Gender pronouns My first confusion is with the current trend to include gender pronouns in communications. People have taken to identifying their gender in their signature blocks, on name tags, business cards, and so on. I get that in doing so they are aligning themselves with acceptance of freedom in representation and in acknowledgement that... Continue Reading →
It’s OK, mum… I met him online; I’ve been talking to him for weeks.
Despite the public comment, the in-school education programs, and the scary movies on the darkest of possible outcomes, young people are simply not scared enough by online relationships. The very same child who would tell a stranger that they won’t get into their car will spend hours in their own home being the subject of... Continue Reading →
How do we go about managing learner behaviour?
Beginning teachers regularly say that they feel unprepared for their role. Their supervisors agree and argue that universities have too many theoretical programs without practical application to prepare them effectively. And, we have a very disappointing rate of separation from the profession for people early in their careers. Popular media and some researchers cite workload,... Continue Reading →
Neurodivergent Youth
I've been working with young people who fit a description as being neurodivergent for my entire career as an educationalist. I'm fascinated by the drive to diagnose, label and stereotype adolescents who do not properly fit in as being "typical". I'm not saying that diagnosis isn't helpful. A careful and respectful process of identifying the... Continue Reading →
Live Kidney Donor Diary #1
Hi, I've been inspired by another to start, and keep, a diary of my experience as a live kidney donor. At this stage, I have given nothing to anybody, and I may not be a suitable compatibility match for my friend who needs a kidney transplant urgently. I am a card carrying organ donor, but... Continue Reading →
…and then there’s the abuse of power
This is a bookend to several of my other pieces that have highlighted positive qualities of exceptional teachers and leaders in higher education. In this offering I reflect on the sometimes unsavoury aspects of working in complex higher education organisations. I have known many extraordinary colleagues in the sector and yet I can think of... Continue Reading →
The learning outcome conundrum
Nan Bahr A teacher’s job is to provide for the development of selected students’ knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. The goal is to prepare students for potential future and roles in society. There has been a long and angry public tussle about who gets to choose the things that need to be learned and therefore... Continue Reading →
Parkinson’s… where are we now?
Imagine for a moment that you have something important to say. You want to choose your words carefully because you want people to understand your message, and as you wait for your moment to contribute to the conversation a three-year-old sneaks up behind and starts tugging at your trousers. At first, the tugging is just... Continue Reading →
Teachers think before you aspire …and then think again
The promotion: Part 1 Let's assume that you're doing well in your current teaching role. You have a hands-on approach to your work and have a direct impact on your students' success. The students love and respect you, and you are delighted with your professional relationships. In fact, you consider yourself to be an exemplary... Continue Reading →
The virtual road toward a new normal: thinking and interacting
Nan Bahr, April 21, 2021 This paper was presented as my keynote speech to open: International Conference on Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering (ICASTE) 2021 International Conference on Economics, Business, Social, and Humanities (ICEBSH) 2021 The virtual road to a new normal FINALDownload Nan Bahr Keynote speech The Virtual road toward a new normalDownload
Promoting Teacher Education 