Re-imagining Education with Equity for All International Community School Hosts Annual Educators’ Bootcamp Conference in Kumasi Ahead of the 2023 – 2024 Academic Year

by Enoch Oye

In the continuously evolving sphere of education, it is imperative that educators remain at the forefront of advancements. Within the International Community School (ICS) framework, we uphold a significant tradition—an annual assembly of our entire staff across all ICS campuses preceding the commencement of each new academic year. Educators’ Bootcamp program is carefully curated to reequip and empower our staff with the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes that align with the prevailing trends in education. This commitment is rooted in ICS’s mission to provide quality and inclusive education.

While most professional development in education is inclined towards the art of teaching, the Educators’ Bootcamp ‘23 took a deep dive into the science of learning to elevate teachers’ proficiency and impact. The key reference book throughout the program was How Learning Works, co-authored by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey and John Almarode. The book emphasizes practices with high effect sizes and shows how teachers can design better learning experiences that align with the science of learning.

At the bootcamp, educators gained tools to effectively leverage knowledge of essential learning principles in the classroom. The Educators’ Bootcamp ’23 featured keynote addresses from two distinguished speakers: Dr. Charles Yeboah, the Director and Founder of ICS, and Mr. Kwame Simmons Sr., Director Of Education at the Hantz Foundation and founder of the renowned Simmons Advantage in the United States.

In his enlightening speech, Dr. Charles Yeboah delved into the thought-provoking theme of ‘Reimagining Education.’ He tasked attendees to explore innovative strategies and visionary perspectives aimed at reshaping the educational landscape to meet the evolving needs of learners in the 21st century.

Following Dr. Yeboah’s compelling address, Mr. Kwame Simmons delivered his keynote on “The Power of Growth Mindset: Fostering Resilient Learners.” Mr. Simmons highlighted real-world insights and challenges in learning. He also underscored the critical role of nurturing a growth mindset in students by empowering them to embrace those challenges, overcome obstacles, and develop themselves into resilient, lifelong learners. These thought-provoking addresses set the tone for an engaging and transformative Educators’ Bootcamp, inspiring our teaching staff to explore new horizons in education and empower their students with the tools for enduring success.

After keynote sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage in various learning sessions led by experienced facilitators, drawn from the Accra and Kumasi ICS faculty team. The learning sessions centered on the following five learning principles and strategies: Motivation, Attention, Elaborate Encoding, Retrieval Practice, Productive Struggle, Self-Testing and Goal Setting. The purpose of each learning session was to delve into the practical application of the principle in the classroom.  Additionally, educators collaborated in planning sessions to coordinate how learners can actively foster, nurture and sustain their learning through intrinsic motivation, productive struggle, self-testing and other learning principles. By designing mini lesson plans, assessment strategies, and classroom activities that incorporate these principles, participants ensured that their training directly applied to their daily teaching practices.

The resounding message throughout the Educators’ Bootcamp 23’ is that effective teaching is more than just delivering content; it’s about facilitating meaningful learning experiences. Educators believe that learning by doing is the most effective way to internalize key learning principles.

The annual ICS’ Educators’ Bootcamp is open for registration to all educators, both in the private and public sectors, with the hope of sharing and collaborating best practices across schools in Ghana.