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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 28

A5: Conversation. Open Communication. All parties deserve to feel heard/seen, feel safe to share without judgement and have a sense of belonging and shared ownership. But just like group work in classrooms need modelling/scaffolding - authentic co-designing does too! #EduSkyAU

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 28

A6: Great question! Competency-based education for students which are the skills and capabilities to thrive beyond school > Curriculum reporting. The New Metrics program by The University of Melbourne seems to be doing incredible things in this space! #EduSkyAU

a man in a silver suit with the words i have a vision

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 28

A4: School leaders are SO fundamental to this! They write the vision, they model the vision, they employ the staff to enact the vision, they enrol the families who support the vision. But they need to feel empowered and supported to think/lead differently! #EduSkyAU

ALT: a man in a silver suit with the words i have a vision

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 28

A3: I agree with @annaritzy.bsky.social so much is lost! Imagination, creativity, problem solving, resilience, social skills etc. Ultimately, at its core, childhood... And it’s a shame, because there are so many pedagogically rich ways to capture data through play. #EduSkyAu

a man in a suit and tie says " take your words "

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 28

A2: If governments “walked the talk” and educators were actually prioritised and supported to be innovative; whether that be time, resources, professional learning, smaller classes, other funding etc. then a “top down” forceful approach wouldn’t be necessary! #EduSkyAu

ALT: a man in a suit and tie says " take your words "

a person with a flower on their head and the word aww on it

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 23

A6: Yes! The more we know as educators the more our space can grow #EduSkyAU

ALT: a person with a flower on their head and the word aww on it

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 23

A5: I want students to feel empowered in their learning, confident & comfortable to use/create the space that suits learning needs. This means the classroom “design” might change several times a day! It all depends on the learning area and lesson. Move tables/chairs/yourself as you please. #EduSkyAU

a group of cartoon characters are standing next to each other with their eyes closed .

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 23

A3: I agree with @adrianodiprato.bsky.social budget & infrastructure. Always try to be creative. No $ for a standing table? Push lockers or bookshelves together that are the right height. Sometimes the constraint is the # of students, some classrooms aren’t built for such large numbers. #EduSkyAU

ALT: a group of cartoon characters are standing next to each other with their eyes closed .

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 23

A2: I often talk to my uni students about the idea of “Pinterest perfect” classrooms.. I’d rather blank walls at the start of a year for students to fill with their own learning - work samples, class made anchor charts, “action” photos etc. than a matching decor pack of posters with no relevance.

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 23

A1: I think campfire/cave/waterhole is a simple analogy to support the planning of a space, then adapt to own context. Having taught students with physical disabilities, including full time wheelchair uses, flowing floor space is so important - and a good reminder to clear clutter! #EduSkyAu 🔥⛰️🌀🧑‍🦽‍➡️

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 12

Oo there’s so many! Creative thinking 🎨 Problem solving 🔎 Collaboration 👯‍♂️ Motivating ☀️ Active learners 👋🏻

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 12

Learning! 🧠

a girl stands in front of a chalkboard that says " friendship "

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 6

A5: When AI can take away ‘cognitive overwhelm’ and give back time to prioritise family/sleep/wellbeing etc. it’s a ‘win’ 🏆. Examples: AI can plan content for high engagement strategies like “escape rooms” / @quizizz.bsky.social or plan detailed rubrics to support assessment achievement #EduSkyAu

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 6

A6: I agree with what’s already been said, coaching is fundamental to teacher growth. As is culture, having “leadership” that acknowledges, encourages and empowers staff/students to use AI are leading the way in preparing life long learners. #EduSkyAu

ALT: a girl stands in front of a chalkboard that says " friendship "

a cartoon of spongebob with the words endless possibilities

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 6

A3: A key AI skill is critical thinking. Generations are often imperfect and need editing… they take away cognitive overwhelm but are not the “end product”. To teach this, schools and universities must model critical reflection through multiple examples - embrace AI, not fear it. #EduSkyAu 💻💭🧠🧑‍🏫

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 1

A2 I’ve had the privilege to mostly coach in ICT integration, with positive impacts in student engagement, teaching and learning strategies, teacher work efficacy, planning and assessment cycles etc. Having a supportive coach that meets you at your needs leads to endless possibilities #EduSkyAu

ALT: a cartoon of spongebob with the words endless possibilities

a poster that says together we make the future with construction workers

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 1

A4: Coaching provides teachers with the possible alternatives and practical implementation strategies to action change in a contextual and personalised approach. #EduSkyAu

ALT: a poster that says together we make the future with construction workers

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · May 1

A3: Reflective dialogue with a coach leads to professional growth because it provides teachers with dedicated time and a supportive sounding board ⏰🔊 #EduSkyAu

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · Apr 17

A4 #EduSkyAU

Working with pre-service teachers, I see them thrive on collaboration/camaraderie. Too often that fades post-grad. Pushed to after hours & out-of-pocket. I hope more leaders prioritise connection with time & funding. Investing in collaboration = investing in better educators.

a man in a suit and tie is asking could we share a rowboat could a rowboat support her .

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · Apr 17

A1

Too often, educators pushing for change feel like they’re on a paradise island—beautiful, but isolated.
My advice… Find a rowboat: journey to seek out like-minded educators (hello #EduSkyAu), or BE the rowboat that helps others arrive at the island. We’re better together.

ALT: a man in a suit and tie is asking could we share a rowboat could a rowboat support her .

a little girl is asking why not both while standing in a kitchen .

Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · Mar 25

A3: I agree each has its place, and a
teacher who has a deep pedagogical understanding will know confidently when it’s best to apply each, based on their context and knowing their students. However, I believe there is always opportunity to include student voice, no matter which approach. #EduSkyAU

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · Mar 25

A2 I think regardless of the approach, educating the whole person should be at the core. To me, a values based approach (think #SDG #FristNationsPerspectives and #Sustainability etc.) make all pedagogies richer, more contextual/purposeful in supporting student growth and learning. #EduSkyAU

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Kate Thomas @mrskatethomas.bsky.social · Mar 25

A1: From the lens of working with pre-services teachers: How will they learn about inquiry if we don’t explicitly teach it… complementary all the way 🌮 #EduSkyAU

ALT: a little girl is asking why not both while standing in a kitchen .