Staff Seminar 12 Nov 2024

What are our 4 student outcomes in the SMS(S) Strategic Framework 2022-2026?

• A Learner who is Future Ready

• A Learner who is Other-Centred

• A Learner who is a Dedicated Member of SMS(S)

• A Learner with a Growth Mindset

• A Learner who is Excellence-Driven

Answer explanation

C1: A Learner who is Future-ready (Demonstrates the ability to construct and transfer knowledge from one context to another, and is responsive to change)

C2: A Learner who is Other-centred (Empowered to create social impact)

C3: A Learner with a Growth Mindset (Committed to developing one’s potential through perseverance)

C4: A Learner who is a Dedicated Member of SMS(S) (Models standards of behaviour which reflect the school values and lives out the school motto in different contexts)

Which of the following is NOT one of our school's strategic initiatives for developing self-directed learners with a growth mindset?

• Developing cognitive flexibility and metacognition

• Creating a learner-centered, balanced assessment system

• Fostering competitive academic rankings

• Strengthening assessment design and delivery

Answer explanation

Under our strategic framework, we aim to develop learners who future ready with a growth mindset by:

1) Developing learners' cognitive flexibility and metacognition

2) Developing a learner-centred and balanced assessment system by strengthening assessment design and delivery

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a future-ready learner with a growth mindset?

• Can set goals, evaluate strategies and monitor progress

• Views assessments as opportunities for learning and improvement

• Prefers routine tasks over new challenges

• Adaptable to challenges

Answer explanation

In our framework, assessments are seen as tools to support learning and growth, not just to measure achievement. This perspective encourages students to use feedback, reflect on their learning, and focus on continuous improvement, which are all traits of a growth mindset.

A self-directed learner passively waits for guidance from the teacher to identify learning gaps.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Self-directed learners actively engage in their learning process by identifying their own strengths and areas for improvement. Rather than waiting passively for guidance, they take initiative, set personal learning goals, and seek resources and support when needed. This independence is key to developing future-ready learners.

What is the primary purpose of a balanced assessment system in our strategic framework?

• Ranking students for academic accolades

• Providing opportunities for continuous learning and improvement

• Ensuring students focus on memorization

• Streamlining grading procedures

Answer explanation

A balanced assessment system is designed to support student learning by offering regular, meaningful feedback and opportunities to reflect and improve. Rather than focusing solely on final grades, our assessment system emphasizes growth, helping students to develop a positive relationship with learning and view assessments as stepping stones to mastery.

What words or phrases come to mind when you think about how feedback helps a learner improve her work?

What is one way you currently foster a growth mindset in your classroom?