AISI Conference 2011 Conference

Report Engaging Minds: It’s All About the Learning

Conference Extends Learning for All The tenth annual AISI Conference took conference-style

learning to another level by making more learning more

possible more of the time for more people.

Record numbers of participants represented a true

microcosm of education in Alberta, including parents,

school age students and university students. Also, more

trustees than ever before attended.

Twenty-nine school authorities—Public, Charter,

Francophone and Private—gave presentations over the

two-day conference.

The results of a one-month-later survey clearly

demonstrated the impact the conference had on

delegates’ thinking and practice. Respondents reported

an increase in professional networking and productive

challenges to their thinking as a direct result of their

conference experience.

Research Since AISI is a research-based program,

it is not surprising that research featured prominently in

the conference. Keynote speaker Mark Anielski of

Edmonton and author of The Economics of Happiness,

presented his “genuine wealth accounting” system as a

tool for diagnosing sustainability and the conditions of

wellbeing. Dr. Bryan Kolb, of the Canadian Centre for

Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of

Lethbridge, presented the latest brain research and its

implications for learning. The University Partners led

sessions where they reported their findings from recent

research and reviews of AISI projects. District project

teams led seventy sessions where they presented results

and implications of their Cycle 4 projects, thus far.

Engagement A remarkable aspect of all AISI

conferences is the degree to which they are both led by

and customized for delegates.

This year, there were 217 presenters, almost all of

whom were project team members as well as delegates

at the conference.

Collaboration Another laudable conference

feature is the collaboration across jurisdictions that

made some remarkable sessions possible this year.

Members of the seven-district project in Zone 6 moved

from Social Studies to Mathematics resource

development in Year Two and presented their current

findings. Dr. Jim Parsons teamed with four individuals

from project teams featured in the new book Little Bits

of Goodness that he co-authored with Kelly Harding, to

tell stories of project successes across Alberta. The

newly introduced and well-received pecha kucha

thematic discussions provided an efficient and effective

template for project teams to come together to share

their findings.

Registered Delegates

Dis

tric

t R

ep

s

79

0

AISI Leaders 331

District Administrators 67

School Administrators 84

Teachers 245

Teacher Assistants 4

Trustees 48

Parents 11

Pa

rtn

ers

10

7

University Faculty 11

University Students 22

Alberta Education 48

Association of School Business Officials of Alberta 2

Alberta Teachers Association 6

Alberta School Councils Association 11

College of Alberta School Superintendents 2

Alberta School Boards Association 5

Oth

er

18

Alberta Regional Professional Development

Consortium

7

Alberta Assessment Consortium 1

Members of Legislative Assembly 2

Chinese Delegates 4

Other 4

Total Delegates 915

P a g e | 2 Conference Report 2011

Minister’s Message Minister of Education, Honourable Dave Hancock,

brought greetings to the conference on the opening

morning with a message of strong support for AISI

as a catalyst for the transformation of our

education system.

The Minister congratulated

the AISI Partners who guide

and support AISI as an

example of how education

partners can work together

to use creative and

innovative approaches that

are transforming education

in this province. He

emphasized the key role

that both collaboration and

local decision making have in educational

innovation: “Effective collaboration among

educators, administrators, parents, students and

communities is the only way to make the changes

necessary to meet the needs of our students now

and in the future.”

The Minister emphasized the central position that

research is playing and will increasingly play in the

education sector, explaining that “educational

research provides a beneficial foundation for both

students and teachers which leads to an

improvement in teaching and learning situations.”

Minister Hancock placed AISI solidly in the broader

context of Alberta Education’s engagement

initiatives and applauded AISI for focusing on

enhancing the learning environment for students

through active and collaborative learning, critical

thinking and knowledge creation and for supporting

students as individuals with unique needs and

interests.

“As always, the AISI conference highlights the best and

brightest in the province and offers me an uplift, a

validation and positive hope for the future in our school.”

Conference delegate

Connecting Research and Practice AISI recognizes that a dynamic relationship between

research and practice is an engine for innovation

and improvement. All conference proceedings—

from keynote presentations to pecha kuchas—

reflected this powerful dynamic, embracing diverse

sources of research, including clinical studies,

sociological research and practitioner-based action

research. Throughout the conference, participants

studied what is known about teaching and learning,

considering and discussing the implications for their

own practice.

