Has your school been implementing and exploring the Habits of Mind or Dimensions of Learning and want to find ways to further enhance your school journey or alternatively your school is interested in developing a complete learning framework that incorporates a common language to bind assessment, pedagogy and planning though a "thinking" approach?

Then you might be interested in the Australian National Schools Network professional learning program Setting the Stage. This professional learning focuses on developing a climate for successful learning by discussing strategies that promote positive attitudes and perceptions towards classroom climate and classroom tasks, as well as exploring ways of explicitly teaching habits of mind as a framework for promoting thinking at a classroom and a whole school level.

The ANSN network has grown a reputation built on honouring and valuing teachers: we listen to what you want; tailoring professional learning opportunities to support your context. Currently we offer a number of options for schools to begin or continue their learning with Habits of Mind*, the Setting the Stage hub (click to download a flyer with further information) is a 5 day action learning journey where participants through hands on activities and professional dialogue and reflection develop a deep understanding of how students learn as well as how to develop an environment that fosters successful thinking dispositions.

Registrations to be completed by Monday the 8th of June.

Professional Learning Options:

Participants wanting to find out more about Setting the Stage hubs are invited to attend the initial 2 days of the Setting the Stage workshops as a taster, with the option to register for the remaining 3 days at a later date at a pro-rata cost.

Download 2 day faxback registration form. 

The initial 2 days of the Setting the Stage Hub is being held at Trinity Catholic College - Lismore on the 24th and 25th of June, 2009. Cost for the 2 day workshop $290 + gst for ANSN members and $340 for non-members. To register for the 2 day workshop email Hanan Harrison on hanan.harrison@ansn.edu.au or phone on 0407 464 472.

The ANSN is a not for profit organisation with a social justice ethos that has been offering quality professional learning programs and project initiatives since the late 1970s when it grew out of the Disadvantaged Schools Program (DSP). The ANSN continues to network with schools, education systems and individuals across the country to offer leading edge professional learning packages. We work with educators from a range of contexts, Kindergarten through to Senior Secondary.

Art Costa continues to support and mentor opportunities to grow the ANSN Habits of Mind work, as he has done since 2002, and the ANSN looks forward for taking this professional learning in new directions with Australian schools.

What is Action Learning? - Participants through dialogue, reflection and sharing solve real problems that are related to your context, issues and needs.

Why Action Learning? - The action learning approach is based upon the premise that no learning occurs unless action and reflection is taken. This program goes beyond providing participants with new information; it requires participants to explore and implement new ideas, possible solutions and/or strategies that promote improved student learning outcomes and team approaches to curriculum planning.

If you or your team wish to investigate the ANSN projects and learning opportunities further, please visit the hubs section of our website or send an email to hanan.harrison@ansn.edu.au or phone us (details below) or our head office in Sydney on (02) 95905341.

Yours truly, 

Hanan Harrison
ANSN State Networker
Hanan.harrison@ansn.edu.au
Ph: 0407 464 472

Tina Doe
ANSN State Networker
tina.doe@ansn.edu.au 
Ph: 0421 440 725

The ANSN action learning model for hubs ensures that our colleagues are provided with an opportunity to put theory into practice, so conversations can focus on professional challenges, building current repertoires of practice and celebrating successes.

If you would like to register for this professional learning session or ask questions phone our national office on 02 95905341 (Sara Wickert) or 0421440725 (Tina Doe).

* Setting the Stage 2 day Intensive Habits of Mind Workshops - participants can attend the first 2 days of the hub as an introduction workshop, and join the hubs at a later date.