Learning experiences – Perspective from John Loughran
Developing knowledge about pedagogy is something that we do not perhaps pay enough attention to or value sufficiently in teaching. The skilled teacher has understandings and expertise that are not always readily recognisable or are easily overlooked. Jo highlights the value of knowledge about pedagogy by drawing on literature and research and considering its implications for her own understandings of pedagogy. Drawing on current thinking and research that relate to her context allows her to make informed judgments about what to do, and why and how to do it, in her leadership with others.
Working with Trevor as a coach provides Jo with alternative perspectives and encourages her to see beyond her own ideas and to look into practice from a range of vantage points. Similarly, observing and practising modelling offers other ways of seeing what practice might look like and of becoming more informed about teaching and learning. In learning from and through coaching and modelling, Jo illustrates how pedagogical leaders can respond to relationships that foster genuine learning.
