central to leading departments and grade level teams in international schools, and how are these supported by your strengths as a teacher in the classroom?
What is the difference between leadership and management, and why are both essential to the international school team leader?
Why is it essential for leaders to know and understand not only what they lead, but also why they lead and how they lead?

Presenter Bio

Matthew is an international educator and leader with over 25 years of experience. He currently serves as Head of School at Nagoya International School and President of the Japan Council of International Schools. With multiple degrees, including an MSc. in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and advanced certifications in International School Leadership and Headship, he teaches courses on curriculum and assessment leadership for the Principals’ Training Centre. Matthew also leads accreditation teams, and accreditation training programmes for the Council of International Schools.

Registration Fee: 4980 RMB (710USD) per participant

Group Deal: 10% off per participant for 5 or more participants

Early Bird：10% off before 20/01/2024

Please scan the QR code to register:

We hope you are able to join us in the new year for these workshops that are sure to enrich your understanding and lead you to develop the new skills and techniques that will set you apart and help your students grow.