Jaclyn+Calder

=Learning Together =

There will be **pedagogistas** present at the October ECOO Minds On Media. They can help you keep focused on these big ideas throughout the day:
 * How do teachers create learning tasks and classroom environments that promote critical thinking?
 * How can teachers use inquiry-based approaches with the framework of our Ontario Curriculum?
 * How does technology support the development of an effective community of learners?
 * How might technology foster/facilitate knowledge communities within the classroom (and beyond)?
 * What does an inquiry-based approach mean to you?
 * How do you encourage and support students in developing 'driving questions'? How might the tools assist in this?
 * How might collaboration contribute to scaffolding critical thinking?
 * How does technology allow students with special needs participate more fully?

In addition to helping you keep focused on the big ideas throughout the day, pedagogistas will help to document and share the learning occurring throughout. Through discussion, Pedagogistas can also help you choose stations and areas to focus your learning for the day.

Lastly, Pedagogistas can provide one-on-one support as needed. If you need anything, please ask!

= Background Information = = = =Pedagogistas= One extremely successful implementation of a holistic approach to education is the early childhood education system of the Reggio Emilia region of Northern Italy. Social constructivism guides the work that administrators do with both the teachers and the students in this system. Teachers work collaboratively in learning communities where rich, on-going in-service supports them and they are encouraged to reflect on their practice. Each child is viewed as unique and the protagonist of his/her own growth. It is accepted that the child has a desire to gain knowledge, create ties with others and to communicate. Everything is connected in the child’s world; social, emotional, physical, intellectual and cultural factors are all considered part of educating the child. Much of the work that children do is project-based and the aim of education is growth.

If you are interested in reading more about Reggio Emila you can check out Brenda's blog.

In the Reggio approach, **pedagogistas** are educators who work alongside the teacher to enhance the observation that teachers are doing, and to continue to focus on reflection about the learning that happens in the classroom both from the student's and the teacher's point of view. Because we know that during Minds on Media participants can sometimes be focused on learning new tools as they are developing inquiry-based lessons or approaches for their students, pedagogistas are there to help with that 'meta' thinking that needs to be on-going. They can help with discussions around going deeper with technology, or they can help with some one-on-one time that might be needed.