“The collection of data, both quantitative and qualitative,

is an important part of any project or program

implementation. More important, however, is what you

do with it. How do you know what data you need to

collect? Better yet, how can you take what you have and

turn it into something meaningful that will impact

student learning? Join our group learning activities as we

explore and discover together.”

Session description from a Calgary RCSSD project

Dr. Bryan Kolb explained how

learning experiences may not

only cause lasting structural

changes in the brain that allow a

person to more effectively

embrace further learning, but

can also switch on genes that

may even impact a person’s

offspring. Bryan also added to the growing

evidence regarding the differing brain development

and, consequently, learning needs of males and

females.

Mark Anielski’s sociological research showed that

more aspects of quality of life can be measured than

was previously thought. Mark

presented a holistic model that

challenges conventional measures

of individual and community

success, describing the five assets

of “genuine wealth”: human,

social, natural, built and financial.

“The AISI Conference is a great place to dialogue with

colleagues about best practices and the latest research.

AISI is what truly propels our education system to the

best in the world.” Conference delegate

AISI University Partners presented the findings of

two research reviews recently commissioned by

AISI:

Student Engagement: What Really Matters—

The research team presented initial findings

highlighting how AISI projects have helped

increase student engagement and teacher

efficacy.

P a g e | 3 Conference Report 2011

Assessment for Learning: The Real Difference

Maker—This newly published report was

distributed to all delegates and posted on the AISI

website. The report presents an analysis of

assessment for learning strategies used

successfully in twenty-four projects.

Highlights from the Cycle 3 Provincial Report were

presented by Dr. Alfred Sakyi of Alberta Education,

focusing on the key findings and learning from the

2006-09 AISI projects. The Highlights document

was distributed and also posted on the AISI website.

93 presentations

217 presenters

44 projects presented

8 partner organizations

58 showcase sessions

18 gallery walks

15 pecha kucha presentations

2 keynotes

Project teams presented on numerous action

research topics, including the following:

Personalized learning was the topic of two Calgary

School District showcase sessions presenting

instructional strategies effective in transforming

and expanding students’ learning, choice and

voice through the development of relevant,

purposeful and authentic learning opportunities

from which students can begin to imagine their

futures.

Inquiry-based learning strategies were presented

by several project teams, including those from

Calgary School District, Edmonton CSSD, Northern

Gateway and Calgary Girls’ School. The

presenters showed how exploring powerful

questions and researching topics of immediate

interest and concern to students helps them

become actively engaged and empowered to be

agents of change through active citizenship. As

well, presenters explained how students’

metacognitive awareness, depth of inquiry and

capacity to create new knowledge increase during

inquiry-based learning.

Technology as an effective tool for teaching and

learning was the topic of several presentations,

including those of Peace Wapiti, Chinook’s Edge

and Elk Island Public. Presenters showed how

online learning tools for self-checks, reflection

and collaboration can help some students

become self-directed and engaged in their

learning. The multiple uses of mobile devices and

of Google Apps provide equitable access and

timely feedback for students and create a

pathway of learning for both students and

teachers that is changing the face of classrooms.

Westmount Charter School described how a video

analysis program can be used in a differentiation

model to address a variety of learning outcomes

in Physical Education and Science. Initial results

demonstrate increased student engagement.

Inter-Jurisdictional Project The growing membership of the Zone 6 inter-

jurisdictional project now involves Horizon,

Medicine Hat Catholic, Medicine Hat School District,

Palliser, Prairie Rose, Westwind and Holy Spirit.

Members of this innovative team presented

materials developed for Math K-9 and Math 10-3

using SMARTNotebook. The team also described

the trendsetting process by which the seven

jurisdictions are breaking down jurisdictional

boundaries to collaboratively share pedagogy,

discuss learning strategies and build resources as

they work towards improving learner engagement

through innovation and creating networks that

support best practices shared across the south.

“We were struck by the vastness and variety in the AISI

projects and how the new networks we have formed will

help to build upon existing passions, interests and

partnerships.”

University student

P a g e | 4 Conference Report 2011

Students were a big conference

presence Students participated throughout the conference,

as presenters, performers and delegates. Twenty-

five students were involved in showcase sessions

from several school authorities. Eighty students

were involved in lunchtime stage performances.

