Rosella Davenport
Working in Higher Education in the UK
Location Lancashire, England
Achievements
Activity
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Excellent point. Totally agree
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Thanks. Didn't know this. Will check out the website
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Enjoyed the course. Great to hear from inspirational people and academics who really appreciate the importance of and barriers to Education for All
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thanks -will seek out the biography
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@JanetBrinsmead was she as inspiring in reality as in the film Inn of Sixth Happiness?
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Having taught in colleges, prisons, ACL and a Jamea I have always been able to incorporate aspects of experiential learning into my schemes of work, encouraging individual or small group projects. It's not easy but can be done and it means that students enjoy coming to classes. I enjoy being challenged and like to adopt a more partnership approach to education...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Simple answer, Yes. See comment for 3.6. Teachers need to think of themselves as facilitators of individual learning rather than as passive imparters of knowledge.
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
If children and their support worker/s are sat apart from the class doing different work and not joining in with group discussions this is exclusion rather than inclusion. It will emphasise differences and help no-one, including the rest of the class who will now see the other kid as somehow not like them. They will have learned to focus on a difference rather...
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Probably not and you're right re mental health. CAMHS are barely coping just now, but, as I said, many people including politicians already think they go too far
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Again, yet another inspirational person and story of triumph over adversity...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Interesting. As a westerner I'm into the low power individualistic approach which allies well with learner centred teaching. Indeed I prefer to think of myself as a Facilitator of Learning rather than a teacher or lecturer.
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Currently unable to upload due to covid19 location restrictions
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I so admire these educators in Kenya. Their perseverance is matched by the resilience of the kids. Genuinely Awe Inspiring and shows what can be done through diligence and dedication
Truly Great Work and great people -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Agree with students' comments but would also add that a sense of fun be added plus general enthusiasm - sadly many teachers I speak to suffer from burn out explaining that such an energetic approach is not easy to maintain with the mountain of paperwork often facing UK teachers
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Embracing such diversity is a positive step forward. One school with a similar approach is in Preston, Lancashire, England where the pupils there speak a total of approx 40 different languages
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Agree with above. Children's potential can be either nurtured or stunted depending on experiences, and negative comments from teachers can destroy kids confidence
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Finance. Our world is divided into haves and have nots. It benefits the elite to not educate the masses, otherwise they would rebel. Literacy levels in Cuba are higher than in the UK. The money is there to fund education for all but I genuinely believe the current UK Government is not really interested in providing equal opportunities, just keeping the masses...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Most enjoyable week
Many Thanks -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Again, we can learn from an African country, lessons about how to provide truly inclusive education.
Common issues seem to be poverty, school infrastructure and supporting those with additional learning needs
Indeed better Health and Nutrition policies and appropriate teacher training could certainly be embraced by the UK to improve the system here -
I'm confused. I was referring to St Leonards in Walton Le Dale....
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@Lucy-AnnPope 12th century original chancel. Other areas updated later. Hammer beam roof. St. Leonards.
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Like the idea of 3 categories.
Re Attitudes. Vital. Agree that terminology is important. Suggest terms like Neurodiverse be used as EVERY individual is unique
Re Comminication. Great to hear that All voices should be included-kids, parents, teachers, but add ancilliary staff, support workers, school secretaries etc. Let ALL mean All. In Social Work and... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Due to covid 19 restrictions unable to post picture but find it ironic that Peterloo Memorial in Manchester which is dedicated to the memory of those who marched against injustice and oppression has lots of steps so actually discriminates against those in wheelchairs
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
In the UK legislation has changed to be “more inclusive” but society’s attitudes have not really changed in line with the law. Overtly people are more tolerant but in reality when one engages in deeper discussions the old prejudices remain. Cultural change will happen but more slowly.
Examples of how legislation came first then attitudes changed could be... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Agree 100%. The Social Model of Disability should be embraced as opposed to the Medical Model. I work with many clever mature students in HE, some of whom had undiagnosed dyslexia when at school and it is staggering how many of them were verbally abused by teachers for being 'thick'
As stated earlier I was kicked out of school for 'asking awkward questions'... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
The English National Curriculum is way too prescriptive. At Secondary Level especially, Kids are forced to take subjects in which they have no interest.
eg I love history but wouldn't it be better for kids to learn about the Pankhursts and currently the Eyam Villagers 1665 rather than about Henry Eighth's wives...?
…..and why learn about the climate in Chile... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
In what ways do you think socio-economic status might have an influence on educational outcomes?
