Submitted by Lori Jeschke, CAfLN Govt – Symposium Chair
A Reflection on CAfLN 2017 – What I discovered since you (Damian, Ken and Lorna) have been within the room.
Each time I get to be in a spot the place I can be taught from others’ apply, expertise, and experience, I’m aware of one thing that Sandra Herbst asks studying leaders to think about – “What would possibly somebody have discovered since you have been within the room at the moment? …the query itself presumes a stance of optimistic presupposition and a way of group. It means that we’re all accountable for the training within the room” (2016).
As I replicate on this previous yr’s CAfLN convention in Saskatoon, I need to spotlight what I discovered about studying and servant management as a result of Damian Cooper, Ken O’Connor, and Lorna Earl have been within the room. For many us, the mere proven fact that we get to be in the identical room as leaders corresponding to these is each humbling and thrilling! What we see in a short time from every of them is that they stroll the stroll and speak the speak of evaluation for studying. These three leaders within the space of evaluation reside out their stance of their interactions with others, in the best way they current what they’re studying, and in how they lead.
Once I image the beginning of the convention on that stunning day in Might, the room was stuffed with pupil artwork work and abuzz with pupil music, convention individuals discovering their seats at tables, conversations stuffed with anticipation, and registrants making new connections or rekindling previous ones. I bear in mind trying across the room for the three founding members of CAfLN. They weren’t within the entrance of the room at a flowery desk, nor have been they in a facet room ready to be formally launched. No – they have been, because the Latin phrase asside suggests, facet by facet with the registrants, shifting from desk to desk across the room, typically sitting beside somebody for a bit, typically sharing a chat over a cup of espresso, however all the time connecting, recognizing, and celebrating. They have been genuinely excited to see each particular person within the room and needed to listen to about who they have been, what had introduced every of them there on that day, and what their hopes have been for going ahead. What I discovered was the significance of each learner within the room and the way noticing folks via dialog, a hey, sitting beside, and taking part as a learner sends a robust message.
I bear in mind the ‘fireplace chat’ that began the day. Damian, Ken, and Lorna have been seated in chairs – not on the entrance of the room however on the facet. Convention individuals had the chance to ask a query or pose a thought and every one among them have been eagerly awaiting the dialog. One of many first individuals was one of many pupil convention attendees. I bear in mind how the three of them leaned ahead intently as the scholar talked. The message in how they listened and responded was one among affirmation for the scholar’s voice and ideas. They addressed every of the participant queries with respect and delight. What I discovered was the significance of each voice, of offering alternatives for these voices to be heard, and the way we have fun the messiness of what studying is all about.
I bear in mind on the finish of the convention day, we heard from trainer candidates about their internship experiences and specifically, what that they had discovered about evaluation. There have been three college students sharing in three massive circles. These college students have been weak about their apply in entrance of educators from throughout Canada. I used to be watching the faces of Damian, Ken and Lorna because the tales have been shared – they have been leaning in, they have been sitting amongst everybody else within the circle, and so they have been beaming. I bear in mind one of many college students asking a query and Damian responded. I believed to myself, does this pupil have any concept of what’s taking place right here? She is attending to ask Damian Cooper questions on her apply of instructing and evaluation! Who will get to try this as a trainer candidate? As I watched her face throughout his response and questions, I knew that she was conscious of the reward that she was being given and I smiled to myself considering how very great that we get to have this pupil impacting studying of educators and college students. The opposite folks within the circles have been additionally attending to be taught from and with Damian, Ken and Lorna. What I discovered was the significance of sitting in circles, of sharing about our apply of instructing and studying with fellow colleagues, of asking questions, and of studying from each other.
These are just some snapshots from the previous yr’s convention that remind me of the authenticity of Damian, Ken and Lorna’s stance as learners and leaders of studying. They every carry a real curiosity and pleasure for studying. They proceed to ask and have interaction as many educators as doable within the pursuit of what’s greatest for all learners via evaluation for, as, and of studying. I’m reminded of a quote by Jason Silva (2016), “Now we have a duty to awe!” The CAfLN group is so lucky to have alternatives to be taught with and from Damian, Ken and Lorna in our personal journey as educators! I’m actually in awe of their work and their management, and grateful for each alternative to be taught alongside every one among them!