Mosman and Chatswood High Schools

Schools context

Mosman High School is a metropolitan, comprehensive high school located near Middle Harbour in Northern Sydney Region with a population of approximately 870 students. Mosman has two new scheme teachers who are supervised by the Deputy Principal and relevant Head Teachers.

Chatswood High School is located on the lower north shore of Sydney and has a population of approximately 900 students. It is a partially selective high school and has a significant non-English speaking background (NESB) population of 60%. There is an Intensive Language Centre and Support unit on site. Support students are integrated in some elective subjects. Chatswood High School has five new scheme teachers. Each new scheme teacher is mentored by their Faculty Head Teacher.

Project outline

The professional learning model used in the project, Building effective communication skills to enhance classroom management involved:

• action learning Follow this link to view a readings on action learning cycles of lesson planning Follow this link to view a lesson plan for Stage 5
  on Food Technology – Food Service and Catering acting, observing Follow this link to view a sample lesson observation sheet
  , reflecting and sharing
• linking to seven standards, Follow this link to view the seven standards in Element 5..
  of professional competence in Element 5 e.g. establishing rapport and positive interactions between teacher and student
• participation in NIDA workshops Follow this link to view the Schools @ NIDA 2007 Open Program in 2007
  concentrating on communication skills, Proxemics (Professional Space) and Paralanguage (Voice, Volume, Tone and Pitch) with the opportunity to further develop the theme of communication through exploration of verbal communication (Questioning, I-Messages, Listening)
• in-school and inter-school collegial learning enhanced through networking with other secondary schools participating in the project
• use of learning resources e.g. reflection journal, classroom observation guide
  professional learning resources Select the Resources link on the left of your screen
  to locate artefacts from Mosman and Chatswood High Schools
  

Collegial team approach

The building of team relationships/network within and outside school context allowed new teachers to apply skills and pedagogy beyond KLA/ personal application. Working with new scheme teachers has productive outcomes for all stakeholders, i.e. a two way process of professional learning through increased professional dialogue. Team expectations were positive about the process used in the project. New scheme teachers have become leaders in understanding how to gather evidence for interpreting standards and translating standards into practice. Personal and professional credibility of new scheme teachers within the school and regional context has increased.

Project outcomes

Pre and post questionnaire was devised to measure value of the project to new scheme teachers and their mentors. The survey revealed that all participants benefited from the strategy. Filmed interviews of participants also supported the notion that this was a meaningful professional development experience.