MASSIVE IMPACT
In UK - 'sink schools' in impoverished areas, exacerbated by low expectations, truancy, families with CMN, cramped living conditions with little access to books and general feeling of disillusion and being trapped.
Even gifted kids struggle and... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Biggest Barrier - Curriculum - too prescriptive
2nd - Attitudes of society: teachers; peers; the learner; parents -many take education for granted
3rd - Special education versus mainstream education
4th -Finance (lack of finance) for fees and resources
5th - Access
Least barrier - Location – rural versus urban -
Although the EB books weren't perfect and attacked by some academics I personally enjoyed reading them and think that just reading is beneficial in itself. I have even encouraged prisoners with literacy issues to read by using football programmes and the Sun. So I agree that although flawed and of their time they helped inspire many of us to read and should be...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Both videos really interesting but re Run 1
Wonderful !
At last, an Academic who elucidates perfectly my thoughts on homework. Thanks Margaret.
Homework has long been a bone of contention and much that I have witnessed has been pointless hence parental stress. I've long believed it should involve further questions and be more exploratory. Kids are great... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
some excellent questions and all - location, label, lack of resources, together with many others, can constitute barriers
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Does education for all, mean all?
Simple answer -it should, but it doesn't
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
interesting video.
A main point for me was the fact that schools are constrained by Govt Requirements and individualised programmes measuring 'personal distance travelled' would be better for many pupils.
Also, as stated, that 'Education is more than School' Totally agree
Again it was clear that many disengaged parents had had negative experiences at... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Brilliant ! Hats off to Macdelyn. This is Lifelong Learning at its best - empowering adults through functional living skills. Africa seems especially good at this. Cape Town in South Africa also offers similar inspirational programmes, and at centres where even cleaners and admin staff are included in Staff Meetings. That is truly inclusive with many students...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I always enjoyed education but hated the prescriptive nature of school. I have regularly encountered adults who shared my hatred of schools but their experiences also alienated them from learning. My mantra has always been
Teach Me I forget
Show Me I remember
Involve Me I understand
Learning should be fun. Let kids follow their passions. Classrooms are... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Totally agree with Bonnie's comments. As a former LEA Adult and Community Learning Manager my remit was to engage adults, particularly the disenfranchised and disillusioned, in a variety of courses. Many had had bad experiences at School so were initially reticent but we persevered and increased take up of courses year on year. Evaluations showed huge personal...
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Agree with above. Great ideal but without supportive additional funding and specialist extra staff really difficult, indeed well-nigh impossible to achieve in practice
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Positive impact in the UK as children are now protected in law from 'unnecessarily harsh parenting' and have a right to be listened to. This has enabled Social and Support Workers to advocate on their behalf and on occasions overrule unreasonable parents. Of course some see this as Big Brother but I think it's an essential safeguard for many kids
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
4 -UN Convention of the rights of the Child (UN, 1989)
1 Salamanca Statements (UN, 1994)
1 Millennium Development Goals (2000)
3 UN Convention of the rights of people with Disabilities (UN, 2006)
1 Sustainable Development Goals (2015) -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Other contributors are correct. The UK on paper provides an excellent service as claimed in all the mission statements, but the reality is somewhat different with a Postcode lottery and independent education available as an opt- out for those who can afford it.
If money was spent on actual education rather than paper trails, tests and audits the situation... -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Commonalities. In India, its the poor, disabled and females and Attitudes need changing. In my previous post I focused on Poverty, Special Needs and a 2 tier society which has been impacted by funding cuts from Conservative governments, so here it could be argued that attitudes also need changing
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I have worked in Education in England for many years and have always been committed to Widening Participation. I currently work in HE and am concerned re the lack of kids from poorer families gaining places. Access students in England no longer get maintenance grants and many poorer students in HE have to work as well as study. The Educational Maintenance...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Interesting video clearly detailing the scale of the problem. Its ironic that here in the UK where kids have a right to education, many don't make the most of the opportunities it can provide....
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Agreed. Thanks
Interesting and informative
Enjoyable and educationally stimulating -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Excellent List. Many Thanks
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We could all learn much from Cuba in many ways including their standards of literacy
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Sensible structure
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I have taught at all levels and in many different environments over the years, ranging from Basic Skills to Postgrad., colleges, Unis, prisons and an Islamic Jamea. I encouraged my own kids to stop going to school as they were not thriving. I have worked in Adult Ed and Lea admin. and am a firm advocate for Lifelong Learning
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Thanks. A wealth of experience upon which to draw is always a good basis for an educator
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Personally I can't stand Xmas pudding.
