Sylvia Duckworth

What are the benefits of creativity in education and on a personal level? How do we encourage creativity amongst our students and foster our own creative endeavours? Using some of her sketchnotes as illustrations, Sylvia will consider these questions as she reflects on the importance of creativity in our professional and personal lives. At the end of her session she will share some secrets for sketchnoting so come prepared to do some drawing!

The educational landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years due to technology. How do we remain relevant to our students in this new world? How do we manage the paradigm shift from teachers as content providers to learning facilitators? What are some tips for keeping up with technology? These are a few essential questions that Sylvia will explore during this talk.

Are we born with natural talent or can we develop skills with determination and hard work? What are the implications of the nurture vs nature argument in education? How do we encourage a growth mindset amongst ourselves and our students? Using Matthew Syed’s book “Bounce” as a guideline, Sylvia will explore these questions while she describes her journey from non-artist to sketchnoting fanatic.

Up to half of the population are introverts. Are we doing enough in our schools to accommodate the introverted student? What are some tips for introverts to minimize social and performance anxiety? How can you alter your body language to better manage a stressful situation? How can technology and social media help introverts express themselves in non-threatening ways? As educators, should we re-consider “Class participation” grades? A self-confessed introvert herself, Sylvia speaks from the heart during this frank talk.