In late June, at this year’s AERO (Alternative Education Resource Organization), I gave a presentation on my late colleague, friend and mentor, Brent Cameron, who passed in 2012. Yes, it’s been ten years since Brent passed, but I continue to admire his many contributions to education – especially alternative education – and I think he’s […]
According to developmental psychologists, the foundation of human imagination emerges in childhood and its lifelong trajectory reflects the nature of the support that nurtures it during this time. Bolster a young child’s budding imagination at home or in school with encouragement and she will sense this and accept more risks in whatever activities and challenges […]
Students returning to classes in coming weeks may well experience more Personalized Learning opportunities than ever before in what has blossomed into one of the most important new education trends. In schools across North America, from Kindergarten through post-secondary, educators are re-vamping their approaches to better meet students ‘where they’re at’ in their learning needs […]
I’m sure many people will recognize this scenario – someone in your community, maybe a friend, relative, or passing acquaintance – has retired from their 9 to 5 and is experiencing life at a different pace. In talking with them, you discover they have deep expertise in a particular area and they would be pleased […]
In SelfDesign Learning Community – the innovative school I helped co-found in British Columbia in 2002 – our praxis is to support learning in all its shapes, forms and guises. And since we started we have come to recognize that learning is as varied as each learner. To educators and parents perhaps it comes as […]
As we turn a page into a new school year, it’s worth considering just how remarkable this time is for nurturing formal and informal learning in children, youth and, well, anyone. Think of it: in community centres, clubs, studios, workshops, the internet, living rooms, parks and classrooms, learning opportunities have never been more plentiful. Whether someone […]
Summer has given me a chance to catch up on various reading and PD projects, which have all been very worthwhile! I’ve posted a few quick insights below. First up, to match my growing interest in gamifying learning – that is, applying elements of gaming to learning and education processes – I read Actionable Gamification […]
I conceived and launched SURPASS, for teens, in 2007. What I initially wanted to create was an event for teens, including my daughter, that included some of the best ‘camp’ experiences I had had when I was a teen, and add some other components that I thought would make it richer. Those other components included […]
It’s amazing what a good look in the mirror and a fresh coat of paint can do to revive almost-forgotten projects. On January 29th, the BC Ministry of Education convened a remarkable forum at the Wosk Centre with headline speakers and a gallery of people from business, educational and social interests. The forum was staged […]
Michael’s book, Learn Your Way! SelfDesigning the Life You Really Want, Starting Now is an ERAC-approved middle and high school textbook for career planning and health education courses (British Columbia), and it has received many endorsements. Contact Michael directly to obtain a pdf copy of the book.
