June 2004 Conference Keynotes

The IASCE Conference, 21-25 June, in Singapore features four diverse and dynamic keynote presentations. Here’s what you have to look forward to:

Dr.  Lynda Baloche
Co-President, IASCE
Professor, Department of Elementary Education
West Chester University, Pennsylvania, USA

Collaborative Contexts for Creativity and Innovation

Abstract: Collaborative contexts have powerful motivational potential for creativity.  There are, however, few automatic positive connections between collaboration and creativity. Indeed, to encourage innovation, the conditions for creativity must be carefully designed and nurtured.  In this interactive keynote address, research-based pedagogical considerations, such as group preparation for creativity, the integration of creativity-relevant skills into challenging academic material, opportunities for choice and student decision making, student-centered reflection and planning, and the careful use of "the language of creativity," will be explored as they relate to and support the use of cooperative learning.

Dr. Anh Tuan Nuyen
Associate Professor, Philosophy Department
National University of Singapore

The Confucian Self as the Basis of Co-operative Behaviour

Abstract: This keynote address examines the Confucian understanding of the self and contrasts it with the conception of the self found in the "liberal democratic" tradition of the West. I argue that the Confucian self, understood as a self embedded in a network of social relationships, promotes co-operation while the "liberal-democratic" self, understood as an independent individual that stands over and against the society, undermines it. However, all is not lost for the West, as many other ways of thinking about the self can be found in the West that may favour co-operation.


Dr. Spencer Kagan
Director, Kagan Publishing and Professional Development
San Clemente, California

Our Diversity is Our Strength

Abstract: Heterogeneity within classrooms, within teams, and within the cooperative learning movement pushes us toward a higher-level synthesis. In this interactive keynote, we will overview some of the myriad forms cooperative learning takes within different cultures, nations, districts, and schools. We will look at the diversity among and within schools of cooperative learning. Using Formations and Circle the Sage we will use the diversity among us to enhance our understanding and push us toward a higher level synthesis.

Dr. Celeste Brody
Co-President, IASCE
Instructional Dean, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon, USA. 

Begin with the Teacher:  Focusing Professional Development on Teacher Learning for Cooperative Learning

Abstract: Educators know that the goal of any good instructional approach is student learning and achievement.  But a highly effective way to create sustained implementation of cooperative learning—and one often ignored—is to focus on teachers and how they learn a new practice, how they adapt innovations through their beliefs, and how they use new knowledge to transform their teaching and sense of themselves as professionals.  This keynote address will examine some key trends and approaches in professional development that cultivate teacher learning and sustained professional growth in schools.  There is a need to understand teachers’ practical knowledge about cooperative learning so that long-term professional development efforts can withstand pressures to return to traditional methods when professional support structures may no longer be in place.