Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges.” A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within...
info_outline
Episode 20: Making Schools More Relational
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Compliance-based approaches in education have not worked so we need a more relational focus.” A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at?', hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educational consultant, Sue Chandler. With over 30 years of experience, Sue discusses her pivotal career moments and the importance of integrating wellbeing into school systems. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of moving from compliance-based approaches to a more relational focus in education, addressing both...
info_outline
Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change.” A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He...
info_outline
Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this podcast episode of "Where's Your Head At", Dr. Ellen Heyting, an experienced educator and researcher from Melbourne Metrics, discusses the critical challenges in international education, focusing on the need to transform assessment systems and prioritize student agency. She argues that current high-stakes examination models are restrictive, causing mental health issues and limiting students' potential, and advocates for a more holistic approach that recognizes broader competencies and empowers students as producers of their own learning. Currently, Ellen is spearheading...
info_outline
Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success. We hope you...
info_outline
Episode 16: The Evolution of Literacy: Supporting Teachers Through Transitions
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Erin Kent, founder of Erin Kent Consulting, shares her extensive experience in international education and literacy consulting. With a background spanning from Teach for America to leading a global consulting group, Erin discusses the evolving landscape of international education, particularly focusing on literacy instruction, the unique opportunities in international schools, and the critical role of leadership in driving educational innovation. In this enlightening episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, hosts sit...
info_outline
Episode 15: Exploring the Landscape of International Education
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
"my hope is that we will actually use the learning sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive science and psychology in service of this thing called schooling" A Quick Summary In this episode of Where's Your Head At, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James McDonald dive deep into the world of international education with the esteemed Bambi Betts. With over three decades of experience, Bambi has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and professional development within international schools. As the founder of the Principals' Training Center, she has influenced countless educators...
info_outline
Episode 14: Rethinking School Strategies for the Modern World
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
"school leaders, in general, are humble people...and they don't share their great ideas. In fact, many times they don't realize it's a great idea because it's just what they do". A Quick Summary Unlock the secrets of educational transformation as we explore the dynamic world of international learning with Dr. David Stegall. Discover how Dr. Stegall transitioned to the role of Chief of System Innovation at the Department of Defense Education...
info_outline
Episode 13: Transforming Global Education: Governance, Innovation, and Marketing Strategies.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary Unlock the keys to effective educational governance and marketing strategies in our latest episode! Join Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald as we navigate this topic from Brisbane, Bangkok, and Brussels. We’re honored to welcome Russell Russell Speirs, founder of RS Academics, who enlightens us on the indispensable relationship between school leaders and their boards. Learn from Russell's vast experience in school leadership recruitment and governance consultancy, and discover how good governance can transform educational environments. Our discussion then...
info_outline
Episode 12: Recruitment Part 2 - Unleashing Your Potential: Strategies for Educational Leadership and Career Progression
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Your network is the place that you learn.” - James MacDonald A Quick Summary Have you ever pondered the path to an educational leadership position? Our journey today takes us through the winding roads of educational leadership. We share tales from our own experiences, and we unearth the essential skills you need to thrive. It’s all about upskilling, networking, and active engagement in the learning community. We’ll discuss why these actions are so critical and how you can incorporate them into your own professional growth. Show notes In this episode… (0:00:01)...
info_outline“Schools must create a culture of co-designing where they want to get to.” - Jennifer Groff PhD
A Quick Summary
The “Where’s Your Head At” hosts chat with Jennifer Groff, PhD is an educational researcher, designer, and engineer, whose work focuses on redesigning learning environments and education systems. In this show, we discuss a range of educational issues with Jennifer and hear her thoughts as to what she believes will be essential for schools to thrive in the future.
Show notes
In this episode…
Introduction of Jennifer Groff (3.50)
What is the latest work that Jennifer has been doing at the International School of Brussels? (6.15)
Jennifer’s career so far and how she got started (7.30)
Jennifer’s assessment of international education today (9.45)
What is Jennifer’s hope for education in the next 10 to 20 years? (12.20)
Have the barriers and frustrations faced by teachers in the past been removed today? (13.40)
What are some easy wins for school leaders today? (15.10)
How do you help schools make strategic choices? (16.50)
Jennifer’s advice for schools who want to do everything (21.05)
Would Jennifer change anything about her career? (24.25)
Were there specific moments, or individuals, who helped Jennifer in her career? (26.05)
Biographies/books/models which Jennifer has used for her leadership (27.50)
How to contact Fidelis (30.30)
Bio
Jennifer Groff PhD
Jennifer Groff, PhD is an educational researcher, designer, and engineer, whose work focuses on redesigning learning environments and education systems. She is the founder of Learning Futures Global, which supports organizations around the world to design and implement modern learning, and their future-focused learning strategy.
Innovation Fellow at WISE (Qatar Foundation), Chief Learning Officer for Lumiar Education, a network of innovative schools, and co-founded the international NGO the Center for Curriculum Redesign, Fulbright Scholar (UK) while serving as the Technology SME on the OECD Innovative Learning Environments project.
MIT PhD from the MIT Media Lab.
A former K-12 educator, Jennifer was named one of 12 Microsoft Innovative Teacher Leaders in 2005, and one of the Top 100 Influencers in Ed Tech (2017-18).
Jen has also been working with James MacDonald and the team in Brussels over the past year.
Links
- Jennifer’s Website - https://drjennifergroff.com/
- Embedding Innovation Labs in Schools as a Vehicle for Transformation in Education - https://www.wise-qatar.org/app/uploads/2021/10/wise-report-rr.1.2021-web-version-low-resolution.pdf
- Innovation Labs in Education - http://learningfutures.global/innovation-labs