Reinventing Education

EP 114 : Workplace Preparation in a Counsellor Centered School

Join us as we explore how a counsellor centered school might approach the challenge of aligning personal meaning with workplace readiness. We delve into how intrinsic values can serve both the self and our communities and how we must address the challenges and opportunities of pursuing meaningful paths, from nurturing dreams to bridging the gap between school ideals and real-world demands.

EP 113 : The Agora Schools Model with Hans Van Heesewijk

In today's episode, we speak with Hans van Heesewijk, an educator who was integral to the founding of the Agora School system utilised in schools across the Netherlands.

The Agora model is a child centred approach that prioritises individualised learning experiences. It has no standard classes, classrooms, or fixed curriculum, instead students are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests under the guidance of personal coaches.

We were also lucky that Pete Merry of Ubiquity university, whose children have attended an Agora school, was able to join us for the conversation.

Join us as we delve into Hans' journey of transforming education and discover the profound impact the models such as the Agora system may have on shaping the future of learning. 

We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

Ep 112 : Holistic Learning Horizons: A Deep Dive into Ubiquity University

In this episode, Rob & Brendan unpack the revolutionary approaches of Ubiquity University in an interview with its trailblazing leader, Peter Merry. Ubiquity, a global educational institution, reaches learners worldwide with diverse courses rooted in regenerative and holistic principles.

Peter, Co-founding Chief Innovation Officer, guides us through the vision, strategic partnerships, and the holistic learning pathways that set Ubiquity apart and shows how the ideas pioneered at Ubiquity can be applied to schools and colleges around the world.

We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

Ep 111 Meaningful Membership

How can a counselor-centered school strike the delicate balance between developing the individual and the community? Join us in this episode as we explore the intricacies of fostering an egalitarian, participatory, and supportive system while navigating challenges like the tragedy of the commons and toxic decision making. Discover real-world examples and practical strategies for cultivating a collaborative culture that encourages growth while addressing potential vulnerabilities.

We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

EP 110 A Counsellor Perspective on Childhood & Participation in School

There are 3 types of school: expert, coach and counsellor. 

The counsellor approach, more than the other 2, makes students the center of their learning and also authentic participation in the school. In this episode we compare and contrast the views of all 3 types regarding what childhood means for students now and later in life. 
To find out which type of school you are in now, take our free 2 minute survey found here. 

EP 109 Consent Based Decision Making In Schools

In this episode, we explore the power structure of the counsellor-centered school. 
In this approach to school organization, every member of the learning community from the principal, to staff, to students and parents has an equal voice in all matters that concern the school. Gone is the hierarchy and roles of previous approaches to school. 

To find out if your school is more expert, coach or counsellor take our free two minute survey found here. 

Ep 108 : Introducing The Counselor Model of School

In this episode, we embark on a new season dedicated to exploring the innovative Counselor Model of school.

Over these episodes, we'll delve deep into the transformative ideas and practices that are reshaping the landscape of education. We inquire into how the Counselor Model addresses the diverse needs of students, fosters holistic well-being, and promotes an inclusive and empowering educational environment. We'll explore the principles, challenges, and successes of this cutting-edge model that places students at the center of their learning journey.

We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

EP 107 : Reinventing Education - The Book!

For a while now, one of our ideas has been to take the ideas from the podcast and distil them into a book that could be used for school leadership and other interested parties to gain a deeper understanding of the three types of schools that we focus on in our podcast and the ways that they can inform school-wide development. 

Rob has recently begun that process and so we took the opportunity to dig into how the book is coming along, its overall aims and how it could provide a step towards a conception of school that really aligns cultures and practices.

We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

 

EP 106 :How a Counsellor Centered Progressive Approach to School Can Solve the Problems of Unhealthy Mainstream Approach

Join Brendan and Rob as they discuss how the progressive counsellor-centred approach to school solves many of the drawbacks of the mainstream coach approach. This includes looking at how a system that emphasises standardised tests and statistics over well-being and personal development can lead to frustration and a hunt for new ways.

And, as always, we hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. In terms of our 3 types of school model, If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in and how to move forward, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.

EP 105 : Chris Balme - Student Autonomy and the Promises or Pitfalls of Artificial Intellegence

Today, we're lucky to interview Chris Balme, the head of a project-based school in Hakuba, Japan, and author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School."

In the interview, we discuss strategies for increasing student autonomy and democratic decision-making principles, as well as the need for adults in the learning community to shift from being instructors to facilitators.

We also explore the importance of moving from coercion to consent in driving learning, delve into why learning experiences should be authentic, and ruminate on how Chat GPT and AI may transform the future of education.

Here is Chris's website, where you can find links to buy his book and writings on all of the things we cover in today's episode.

And, as always, we hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. In terms of our 3 types of school model, If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in and how to move forward, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.