Great to catch up at the Inspirational Sepakers' Series Professional Learning Event for CAR-TL. I think as you move into your new job, just observe for awhile and take reflective notes of what interests you. Never know where this will lead. There is no pressure in our group - we are hear to work with each other. What was it that Di was sayng about 'honking' when you are ready?

PS not that ducks honk but we all felt comfortable with the analogy ; )

Hi Margo, I am in my third year of my new job and I am starting to see the effect of some changes I implemented last year. I can also see more clearly the things that I need to work on now, which will have an even bigger impact.

There's nothing like having a fresh perspective and perhaps you'll see things at your school that have 'always been done that way', yet no-one can tell you why. So why not choose one of these as the focus for your research project?

What ideas have you been playing with Margo? What have you been reading? What is disturbing you? What is exciting you? (of course within the context of this Research Community).

I think the suggestion of observing cannot be underestimated in value. It is good to note what you observe when you are new as your eyes are seeing more clearly. Once you have been somewhere for a while it becomes the norm and harder to see other ways of doing.

The whole File thing is messy isn't it? Perhaps you could paste your scenario under your intro. Just use the 'page break' line that is available in the edit menu.

I'm looking forward to chatting to you at the Research Retreat Margo. Boys' reading is one of my passions and I'll bring a couple of books that you might find interesting. I think some research into your reading program is a great idea... I'll be very interested to see what comes out of it. Personally I think the best way to encourage reading is to give it the 'no strings attached' treatment. That is, let students read for absolute pleasure in the knowledge that there is no 'work' attached to the exercise. This could be the start of a fruitful discussion.

Thanks for your encouragement, look forward to your shared wisdom on boys reading. I am going to spend the next few weeks devising questionnaires and surveys suitable for boys, parents and staff - requires some deep thought.
I can't seem to locate the 'page break' that you mention Di, not to worry. Margo

When you go into 'Edit Page' the "insert horizonatal line' icon is next to the 'table' icon.
Re your survey... if you're looking to do something online, have a look at Survey Monkey (see research methodology page) and also check Margaret's comments... she's just signed up.
I agee about the need for deep thought on questionnaires etc... I'm looking forward to Kirsty's advice on this.

Having trialled the SLIM toolkit as designed I am in favour of using survey monkey to revamp the ideas into an more interactive response tool for students to use. The group I worked with was always going to be difficult but I found the repetitive nature of the questions for each reflection annoyed the boys involved. The increased understanding and engagement I witnessed was not evident in the survey responses.

This looks like a valuable project Margo. It will be interesting to not only explore the effectiveness of the reading groups program per se, but also to explore how you can be involved. Have you completed the survey yet?