Unlocking Potential

A Paradigm Shift in our Education System

Billy O'Neill, Anne Theresa Lawrie and Jenny Chaneag

Monday 28th January 2008 at 5.30pm to 7.30pm

From Abertay University - but video linked to where you are.

Can we revolutionise our perception of education? Has the needs of education changed?

"In our fast changing technological world we can’t predict what content our pupils will have to deal with in 20 years time. However we know for certain that they will have to be flexible, adaptable thinkers and learners in the 21st century." ( Billy O'Neill)

To unleash the potential of us all do we require to move away from "instruction" and onto working with learners? And can we, from an appreciation of how the brain works, develop methods that focuses on our thinking and learning ability - i.e our cognitive skills? Our cognitive ability in context of developing a clear perception, working systematically, organisation of time, stopping impulsivity, broadening our mental field etc etc. Can we develop our intrinsic motivation - our love of learning - and enable youngsters to be critical thinkers? In the process can we develop the emotional intelligence and belief of our children so that they stay engaged with the education process, and fewer and fewer drop out and rebel through indiscipline, street crime etc.?

The Feuerstein project in the Scottish Borders has been addressing the above issues with remarkable success.

Billy and Anne Theresa will present the concepts and outcomes of this project on 28th January from Abertay University. The fundamental question is can we as a society learn from the success of this project and hence develop our education system?

You can view the presentation where you are. - Abertay University will be videoing and broadcasting the presentation live. So if you have broadband you can pick it up where ever you are. You will also be able to view it from a web site after the event.

We are also establishing various satellite groups across Scotland so that can groups can view the presentation and discuss the implications.

We very much hope you will support this innovative project - not only in context of the work in The Scottish Borders - but also by the fact that we are using modern technology to make it available to the whole of Scotland (and beyond)

Could you please therefore:

Indicate your wish to attend/view the presentation.
Do you wish to attend the presentation in Dundee or do you wish to be part of a satellite group, or are you going to view the presentation independently.
Would you be willing to coordinate/chair a satellite group? - more details will be provided in due course
If you wish to join a satellite group - could you provide your location so that we can advise you of your nearest group..

The presentation is part of the Learning Society Initiative. - see web site www.learningsociety.org.uk

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More information about the project is available from the following links:

1. An 8 minute clip showing the approach in practice in the Borders led off by Anne Theresa Lawrie herself

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/learningaboutlearning/movies/bordersthinking.asp

2. A four minute clip from Prof Brian Boyd of Strathclyde University considering deeper thinking about education - http://www.journeytoexcellence.org.uk/movies/lal/intelligenceisnotfixedbrianboyd.asp

3. Billy O'Neill's web site http://www.feuersteintraining.co.uk

4. An audit of the project was conducted by the QIE Centre of Strathclyde University - with very positive outcomes. The report can be viewed from the "education" page of the this site.

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