Zoo+learning

__ [[image:Zoo_pics_027.JPG width="264" height="187"]]Zoo immersion: __
Our whole staff went on an environment inquiry and linked with Melbourne zoo's corporate learning programs.We wanted to use the zoo as a model and a way of looking outside ourselves. To explore the ways institutions change from being about the visitors and adults to the inhabitants and learners. We used and expert jigsaw model and we were delighted to have the privilege of visiting the gorillas, seals and giraffes up close and personal. Having been in the gorilla compound we were not sure who was checking out who!!! We also caught up with Donna Livermore the Learning Programs Coordinator at Melbourne zoo, who taught us about the 'Connect, Understand and Act model of engaging the animals and humans. It was the start of a beautiful learning friendship!! This is one presentation from the day the rest are on team pages with their goals and reflections. [|zooderrimut.wmv]

We all experienced the day differently and the reflection when we returned to work the next day was overwhelmingly positive with lots of links to how we were going to approach even simple things like yard duty. (For more info check our our wellbeing page)  The 5/6 team have developed an amazing unit on leadership and will be exploring leadership and team work at the zoo with the skills and insights we picked up from our PD. The 3/4 team looked at their spaces and uses and looked at the connect understand and. act model to influence their literacy engagement through hands on activities in science  The 1/2 team are looking at environmental change and its impact   and the Prep team are exploring design with ideas like sensory gardens and developing indoor and outdoor spaces

We used a ( a thinking tool) to start our planning our agreed actions to create our zoo inspired environment and our

Our Goals for the staff zoo experience dreaming of possibilities. Not adhering to the factory model of education and being able to research and implement best practice and evaluate its effectiveness . || photos || Whole school team, getting to know people across the school and in team development working as a new team to get a presentation together immerse in expert jigsaw strategy ||  || Exploring the elements and creation of environments for the excellent wellbeing outcomes for the inhabitants via the zoo as an analogy and a shared experience Visit. REM technologies shared experience as to the possibilities for anywhere anytime learning environments exploring use of ICT tools to convey a message ||  || Building a pedagogy framework that values a student centred approach rather than routines that make it easier ||  ||
 * 1 . __Appreciative Inquiry__
 * 2. __Team development__:
 * 3. __Inquiry into 21st century learning environments__:
 * 4. __ Exploring effective excursions for inquiry __ ||  ||
 * 5. __Evaluate and synthesis of innovations__

The SEALS!!! The group I was in was lucky enough to have a behind the scenes visit with the seals! A key understanding which stood out to me was the importance of persistence to learning - the seals often took a long time to learn something new and that the keepers continually had to change to goals posts to ensure that the new learning was occurring. The re-iterated this in terms of the seals becoming bored and static in the learning - the same is for children - when they know what's coming everyday then they 'tune out' - as educators it's important to keep things new and exciting - a routine is great but just as important is mixing it up a bit. I hope you enjoy this video of one of the seals we met showing off a tricky move....

media type="file" key="seal.wmv" align="center" width="300" height="300" And this little ripper.... now we need to use the same training for the kids in our playground... media type="file" key="seal 2.wmv" align="center"