Unlocking the Power of High Performance Learning - A Conversation with Professor Deborah Eyre
Welcome back, readers! I'm excited to restart my blog after taking a brief hiatus. To ease back into things, I wanted to share a breakdown of my fascinating conversation with education expert Professor Deborah Eyre on my podcast this week. Professor Eyre is well-known for her groundbreaking work in developing innovative learning programs for children. Our discussion touched on several key topics regarding the future of education and the need for new approaches to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. I found her insights thought-provoking and insightful. In this post, I'll summarise our exchange on the main themes we covered. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as I resume posting regularly on education, technology, and all things related to DEEP thinking.
Thank you for your continued support of my little corner of the internet - it feels great to be back!
From Curiosity to Education
Professor Deborah Eyre takes us on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting her transformation from an inquisitive student to a highly respected educator. Inspired by a teacher who made learning personal and exciting, Professor Eyre embarked on a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and a passion for making a difference in education.
Empowering Students for Success
High performance learning is a cutting-edge approach that challenges traditional schooling methods. Its focus is on equipping students with the competencies and attributes they need to thrive academically and in life. Professor Eyre explains that high performance learning is not limited to a select group of individuals, but rather a belief that anyone can achieve high levels of cognitive performance when given the right tools and support.
The Role of Values, Attitudes, and Attributes
In high performance learning, values, attitudes, and attributes play a vital role. Professor Eyre emphasizes that these qualities are not only important for creating kind and compassionate individuals, but they also enhance cognitive abilities. Teachers are encouraged to integrate these elements in their teaching practices, expanding students' thinking and fostering a holistic approach to education.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementation
While the concept of high performance learning may sound ideal, its implementation is not without challenges. Professor Eyre highlights the difficulty of getting people to take action and make the necessary changes. Many individuals agree with the concept but fail to act promptly. Professor Eyre calls on schools to be brave and take the plunge, embracing high performance learning to create a lasting impact on student success.
Breaking Free from Exam-Oriented Education
One of the major obstacles to high performance learning is the current emphasis on exams in the education system. Professor Eyre points out that this approach obstructs vision and goals of individual schools, leading to a rushed curriculum and a lack of time for interdisciplinary work. To ensure genuine learning, she urges educators to trust and unleash the creativity of teachers, while improving assessment methods to focus on individual performance rather than standardized tests.
Preparing Students for Real Life
Professor Eyre believes that schools should serve a social purpose and prepare students for real life, beyond the confines of exams. Introducing practical and enjoyable activities, such as home economics, can enhance socialization and provide valuable life skills. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing compassion, thoughtfulness, and entrepreneurship in students, as these qualities are crucial for their future success.
Belief, Evidence, and Creating Change
Professor Eyre emphasizes the power of belief in students and the importance of acting on evidence. She encourages educators to focus on exemplification, demonstrating a better approach to education and scaling it to create lasting change. Professor Eyre highlights that belief and emotional power are just as important as evidence in creating a transformative educational experience.
Conclusion:
In a world where education is constantly evolving, high performance learning offers a new perspective on fostering student success. By unlocking the power of values, attitudes, and attributes, implementing innovative teaching methods, and embracing a holistic approach to education, we can create a generation of compassionate, thoughtful, and enterprising individuals prepared to excel both academically and in life.
Be sure to check out the full podcast episode to hear more of Professor Eyre's compelling perspectives.
