A few weeks ago I eluded to a number of posts that were going to address how I deal with change.
For those of you that are first time readers, in 2019 & 2020 Queensland senior teachers are reinventing their previous resources to implement a new curriculum beginning 2019. Every subject has a change of syllabus and many will now have external exams as the final assessment item in year 12.
For my subject area, currently mathematics this means significant changes to way that we assess, mark and also to the content that we teach in some subjects.
As an experienced teacher I have found this change challenging and I’m sure many others are too.
Whether your change this year is a major curriculum one like mine or something else hopefully today’s tips can help you come through the change positively.
1. Ask questions
Asking questions is the only way that you find out something that you don’t know or are unsure of. Don’t wait for your up line to work out that there is something that you need clarification on or you simply don’t know.
When you don’t find the answers you are looking for ask questions somewhere else.
2. Form strong networks
Strong networks during a change can be a welcome life line. A network offers you the opportunity to bounce ideas with colleagues, share resources, share assessments, moderate, cross mark and commiserate together.
Networks also provide another avenue to ask questions when you aren’t getting the detail you would like from your up line.
3. Decide what matters
When a big change is in its first years it can be tempting to go in “horns and all”, but it is important to remember that you only have so much time and you don’t want to burn yourself out.