Coffee, Tea and Registration
9:00 AM - 10:15 PM
Introduction
In this opening presentation Jamie builds a case for school reports that go well beyond the topical research that has too often characterized such efforts in the past. Some of the points will be illustrated with hands-on activtiies.
A great report?
Why?
Anyone who has spent a dozen years in school will have written at least a dozen reports, and the general reaction to this ritual ranges from mildly irritated to seriously irate.
Unfortunately, because many school reports require very little thought and inspire almost no curiosity or passion, they are often tiresome and mind-numbing. While digital sources have provided students with the equivalent of electronic shovels to eliminate the hand copying required in earlier decades, many reports require very little more than scooping and paraphrasing. They do little to educate, illuminate or inspire. Students are hunter-gatherers rather than explorers and thinkers.
Jamie argues for research that requires original thought, invention and synthesis as students wrestle with demanding and hopefully novel questions that are intriguing and worthy of their time.
10:15 - 10:45
Morning Tea
10:45 - 12:30
Issues blocking greatness
How could mediocre school reports persist for so many decades? There are many explanations -- none of them very satisfying.
- The Issue of Skill
- The Issue of Surprise
- The Issue of Controversy
- The Issue of Labor
- The Issue of Assessment
Was Joan of Arc a saint or a witch or something else?
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Lunch
A hot buffet lunch will be served.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
The five pillars of greatness
Central to this kind of research is the notion that greatness is within the reach of most students. Achieving greatness requires a blend of attitude and skill. For this reason, each "pillar" is viewed like the columns holding up a Greek temple or a bank building:
- Curiosity
- Unknown
- Challenge
- Novelty
- Delight
Photo - iStock.com
During this session, Jamie will provide examples of each pillar and engage the group in related activites.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Great reporting at all levels
During this final hour, Jamie will provide concrete examples of how this kind of research can be launched from early childhood up through secondary school and into the university or technical school.
- Looking for Choices
- Solving Problems
- Explaining Why
- Digging into Character
- Taking a Stand
- Making Predictions
- Experimenting
Costs
$ 138.00 USD - about $195 AUD
Those who register and pay $138 USD (about $195 AUD) for this seminar by 30 January will receive a free copy of Jamie's book, The Great Report, at the seminar - a $35 AUD. After that date, the book may be purchased at half price when registering.
Discounts are available for teams of 5 or more. Contact Jamie McKenzie at
for information.
A note on cost: This seminar is being held in a good hotel with wonderful food. Morning tea and lunch are included in the package.
Registration includes GST, and a tax invoice will be emailed to all after payment equating payment to AUD.
This seminar has been postponed. 
