Michael Lawrence

@shaunmicallef No dinner jackets allowed.

Ranking female students on looks is clearly not Ok, yet ranking children on standardized test scores is?

When I first saw the list below happening effortlessly in Finnish schools, and I researched their appropriateness for Australian schools, I was excited at the possibilities. How to decide which schools can access this first was one issue I wrestled with. michaellawrence.au/2024/01/28/10-…

@itsF1SKY Just the success that I have seen in Finland, and I don't mean test results, but rather students enjoying and taking ownership of the learning.

@Micteachtrust1 Student led as opposed to teacher directed streaming is definitely a variable worth exploring. Any empirical evidence or studies to support such an approach that you’re aware of?

An interesting article that appears to debunk ability streaming of students. It is however very much focused on academic outcomes being the main value added measure. I wonder if there is any value added in variables not discussed in this article? 🤔🤔🤔

@itsF1SKY Finland doesn't do one or the other; the teacher combines both as they judge appropriate for the class.

Excited to be leaving tonight, taking a group of educators to Finland. Since my first visit 6 years ago it was immediately obvious that the solutions to nearly all our education issues were there. michaellawrence.au/2023/04/13/con…

The detrimental effects of standardized curriculum and testing do not only fall on the students.

Professor Pasi Sahlberg said the future “requires courage and boldness to let go of outdated practices." Schools that change attract and retain the best teachers. A Finnish colleague asked if Australian schools would rather go without teachers than change? michaellawrence.au/programs/

Taking a group of educators to see the Finnish education system in action. Planning April 2024 trip now. If you can't make it, Teacher Trust can bring it to your school along with a session with Tampere's University of Applied Sciences. Engagement and teacher satisfaction.

Professor Sahlberg said achieving this future “requires the courage and boldness to let go of outdated practices and engage in inclusive thinking that includes the First Nations communities, who play a vital role in the world we live in here”. hubs.la/Q025dHsG0

Excited to be escorting a group of dedicated educators to Finland in a few weeks. Just updated the website with a selection of materials on various aspects of Finnish education. michaellawrence.au/finnish-educat…

Happy to be involved in the latest book from Barbara J Smith, The Gatekeepers. Currently in the top 20 on Amazon.

Teacher Trust draws on practices that make teaching one of the most desirable career choices in Finland, with the resources of a Finnish university behind it. Keep our best teachers in the profession and make it a career our best young people will enter. michaellawrence.au/programs/