On a highway in Silicon Valley, a cryptic billboard posed a mathematical puzzle: ā{first 10-digit prime found in consecutive digits of e}.com.ā The answer, 7427466391.com took curious onlookers to another equation. Those who answered correctly were then invited to submit their resume to Google. Why? Because curiosity is a valuable commodity. As the CEO stated: We run this company on questions, not answers.
This year, we have started one-to-one peer coaching amongst the staff. The goal is not to impart the right answers. Rather, itās to ask the right questions. Itās about helping teachers create a culture of thinking in their classrooms.
And whatās it all about? Thinking for learning. We want to generate a culture where curiosity is encouraged. Where itās ok to take risks and to make suggestions.
Today, as the coaches were being trained in how to coach others, they considered the power of modelling. When a teacher models what it means to be inquisitive, when they explore possibilities, when they admit that they donāt have all the answers, there is a significant shift in the learning environment. Itās then that students donāt need to be ārightā, but rather can be free to wonder, to embrace curiosity. This requires vulnerability on the part of the teacher, but this vulnerability leads to trust. Trust means that it is safe to take risks.
Iām glad that this is the kind of culture we are creating here at ĢĒŠÄlogo. After all, our worldās most exciting inventions and daring discoveries donāt come with reiteration but exploration. Curiosity creates challenge and thatās where learning begins.
Sam Glassock
Head of Secondary School