Twenty-two university education students from

across Alberta attended the conference. They met

to discuss the implications of the conference for

their learning and gave resoundingly positive

feedback about the diverse showcase sessions, the

provocative keynote presentations and the gallery

exhibitions.

“…we have been given the impetus to continually learn

and study after exposure to such professional

commitment…Thank you. It was an amazing experience

and beneficial to our journey in pursuing our teaching

careers.”

University student

Students were very interested and impressed by the

calibre and the currency of action research

undertaken by teachers. They took away new ideas

and important perspectives on student

engagement, on empowering all learners, and on

how one provides for real and authentic

opportunities for inquiry.

“We found the conference to be a marvelous example of

the commitment of teachers to provide engaging

learning, to undertake critical and thorough research and

to build wide ranging networks meant to shape the

future of education in Alberta.”

University student

What is Pecha Kucha? Pecha Kucha 20x20 is a simple presentation format

where the presenter shows twenty images for

twenty seconds each. The presenter talks along to

the images, which forward automatically. The

format is concise, conveying the essential ideas to

participants and freeing up time for questions and

discussion.

Fifteen project teams seized this first ever

opportunity to use the pecha kucha format. Teams

came together in the following thematic sessions:

high school completion, professional learning,

parental engagement, student engagement,

literacy, and skills for learning in the 21st

century.

“I have been going for several years and am pleased to

see the quality improve each time. The projects are

increasing in quality and some really innovative stuff is

happening in Alberta.”

“It was my first AISI conference. I found it extremely well

organized. Topics/presenters were current and very

informative; lots of great ideas to think about and

implement. Overall, I found the experience very

worthwhile and plan to attend next year.

Congratulations on a well organized and thought

provoking conference!”

“This was the best AISI Conference I’ve attended. Great

balance of keynotes, sessions, and networking time.”

“This conference is one of the highlights of my

professional year! The energy and excitement are

intoxicating.”

Conference delegates

Memorial Composite High

School Mixed Ensemble,

Parkland School Division

Kirkness Elementary

School Choir, Edmonton

School District

Ardrossan Jr/Sr High School

Jazz Band, Elk Island Public

Schools

Phlip Five and a Mexican,

East Side Christian Academy

P a g e | 5 Conference Report 2011

Conference Feedback

Delegates were invited to provide two kinds of

feedback on the conference:

The conference experience

Immediately following the conference, delegates

responded to an electronic survey, rating the

conference and providing comments. A total of 94%

of respondents rated the conference as 6 or higher,

on a scale of 1 to 10.

The following is a summary of comments provided by

delegates through the electronic survey, in which they

provided commendations and recommendations for

future conferences.

Keynotes: Ø Thought provoking, inspiring, and knowledgeable speakers, particularly the keynote on brain research. Wish there

was more time for speakers to explore ideas in more depth. Perhaps the same speaker could present over two days.

Showcase Sessions: Ø Fantastic, “real world” sessions delivered by passionate and enthusiastic presenters. Encourage more depth and

participant engagement, next time. Consider some workshop-style presentations. Program descriptions must be

clear and should identify intended audience as well as theme.

Pecha Kucha Sessions: Ø Loved the new format! Very informative, fast-paced, allowing time for multiple presentations. Three presentations

in a one-hour session, back-to-back, followed by short question period might be a better format. Consider offering

repeat presentations and allowing time for movement between rooms. Schedule these sessions in the morning.

Gallery Displays: Ø Attractive, but not as informative as sessions.

Ø Student Performances

Ø Delightful! Much appreciated addition to the conference. More variety in types of performances might be nice.

Meals: Ø Hot, served, and with time to consume…an elementary teacher’s dream! Meals were delicious, but more healthy

food offerings would be appreciated. Simpler meals (i.e.: soup and sandwiches) would be fine.

Facility: Ø Comfortable and convenient, but try to resolve the issue of sound carrying between salons.

Audio Visual: Ø The sound quality in Hall A/B was good, but the screens were difficult to read. Add more screens and include a

screen with a camera shot of the speaker. Good wireless connection. Consider a Twitter hashtag next time. If

possible, provide digital projectors for all salons.

Organization: Ø Top notch! Well balanced program, but consider scheduling more time for lunch. Include a minimum ten-minute

break between sessions. Conference bags and books much appreciated. Program available on website, in advance

of conference also appreciated. Consider posting keynote handouts/articles on website, as well.

