Kambala Institute of Teaching Excellence

KITE in ACTION

“Developing a culture of thinking is critical if we want to produce the feelings, energy, and even joy that can propel learning forward and motivate learners to do what at times can be hard and challenging mental work”.

(Project Zero, 2018)

Under our KITE program this year alone, we have proudly supported eight teachers to attend Project Zero at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. The Project Zero scholarship is a peak experience within our KITE program, and is aligned with our broader commitment to Project Zero principles and teaching. Project Zero brings the research of Harvard researchers to educators. The teachings focus on understanding, thinking and classroom culture. 

Sending our teachers to Harvard is certainly a powerful way for us to engage in this work. However, it is what we do in our classrooms and staffrooms where the real work is done. Our teachers returning from Harvard engage in collaborative sessions to reflect on their experience, to consider how their understanding about learning and thinking may have changed, and how it continues to grow and develop as they make thinking visible and teach for deep understanding. Our 2019 Scholarship Recipients did this with Senior Research Associate and Kambala’s Academic in Residence Professor Ron Ritchhart earlier this year. 

During his last visit in Term 2, Professor Ritchhart also worked in classrooms, teaching alongside our teachers in an experience called ‘Teacher Labs’. These are a powerful way for our teachers to examine and improve their practice. Professor Ritchhart can be seen below working with our Year 3 mathematicians and Year 8 geographers! 

Professor Ritchhart will return for a day with our entire academic staff on Monday 11 September 2023 (student free day). We will continue our learning surrounding the mindsets, skills and values present in a true culture of thinking. 

Reference: https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Zero%20In%20-%2050th%20Edition.pdf

Ms Samantha Gooch

Executive Director KITE