INNOVATION

Pedagogy

I have taken a strong interest in the pedagogical advances the New Zealand education system has made in the time that I have been a teacher. I have been actively engaged in the implementation of the 2010 New Zealand Curriculum in my region, running workshops for teachers from a range of schools and managing the change within my own departments.

Evidence of the progressive programmes of learning and the pedagogical foundation for these is expressed in detail on the website I have developed for my English department at Mount Aspiring College:

http://www.chris.net.nz/english/

At Mount Aspiring College I also chair the Future Learning group that is taking a fresh look at the fundamental underpinnings of our construction of ‘learning’ at the school. This group’s website outlines its mandate and considerations to date:

http://www.chris.net.nz/futurelearning/

I also follow a number of professional organisations that are dedicated to the development of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. My personal favourite is the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and I avidly contribute to their suite of weblogs at:

http://www.shiftingthinking.org/

Technology

My enthusiasm for the use of new technology in the enhancement of student learning is great. I maintain a website for each of my senior classes - and through these the students are able to access a wide range of materials that both supplement and arise from the classroom learning:

http://www.chris.net.nz/school/

Each student in my classes also operates a shared private blog with me. Via this mechanism they are able to submit draft work, ask individual questions and receive individualised attention in a meaningful but also manageable way.

Mentoring

I work with a variety of students on a one-to-one basis in the school and gain huge satisfaction from the positive impact this can have. Whether it be the refocussing of a high ability student on a project of their own passion or going for a run with a group of boys needing to burn off energy in a constructive way - it is always a good time.

RESUME FOR CHRISTOPHER MUNRO. PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2011. Page 8 of 9