https://sites.google.com/shotover.school.nz/sjkaizen/home

Kaizen is about continual growth and self improvement for the team. ‘Conceptual and practical knowledge grows’ in iterative cycles of “analysis, action and reflection”.

The Learning Cycle

The learning values will be present throughout the whole inquiry but the emphasis is on thinking. Curiosity will be most obvious in the Connect phase, Growth Mindset in Create and Joy in the Communicate and Reflect phase.

Connect: Diagnose the current situation: Understand and observe what is happening.

Create and Act: Synthesise the possibilities. Look for what patterns are emerging. Visualise - develop a plan and take the idea to reality.

Communicate and Reflect: Reflect on the process, the outcomes, embed as appropriate and begin a new cycle.

Teaching Year 5 to 8 creates a vast array of students in all their personal, emotional, physical, social, academic and spiritual needs. Having come in Kimi Aakau at the start of Term 2, it was evident to see a high number of student who were disengaged from their learning. They were expressing undesired behaviours and learning was not free-flowing or enjoyable for students, mentors or families. As a team we have made a number of adjustments to the way we set up the environment for our students, our learning design and our expectations. These have had significant impacts, however there are many more steps to go to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our students and MAXIMISING their engagement and progress.

As part of my Kaizen this year, I am focussing on what it is specifically that I can do to maximise student engagement, whilst catering for students specific learning needs. In particular, I will focus on key wave students who have ADHD, Twice Exceptional, Gifted / High Achievers and ESOL however, whatever strategies I trial will ensure positive impact for all students and their learning.