Values, virtues and character – in action
There is a time for thinking and a time for doing. We have been learning and thinking a lot about values, virtues, character, badges and Diplomas. Now we are moving towards the doing.
With the support of Alex Pearce we have taken our Office365 deployment and built a simple Diploma framework. All our students a provisioned (auto-enrolled) and assigned to their tutor groups. All tutors have access to all student Diploma sites. Students currently see only their own site. This may prove to be a limiting factor, as “sharing” is now a social expectation.
Guidelines on timeframes and the various Diploma opportunities are currently being discussed. How much resilience, or equality, or whichever virtue, is required for an award / badge to be given is being discussed. We plan to talk to our student leaders on this particular topic.
One of the more extensive conversations has been regarding quality assurance practice, the moderation and standardization of student submissions. Support for tutors has been recognised as key.
Diploma steps, Primary “Know the values.” Year 7-8, Year 9-10-11 and Senior Diploma.
Although each step recognises the same values, the same behaviours, skills, commitments and reflection however the demand, challenge and expectations increases with each step.
On assessment – we are exploring a method to support the assessment moderation/standardization process and reduce contentious awards. Borrowed from my son’s karate exams, we are considering the adoption of multiple positive awards. In the image below you will see three coded levels; grey, badge awarded and badge with a star. Alternatively, this might be considered working towards (not yet started / in progress / feedback), meet and showcased evidence / work. Providing an high level pass (showcase), encourages students to strive for more than a pass, moving students further from the benchmark pass. We will be testing this validation approach next term. Regardless of the number of showcased awards, the Diploma is achieved when all RESPECT awards are made.
Still on the topic of badging, I joined #BadgesInEDU this evening. Here I found a range of teachers and interested parties using badges to recognise the achievements / learning of a range of participants, from a wide range of settings; industry training, Governor training, Primary and Secondary schools.
Collecting achievements seems to be one of the resoundingly benefits along with peer recognition and the ability to capture a broad range of skills. I think most interesting use is in. Awarding badges a rather pleasurable experience.
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