1% 1% 1% 2% 2%

7%

20%

36%

21%

11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pe

rce

nt

of

Re

spo

nd

en

ts

Overall Satisfaction with the Conference

P a g e | 6 Conference Report 2011

The impact of the conference

A second round of feedback was collected one month later, when delegates were invited to provide reflections about

the ongoing impact the conference made on their thinking and practice. The high response rate (28%) and the positive

responses are indications of the powerful and lasting impact the conference had on delegates.

Conference Goal: To inspire innovation and facilitate knowledge mobilization about effective strategies and

practices

As a result of something you learned at the conference, has

your thinking been stimulated/challenged? Has your

practice been influenced/changed?

“The AISI conference has always had elements that have

challenged my thinking.”

“I have found the AISI conferences to be the single, most

important conference that I attend each year.”

“I was really inspired by the presentation on meta-cognition.

Since the conference, I have had my students journal their

thinking. This has been an excellent teaching tool.”

Conference Goal: To encourage lateral networking across school authorities

Have you made connections with someone you met at the

conference to talk about AISI projects? From your school…

from your own school district…from another school

district…from the university?

“Even though our school divisions across Alberta are unique in

their challenges and must create unique solutions, there is so

much that we can learn from each other. Collaboration and

building relationships are absolutely critical pieces to the AISI (and

education!) puzzle.”

“This conference allows collaboration between districts and is

essential in extending our thinking.”

Conference Goal: To engage participants in professional dialogue before, during, and after the conference.

Have you passed ideas along to others since attending this

conference?

“We have taken a number of the engagement ideas presented at

the conference to staff meetings here, and are looking forward to

working them into our own implementation plans.”

“I was able to take ideas from the AISI Conference to my

daughter’s school and inform other parents about AISI in general

as well as the initiatives in our district and beyond.”

68%

24%

8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

stimulated or challenged

influenced or changed

not yet

7%

30%

35%

4%

24%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

school school district

another district

university not yet

91%

9%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Yes No

P a g e | 7 Conference Report 2011

Wordle based on delegate comments on the Reflections on the Impacts of the AISI Conference Survey

The New AISI Website and Post-Conference

Resources The new AISI website went live on March 14

th. The

website provides optimal and easy access to

information and resources to support the work of AISI.

It includes video clips from AISI projects, a new

Publications Search Tool, as well as current newsletters

from school authorities. The website informs

stakeholders and communities about AISI projects and

the research that is underway or completed. Early

feedback from users describes the new website as very

inviting, with a user-friendly format and upbeat look

and feel. The site is structured for different users:

Project Leaders, Educational Researchers, and Parents

and Community.

“AISI makes such a difference in supporting student success

in their learning programs. AISI facilitates teacher and

teacher-leader capacity. AISI inspires and engages school

and system leaders to challenge existing paradigms and

engage differently with students, families and key service

providers. AISI is transforming education in Alberta!”

Conference delegate

Post-conference resources are accessible on the new

website. Video-recordings of the keynote

presentations, many showcase sessions, along with

handouts, and all the pecha kuchas are available to

support delegates as they engage in professional

dialogue and continued learning after the

conference.

Post-conference resources: http://education.alberta.ca/admin/aisi/leaders/conferences.aspx

P a g e | 8 Conference Report 2011

Appreciation Sincere appreciation is expressed to everyone who contributed to

the AISI Conference 2011:

The Minister

Keynote Speakers

Education Partners Steering Committee

Student Performers

Showcase Presenters

Session Hosts

Gallery Walk Contributors

Conference Delegates

AISI Conference Committee

School Research and Improvement Branch

School Research and Improvement Team

To cite this report:

Alberta Education. Alberta Initiative for School Improvement. (2011).

AISI Conference 2011 Engaging Minds: It’s All About the Learning—

Conference Report. Edmonton, AB.

This report is available on the AISI website at

http://education.alberta.ca/aisi

Contact Us

School Research and Improvement

Branch

Alberta Education

44 Capital Blvd.

10044 – 108 Street

Edmonton, AB T5J 5E6

Telephone: (780) 427–3160

Fax: (780) 415–2481

Copyright © 2011, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the

Minister of Education.

Permission is given by the copyright owner for any person to reproduce

this publication or any part thereof for educational purposes and on a

nonprofit basis.