Summary

In this episode, Alan McCarthy and Dr Gerard Calnin discuss the innovative beliefs and dispositions tool used at Alice Smith School as part of their educator recruitment practice. This conversation highlights the importance of selecting and retaining teachers not only for their pedagogical expertise but also for their values, beliefs, and dispositions. The discussion explores how the tool is applied in practice, why collective efficacy among teachers matters, and uses the metaphor of the river of learning to illustrate the different levels of student engagement and growth. The episode closes with insights into how school environments can embody and reinforce shared beliefs about learning.

Takeaways

• Efficacious teachers demonstrate persistence, collaboration, and impact.
• Understanding students’ learning beliefs enhances engagement.
• Cultural awareness is vital in international schools.
• Self-regulation and problem-solving are key dispositions for success.
• Collective efficacy among teachers improves student outcomes.
• Physical learning spaces should reflect belief in students’ potential.
• Using the metaphor of the river of learning to illustrate the different levels of student engagement and growth

Links online

School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my

Gerard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-calnin-44a93114/?originalSubdomain=au

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency.