Yamada ICT Open Day, Okinawa

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Open Days in Japanese schools are held to show case good practice, and hold the schools accountable to their clients. Each year, there are Open Days held specifically for the parents, open to the general public and for fellow teachers to attend. I had the privilege of attending the Open Day at Yamada Elementary School (a public school in Onna Village) where they showcased a six-year journey of whole school improvement in ICT.



The afternoon began with the Kenkyu Shunin (Research Chief) outlining the school improvement journey. Demonstration classes from Grades 1 to 6, in Maths, Japanese, Social Studies, Science and PE were held. Teachers demonstrated routine classes where ICT supported good classroom practice. Next came workshops led by teachers from within the school and outside guests. The afternoon finished with a 3-part Keynote address by Education Researchers from mainland universities.





The messages from Yamada School were simple but clear. First, thoughtfully set up a well-managed ICT infrastructure. Secondly, establish a school wide, common set of best practices to improve educational learning. Thirdly, have staff observe each other regularly, in order to share good ideas and improve everyone’s practice. The afternoon was an eloquent lesson in good schooling.

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Photos

Yamada ICT Open Day
Opening address in the school hall

Science Demonstration
Using document camera and interactive white board

Observing demonstration class
Corridor windows and door are removed for demonstration days

Working Tools
Dictionary, iPad, pencils and notebooks

PE Class skill demonstration
using films of students own activities

Comments

[Hilary Wansbury]

Great to hearing from you!
Love hearing what you are up to and seeing all the photos! Hope to catch you when you return to Oz! Cheers Hilary x

[paid to travel]

Busy Working
Hi Hilary. So much of our time is spent working. What are the exciting parts of your work week currently?

[Maggie Biggs]

Impressed
What a great way to improve whole school practice.

[paid to travel]

And so simple
Hi Maggie, as with most things in life, the simple things are the most beautiful and effective.

[paid to travel]

Sounds delicious
So Rodney, shall we have a chocolate themed dinner soon?