Sep 25 2008
Who is the Scottish Learning Festival for?
I attended the SLF on Wednesday of this week for the first time, and I have to admit I left with mixed feelings on my experience. I’ve hesitated to write this, but I feel I have to be honest.
Initially, I was overwhelmed as I explored the exhibition hall in the morning (in between manning the East Lothian stand). It felt fantastic to be able to experience all of these cutting edge developments all in one place, and I enjoyed my conversations with many of the exhibitors. As the day wore on however, an unsettled feeling began to grow in my stomach. I couldn’t, and still can’t quite, put my finger on what was bothering me. I think it was something to do with the very commercial air in the exhibition hall. It was also something to do with the lack of practicing teachers who were there (apart from those of us who were there representing our councils). It certainly wasn’t aided by the disappointing nature of the two seminars I attended.
I think to me, the words ‘learning festival’ evokes a lot of classroom practitioners having an opportunity to learn. It certainly didn’t live up to this impression for me.
Why is it held at a time when teachers would require cover (which schools can ill afford) to attend? There were a lot of educationalists who are out of the classroom present - which is understandable given that their roles would require them to be there and they do not require cover - but where are they staying on the Wednesday night? Who is paying for this? Don’t these people get these opportunities to network etc. a lot anyway? Could this money be better spent? How can we get more classroom practitioners there?
As I said, I know this is a controversial reflection. But it’s my reflection, and I can’t deny it.
Perhaps ‘learning festival’ is just the wrong name and it will always struggle to live up to the images this evokes?
I agree completely. The learning festival is in the seminars, and of course TeachMeet. The main hall is just a trade fair. I haven’t spent much time in there for years.
Yeah, I see what you mean. Perhaps I was unlucky in my seminars? Plus, I wasn’t able to stay for TeachMeet….
Many of the sessions were delivered by classroom practitioners - the GLOW lounge was a good example, at least nine each day, as well as most of the educational showcase stuff. Other presentations were on the subject of classroom case studies and the like…
I could have spent four days here let alone the two that I did and still not have seeneverything I would have liked to. And the exhibitors perhaps cover the costs of the event…
I do feel you are being a little negative - but hey, horses for courses I suppose
Hey Jaye,
Perhaps if I returned in a different role with the time to really explore and get into these sessions I’d see it differently. But, that’s also kind of my point - how do I get to attend in that role with that time as an ordinary classroom practitioner?
I also think we’re about to enter a similar discussion as our first - whereby you perceive my comments as being negative and I see them as being more along the lines of constructive criticism. I don’t really see how I could’ve written this post differently. I went with a certain level of expectation and excitement and what I experienced was some way off that. What am I then to do? Keep quiet? Write about how amazing it was, even though I didn’t experience that? Who benefits from that?
Anyway - I enjoyed your comment piece in my free copy of the TESS which I picked up on Wednesday!
Fearghal
I think what I was trying to do was comment on your, and Ollie’s points about the commercial nature of the event - perhaps a necessary evil? although useful for me, and others with a budget…
The seminar/presentation point I made was to suggest that there were plenty of classroom practitioner experiences on offer, and I’m sorry if you felt it was a swipe at you, which it wasn’t meant to be…
on a different note, have you any thoughts about our national Biology group and how it could develop in GLOW ?
Hey Jaye,
Didn’t take it as a swipe, just a robust discussion - which I’m a fan of!! I wasn’t really bemoaning the lack of classroom practioner experiences really - it was more the lack of ordinary classroom practioners!!
I’d love to comment our national biology glow group - but I still don’t have a glow login. David has promised me one today! It’s like the night before Christmas
Points taken…
but I presented on both days and I’m very ordinary ! .
….and my comments above should have referred to Rob’s, not Ollies comments (I’m getting you EL guys verymixed up).
Good luck with your GLOW password - remember when you log on, don’t open it all at once…save some for later, my dear old Mum used to say !!
@Fearghal : I’ve just sent off that Glow login - check your email.
I think the reality is SLF wouldn’t exist without the sponsors and ‘trade fair’. I agree with Robert that the exhibitors are an optional visit. I wonder if this was your first visit? I have found over the years that I am carefu choosing what to attend. Go next year attend the TeachMeet and I’m sure you’ll be posting a different experience.
Thanks Lynne,
It was my first time, and I do appreciate that it’s possible to get more out of the day. I think my biggest question is how can I go again next year? I only got to go this year as cover was paid for through the learning team I was representing on our council’s stand. I don’t think I’ll be able to go again if I’m teaching on that day.
I’ve been to a teachmeet before as well, and it was really good. However, I didn’t get home from the SLF until 8pm. If I’d stayed for teachmeet, I would’ve been home much later - this wont even be an option next year when I’ll have a young baby!!
I just don’t think it’s very inclusive of the vast majority of Scottish teachers.
Oh, just re-read that last sentence and I think I should clarify. By “it” I mean the SLF, not teachmeet. Teachmeet is the definition of inclusive!
@Jaye
But there’s not much to do in there just yet…I suppose it’s a bit like the Christmas you got an amazing pressie, but without the batteries?
I’m into glow now