ACEL WA Branch Breakfast and Seminar with Professor Yong Zhao

Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Education: leveraging students as owners of their learningDecades of educational reforms have not produced the results that have been expected. The most fundamental reason is the negligence of students’ role in their learning. The reforms have primarily focused on curriculum, teachers and teaching, school leadership, and school accountability, but little has been done to activate students as the owners of their learning and little has been done to provide the flexibility students need to develop their talents and passions. Moreover, schools, after COVID-19 and the reshaping of globalization, are in a different place, what should schools do today to create the best educational environment for all students? In the context of emerging challenges facing education, Yong will share examples of changes schools could take to make education more meaningful for all students to own and manage their learning, to make learning strengths-based and passion-driven – where education is more meaningful for all students and more productive for the future.  

After an introduction of key concepts during the breakfast presentation and discussion, Yong will take a deeper dive with participants to explore how students can be self-determined partners in their learning particularly in light of the most recent examples of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that have garnered tremendous reactions in the broad society. AI and technological changes’ challenges to education are fundamental and real. How should schools and teachers react to AI and other technological changes? Schools are also facing historic challenges in teaching students to combat racism, counter climate change, and contribute to the wellbeing of humanity and the world. What should schools do to change their teaching so students can become contributing human beings and change partners in their own learning.

Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia. He previously served as the Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director of the Institute for Global and Online Education in the College of Education, University of Oregon, where he was also a Professor in the Department of Educational Measurement, Policy, and Leadership. Prior to Oregon, Yong Zhao was University Distinguished Professor at the College of Education, Michigan State University, where he also served as the founding director of the Center for Teaching and Technology, executive director of the Confucius Institute, as well as the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and a fellow of the International Academy of Education.

Yong Zhao has received numerous awards including the Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association, Outstanding Public Educator from Horace Mann League of USA, Distinguished Achievement Award in Professional Development from the Association of Education Publishers, and ACEL Nganakarrawa Award. His works focus on the implications of globalization and technology on education. He has published over 100 articles and 30 books. He has been recognized as one of the most influential education scholars. More information: http://zhaolearning.com/

Event Details: This event is available as two options. Breakfast only for all participants (Part 1) and extended session with Yong Zhao (Part 2). 

Timings (subject to minor adjustments)

PART 1 - Breakfast session only
6.45am - Registration opens
7.15am - Breakfast
7.45am - 8.45am: In conversation with Yong Zhao followed by panel session:

Facilitator: Vince Bellini – Vice Principal – Emmanuel Catholic College
Panellists:
Prof. Yong Zhao - Foundation Distinguished Professor of Education – University of Kansas
Jim Bell – Deputy Director General – Department of Education WA
Mandy Connor - Director - Teaching and Learning at Catholic Education Western Australia
Dr. Ray Boyd – Principal - Dayton Primary School
Taj Racey – Student Voice - Hale School

PART 2 - Extended session 
9.00am - 10.30am: Extended session with Yong Zhao
10.30am - 10.50am - Refreshments
10.50am - 12.00noon:Extended session with Yong Zhao

Costs:
Option 1 (Breakfast session only) -  ACEL members $65 incl GST / Non-members $85 incl GST
Option 2 (Breakfast + Extended sessions) - ACEL members $300 incl GST / Non-members $350 incl GST

Join ACEL at a discounted 12-month membership fee of $160 (normal price $205) to qualify for ACEL member rates!

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