From November 2nd-4th, Shanghai American School hosted the 10th annual Learning2 Conference held in Asia. Learning2 is a conference started by two Shanghai teachers in 2007, and aims to be a “student-centered” learning conference that will “innovate social learning globally.” It is now a non-profit organization that has expanded to host conferences in Europe as well as Asia. Aside from promoting innovation in teaching, Learning2 also serves as a platform where teachers from around the world can network and share ideas.
This year's Learning2 Conference centers on “illuminating the next decade,” as technology continues to evolve and shape the way teachers interact with students and learning material. The conference is structured into six main parts: the PreConference, Extended Sessions, Students Workshops, L2 Talks, Workshops, and the Unconference. The conference kicked off with the PreConference, a time slot where teachers sign up for topics to explore in depth with a particular emphasis on active and hands on learning in small groups. Topics of interest included a BrainPOP intensive, teaching as a “coach,” taking advantage of Office 365, the concept of personalised learning, and an introduction to the Innovation Institute program at SAS.
Amy Foley, former teacher of Innovation Institute, led a PreConference on the Innovation Institute at SAS. This allowed many international teachers from all around the world to catch a glimpse into the daily lives of Innovation Institute students and what exactly made the program so unique. It was an immersive experience, with Foley remarking that, “these visiting teachers were in awe of our CID learning space and appreciated being able to observe Institute students collaborating during their ‘project time’,” adding that “they were also inspired by Year 2 students--as well as juniors and seniors who completed the Institute--speak about how the Institute was a good fit for them.” Furthermore, it also provided a learning opportunity for her, and “was inspiring for [her] to speak with other educators who are interested in starting similar programs in their schools.”
After the PreConferences ended, teachers had the opportunity to attend Extended Sessions, where skilled presenters discussed progressive ideas in education like “Why the A in STEAM is Important, ” “Honing Research Skills in the Age of False News, ” and “Designing Spaces for Learning.” They also could watch “L2 Talks,” which were short speeches that were designed to motivate teachers and inspire them to approach any following activities they had with passion and interest. Another feature was the “Unconference,” which were conferences with undetermined topics that developed throughout the event. English teacher Tessa Alden said that it was a highlight, as “I found myself in a room with educators who all had the same interests as I did, and with no presenter. We could learn from each other and discuss the topics in a way that was relevant to us.”
Another unique aspect of the conference was the student led workshops, wherein students shared with teachers about their perspective and experiences. It was refreshing for teachers to be on the learning side of things for once, with Alden remarking that “I attended one facilitated by innovation students, and I worked with a teacher from WAB to design an art installation about environment and society. Our design included plants and fruit trees that actually grew as more people viewed the art!” Foley shares these thoughts, adding that “I attended one of these sessions and was very impressed by how well run it was and how engaged teachers were.”
These student-led workshops were also a valuable learning experience for the students running the workshops as well. Sarina Ku, a junior in SAS, led a workshop on the Innovation Institute. “I strongly believe in the core ideals of the Learning 2 conferences because it allows students to share with teachers how their educational experiences benefitted them, which gives students all around Asia the opportunity to enhance their learning,” adding that “while observing the way they, in groups, were able to tackle this project was very beneficial for me as I was able to reflect and observe how Innovation Institute has changed the way I think.” Shirley Park, another leader of the Innovation Institute student workshop, reflected that “I could remind myself and others of the importance of learning beyond just memorizing facts in classes.”
Overall, the Learning2 experience was a success as it broadened teachers' views on education and provided a platform for teachers to connect. It was innovative and unlike traditional conferences, and will surely lead to benefits in education in Asia, and throughout the globe.
Evian Chai
This year's Learning2 Conference centers on “illuminating the next decade,” as technology continues to evolve and shape the way teachers interact with students and learning material. The conference is structured into six main parts: the PreConference, Extended Sessions, Students Workshops, L2 Talks, Workshops, and the Unconference. The conference kicked off with the PreConference, a time slot where teachers sign up for topics to explore in depth with a particular emphasis on active and hands on learning in small groups. Topics of interest included a BrainPOP intensive, teaching as a “coach,” taking advantage of Office 365, the concept of personalised learning, and an introduction to the Innovation Institute program at SAS.
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| Teachers discussing in a Learning2 session, courtesy of Shirley Park |
Amy Foley, former teacher of Innovation Institute, led a PreConference on the Innovation Institute at SAS. This allowed many international teachers from all around the world to catch a glimpse into the daily lives of Innovation Institute students and what exactly made the program so unique. It was an immersive experience, with Foley remarking that, “these visiting teachers were in awe of our CID learning space and appreciated being able to observe Institute students collaborating during their ‘project time’,” adding that “they were also inspired by Year 2 students--as well as juniors and seniors who completed the Institute--speak about how the Institute was a good fit for them.” Furthermore, it also provided a learning opportunity for her, and “was inspiring for [her] to speak with other educators who are interested in starting similar programs in their schools.”
After the PreConferences ended, teachers had the opportunity to attend Extended Sessions, where skilled presenters discussed progressive ideas in education like “Why the A in STEAM is Important, ” “Honing Research Skills in the Age of False News, ” and “Designing Spaces for Learning.” They also could watch “L2 Talks,” which were short speeches that were designed to motivate teachers and inspire them to approach any following activities they had with passion and interest. Another feature was the “Unconference,” which were conferences with undetermined topics that developed throughout the event. English teacher Tessa Alden said that it was a highlight, as “I found myself in a room with educators who all had the same interests as I did, and with no presenter. We could learn from each other and discuss the topics in a way that was relevant to us.”
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| Small group collaboration was a strong focus at the conference, courtesy of Shirley Park |
Another unique aspect of the conference was the student led workshops, wherein students shared with teachers about their perspective and experiences. It was refreshing for teachers to be on the learning side of things for once, with Alden remarking that “I attended one facilitated by innovation students, and I worked with a teacher from WAB to design an art installation about environment and society. Our design included plants and fruit trees that actually grew as more people viewed the art!” Foley shares these thoughts, adding that “I attended one of these sessions and was very impressed by how well run it was and how engaged teachers were.”
These student-led workshops were also a valuable learning experience for the students running the workshops as well. Sarina Ku, a junior in SAS, led a workshop on the Innovation Institute. “I strongly believe in the core ideals of the Learning 2 conferences because it allows students to share with teachers how their educational experiences benefitted them, which gives students all around Asia the opportunity to enhance their learning,” adding that “while observing the way they, in groups, were able to tackle this project was very beneficial for me as I was able to reflect and observe how Innovation Institute has changed the way I think.” Shirley Park, another leader of the Innovation Institute student workshop, reflected that “I could remind myself and others of the importance of learning beyond just memorizing facts in classes.”
 |
| Student Jaz Wanamaker leading a student workshop, courtesy of Shirley Park |
Overall, the Learning2 experience was a success as it broadened teachers' views on education and provided a platform for teachers to connect. It was innovative and unlike traditional conferences, and will surely lead to benefits in education in Asia, and throughout the globe.
Evian Chai
