In episode 6 of The Staffroom, we were fortunate to speak with award-winning technology consultant and inspirational change-management expert Abdul Chohan. We also spoke with our very own change-management champion, Vice Principal of Corpus Christi College, Karen Prendergast.
Abdul Chohan is a well-known leader and recognised for his integration of digital learning strategies in a number of UK schools. In the episode, Abdul speaks with us about his pioneering work in developing change through his philosophy of simplicity and reliability at Essa Academy and The Olive Tree School.
Here’s a break-down of our chat with Abdul complete with time-stamps:
- How did Abdul’s change-management journey begin? How did he introduce technology to his school and what was the reaction? (3:40)
- What does Abdul believe is necessary to lead successful change in a school? (5:09)
- What is Abdul’s ‘island’ analogy and why is it effective in changing a school culture? (5:09)
- Why does Abdul believe relationships are key when it comes to initiating change? (8:30)
- How has Abdul changed the culture of marking and feedback at The Olive Tree School? How has the integration of technology included parents in this process? (10:15)
- Which simple and reliable apps does Abdul’s school use to promote effective feedback? (12:21)
- What non-negotiable policies has Abdul introduced at his school? How does this help maintain a ‘critical mass’? (13:41)
- What is Abdul’s vision on printing and textbooks? How have digital technologies saved teachers time and saved the school money? (14:35)
- How does Abdul think that the introduction of technology has helped to decrease teacher workload? (19:00)
- What strategies does Abdul think are important in order to assist leaders with change? (20:00)
- How has Abdul changed the professional learning culture at his school? (22:25)
- How does Abdul measure the impact of change in his school? (24:30)
Karen Prendergast is known for leading change at Corpus Christi College by developing a school-wide teaching and learning philosophy with the University of Southern Queensland. Karen speaks with us about the valuable factors which underpin a change in school culture.
Here’s what we asked her:
- What is a school wide pedagogy and why does Karen believe it is a necessary change for her school? (30:00)
- How does Karen ensure the whole college community has a say in the organisation’s change in culture? (31:25)
- What does Karen believe are the main challenges when implementing a change of culture in the college? (34:20)
- What advice would Karen give to leaders before they go about changing the teaching and learning culture in a school? (37:06)
- In change management, why does Karen believe it is important that staff set goals which align with the school’s strategic plan? (38:20)
- How does Karen believe goal setting is supported by growth coaching? (40:50)
We hope you enjoy this episode of The Staffroom and find Abdul and Karen’s leadership vision as inspirational as we did.
We wish Abdul and Karen all the best for 2018 and the development of their organisations.
Until next time!
Jamie, Michael and Tessa
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XpatEducator 