• ABOUT
• PERTH
• BRISBANE

In Conversation
with Yong Zhao

ACEL WA Branch Breakfast and Seminar with Professor Yong Zhao:
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Education: leveraging students as owners of their learning

Decades 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.

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