Category: Fall Social

2019 Fall Social: Getting Started with Networked Professional Learning

9/27/2019

On Sep 26, The Ottawa Zone for Mathematics Education, O₃4ME, held its annual Fall Social.

The Fall Social is the Chapter's first opportunity for members and non-members to meet one another, share and discuss their educational goals and plans for the year, and to do some networking--networking that can further support their professional learning.

2019/20 Council Members, Natalie Robinson & Chris Stewart

The evening began with introductions by this year's Chapter President, Chris Stewart, followed by an inspiring address by Dr. Marian Small, with networking between educators for the remainder of the evening. If you were unable to take part in this event, the introductory address (and slideshow) and highlights from Dr. Small's address are included in the remainder of this post.

President's Welcome Address & Slideshow

Welcome Address

*Highlights from Dr. Small

OAME 2019 Conference
The conference was a huge success:

Due in large part to the hard work and organization of a variety of teams
Reporting positive feedback from delegates--everything from the attributes of the venue to the quality and organization of food services
Well-attended even with constraints surrounding teacher release time and coverage
Revenues that will support OAME/AOEM and The Ottawa Zone for Math Educators (Zone d'Ottawa pour Enseignants en Mathematiques) in meeting their missions
In partnership with the University of Ottawa, OAME/AOEM promoted sessions and speakers in both official languages

Dr. Marian Small

Key Messages for Math Educators
Dr. Small also shared her perspectives on how educators might best navigate tensions associated with political unrest in Education. Essentially, leading in ways that promote conversation about the key issues is how we'll move forward to better meeting students' needs. Speaking clearly, acting respectfully, and being enlightened (educating oneself) are a few criteria for successful conversations with various shareholders in Math Education. To clarify one of these issues--"Back-to-Basics"--Dr. Small reminded the audience that students are performing well on knowledge-related items on provincial testing; where students are falling down is in relation to thinking and application problems. What this means is that we first need to distinguish and understand the differences between knowledge questions and those that promote student thinking. The latter type of question can result in deepened student understanding while helping students build the types of skills critical for employment and citizenship in today's world.
*NOTE: The highlights presented are not directly quoted; rather, they paraphrase the key aspects of Dr. Small's message to attendees.

Slideshow

Connecting to Our Guiding Principles
During Chris' address to attendees, he mentioned that every decision made on behalf of Membership is done through the lens of the Chapter's Guiding Principles. Below are links to examples of how events, like the Fall Social, demonstrate our commitment to supporting our Membership and the greater, Math Community.

Seeking Alignment to Our Strategic Priorities

☑A-To promote meaningful and actionable reflections on practice

Maintaining Your Focus