Module
05
Leading of Whole School STEM Teaching and Learning Cultural Change
3h10m
The focus of this module is on the professional learning support principals need to confidently lead the successful introduction, and then consolidation, of STEM initiatives in their school's curriculum.
Some of the concepts presented in this module were first introduced in Module 1 [Leading Quality STEM Teaching and Learning]. Now, you will get to build on these ideas with a specific focus on the importance of creating an ongoing STEM-positive school culture, in order to facilitate sustainable and lasting organisational change.
RECOGNITION OF DIVERSITY
We recognise that each person who accesses this module brings with them a diversity of understandings and experiences of STEM and STEM education (both in terms of STEM practitioner practices and leadership of STEM initiatives and/or whole school approaches).
The design of all PASL modules respects and aims to accommodate this diversity by seeking to draw from the perspectives and experiences of others working their way through the materials.
We do not aim to ‘tell you how it is’, but to provoke thought and discussion. If you are leading others through the module, it is important to listen and respond to participants’ needs and interests as appropriate.
What you will learn from this module
How to generate a STEM positive school culture.
A way to audit your school’s STEM programs and teaching and learning practices.
How to identify and stage the implementation of your STEM initiative.
How to maintain an openness to change in your STEM initiatives.
How to embed STEM teaching and learning practices within your school programs.
How to positively engage parents in your school’s STEM culture.
How to develop a STEM teaching and learning resource strategy.
READINGS AND RESOURCES
You will find a selection of supporting readings recommended throughout the module. These have been chosen for their relevance to the topic and because they are freely accessible through open access.
It is important that you read relevant documents as you progress through the module in order to understand their key points, before moving on to new ideas. We encourage you to explore other identified literature when time allows. Visit the resources section to view the list of resources referred to in this module.
OFFLINE LEARNING
Download the module materials onto your device and study, or lead the professional learning of your group, at your own pace.
MODULE CONTENT PREVIEW
Browse through some of the key concepts presented in this module.
You can download the module at any time to access the complete suite of professional learning materials.
You may remember from Module 1, this approach to conducting a cultural audit ...
Program 2 - Module 4 now turns towards providing you with a far more specific and explicit way to audit and adapt your school’s culture in order to enhance the success of your STEM initiative.
To learn more, make sure to download the module. It contains the complete slide presentation, matching facilitator notes and the entire suite of resources involved in completing the activities proposed in this module.
A performance + culture approach to leading the STEM project. (Branson, 2014)
© 2014 Christopher M. Branson. Used with permission by C. M. Branson.
ACTIVITY PROPOSED IN THIS MODULE:
- Activity #1: Developing a STEM teaching and learning resource strategy
When considering school culture, it is also important to consider the cultures of the people who make up the school community.
You may want to explore the following resources, which can support your thinking about ways you can build respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, as part of your school's STEM culture:
- ACT Government | Education and Training (2015), Progressing Parental Engagement School Fact Sheet: Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian families
- Australian Government Institute of Family Studies (2011), Working with Indigenous children, families, and communities: Lessons from practice
IDENTIFYING, STAGING IMPLEMENTING AND EMBEDDING YOUR STEM INITIATIVE.
One of the proposed learning outcomes for this module is: 'How to identify and stage the implementation of your STEM initiative'. To this end, you are again directed to the PASL Strategic Planning Framework introduced in Module 1. To preview this resource, click here.
This PASL resource provides a very comprehensive flowchart designed to assist you to confidently identify, stage and implement your STEM project.
DOWNLOAD MODULE MATERIALS
Has any of the content showcased piqued your interest?
Click the tile below to get access to the complete suite of materials related to this module (Program 2 - Module 5).
WHAT NEXT?
Remember, understanding your school’s culture is an essential part of achieving success with your STEM initiative. It may require you to be absolutely committed to changing your school's culture.
Changing the culture involves both closely monitoring and adjusting personal actions, as well as structural features. Incorporating your learning from this module into your own leadership practice requires knowledge and commitment;
- Knowing how to audit your school’s existing STEM programs so as to better understand the current teaching and learning practices and, thereby, become more insightful about what and how these might need to be enhanced via the proposed new STEM initiative.
- Knowing how to keep the staff open to, supportive of, and engaged in the new STEM initiative.
- Knowing how to keep the parents open to, supportive of and engaged in the new STEM initiative.
- Using data to ensure the credibility and suitability of teaching and learning resource provisions.
Continue your professional learning
- Go to the next Module
- Explore PASL Program 3 - Equity, Diversity, Aspirations for, and Sustainability of STEM initiatives.
- Explore PASL Program 1 - Leading Quality STEM Teaching and Learning
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
PASL is provided to you on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and you use it at your own risk.
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