TeachMeetChester
#TeachMeetChesterZoo
On Thursday 19th October 2017, around 40 colleagues attended the TeachMeet in the Learning Centre at Chester Zoo. We had a great list of presenters and presentations lined up to share inspiring ideas for enhancing teaching and learning. Resources and links from the presentations are below. The #teachmeetchester team thank all who participated in the TeachMeet, especially Sarah and her colleagues in the Learning Team for hosting the event. Comments and feedback about the presentations and the TeachMeet as a whole can be found on Twitter - search using the #TeachMeetChesterZoo, #teachmeetchester & #tmzoo hashtags.
The TeachMeet began with a presentation by Sarah Bazley, from Chester Zoo Learning, about the changing role and development of zoos. The evolution of zoos from menageries to modern centres for conservation was described and illustrated with images from past and present. The presentation ended with a short video about what Chester Zoo can offer to settings and schools. Thanks, Sarah - you are forgiven for over-running just a little!
Next up was Neil Sledge, who described a recent visit to Bosnia with a union delegation. The visit was to key sites from the war that followed the break-up of former Yugoslavia. Neil described meeting and talking to survivors of the genocide at the time, notably the appalling events that occurred at Srebrenica in 1995. Although a harrowing story, the presentation concluded with some timely messages about tolerance, respect and fighting hatred. Neil shared resources that could be used in schools, all of which were available to take away.
The next presentation was a welcome return by Sarah Liddell, from Ysgol Bryn Alyn, on the TeachMeet Magpie theme. With her colleague, Kate Trevor, Sarah shared some great ideas for Assessment for Learning culled from colleagues, Twitter and other TeachMeets - and her own inventions. Ideas included 'Slow Writing', 'Graphic Organisers' and a positive use for fidget spinners..
Phil Nottingham (@trysomeicytea), from hi-impact consultancy, was next up with a brief presentation about two augmented reality apps with great potential: WallaMe and Colour Alive.
Stuart Rathe, a #teachmeetchester regular from Shakespeare Schools Foundation, presented on the subject of silent movies and literacy. He explained that early movies, such as 'Rescued by Rover' can stimulate engaging activities in relation to narrative and mood. Getting children to create their own silent movies can also be valuable. Stuart concluded by suggesting activities that could be used with a silent movie version of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.
Mike Bird, from University of Chester, shared his 'Fascinating Forays into Numismatics' - a presentation about money and currencies, which included some startling images of banknotes for the Weimar Republic. Issues around teaching and learning about money were raised revealing a complex and challenging area.
Una Meehan, also from the University, presented on 'Creativity, Culture and Conservation in teacher training' and looked back on projects carried out with secondary associate teachers involving local schools and the zoo. She also looked forward to an upcoming 'Creative Disruption' week and invited TeachMeet attendees to take part. Her overall message focused on the importance of empowering learners to be participants in their own learning through creative activities.
The TeachMeet ended with two short contributions by Robert Meadows, from Curious Minds, and Dawn Pavey, from Techniquest Glyndwr. Robert talked about new developments with Artsmark and made some very useful links between and across the presentations - Thanks, Robert. Dawn raised awareness about Techniquest and what it offers to primary and secondary schools.
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Raffle prizes for the TeachMeet were generously provided by Twinkl, Remembering Srebrenica, the University of Chester and Chester Zoo
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All photos on this page by Barbara Pickford.
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