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Fascinating reading. A perspective I'd never even thought of, let alone considered. Will need to reread, fully digest and reflect before commenting further.....
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Ethical consumerism! No way. They are mutually exclusive
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Again, totally agree. Consumerism, designer clothes, ostentatious wealth. I'm an old hippy, happiest in jeans and tee-shirt and as long as we've enough money to be comfortable that's OK for me. I'm really not into materialism.
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I totally agree with Bourdieu and Richard Hornsey's beliefs. Although I move in middle class circles at work, at home it's very much working class. I often often get teased at work because of my tastes (egg and chips and rubbish movies) but I also get teased by my neighbours because of my tastes (philosophy and Shakespeare)
I've never really fit in anywhere!! -
Thanks. You too
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think we could all learn a great deal from your approach
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one rule for one......
Wonder whether 'the Glorious 12th' - grouse shoot is still enjoyed by Boris and his pals. Suspect if we plebs wandered over the moors shooting birds we'd be prosecuted...?! -
very topical. Wonder how many people still had family gatherings for Mothers Day....?
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My mother always believed carrots were good for eyesight - a result of British wartime propaganda. My mantra tends to be 'everything in moderation' especially regarding food and I try to ignore most adverts, but worryingly, children especially, do believe them. Social media can compound the effects - eg pressure on teenagers to be slim /skinny. Propaganda is...
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I think this is true. When with most people I act rationally, not so with family. As stated in previous post I tend to 'go with my gut' even though I'm aware that sometimes this is questionable. Usually however my gut is proved right...….could my gut mean that I unconsciously perceive signals from those I know well...?
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https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=walton+bridge+near+preston&FORM=HDRSC2
my childhood home, by the banks of the Ribble, near Preston in Lancashire -
know Maldon well. Often visited with Kids when lived in Esssex -lovely place
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I love graffiti but cannot deny that it can have criminal undertones - eg the Smiley Face Killers in the USA.
Despite this it brightens up the city scape and is one way for people to express their beliefs.
What I object to is 'mob censorship' - eg when political placards are defaced or removed from gardens during elections.
Interestingly historians find... -
State ownership is not perfect but without it people can fall prey to greed and corruption, eg in my area a local company has just been found to have not adhered to pension rules leaving employees without their money and another company has faced litigation from employees for a similar fraud.
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Sadly moving is not an option for many. I agree with all your comments but in the UK now we have families forced to live in shipping containers and I've visited dwellings which are reminiscent of Victorian slums. I also think that all high rise tenants, whether social housing or luxury top floor owners should use the same lifts!!
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Rosella Davenport replied to Ella Q
My Dad was an engineer who always warned about building on flood plains and the dangers of not improving the Victorian sewers. Greedy Governments and Developers consistently ignored warnings from engineers and sure enough flooding is now commonplace.
Nature is essential for good mental health but sadly many city kids see little of it
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
The resurgence of allotments is indicative of an increasing realisation of the importance of nature
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Milton Keynes, Welling Garden City and Basildon were others, designed with the best of intentions, but sadly left to deteriorate. I lived in Basildon and Tory policies in the 80s encouraged people to buy these homes, often getting mortgages at 5 times income. When we moved in the 90s this great dream had been soured, with numerous repossessions and many green...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Interesting that World Maps are formatted with US and Russia far apart. Why not with Alaska placed centrally??
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Repressed more than empowered. Kurt Vonnegut's world of 'reeks and wrecks' and, 'engineers,' from 'Player Piano' seems ever closer. Chat rooms can reinforce prejudice and far worse.
Vigilance to safeguard kids is essential but then I'm just an old fogey and it's not Social Media that's bad but our use of it, so again we need another
Greta to mobilise for... -
Agreed.
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Memories mainly and a few photos.
I tend not to be sentimental about family heirlooms or material objects. I'm not sure why... -
@BarbaraMusgrave interestingly she is from Oshawa and one of the Missisauga iroquois tribes - ojibwa?
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
The Windrush Scandal was I think a shameful act of blatant racism
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I can endorse this. My grandsons' other Grandma is First Nation Canadian who despite now living in the UK retains her Canadian passport and has never faced prejudice there, unlike in the UK
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I do agree but they were very middle-class in their portrayals so didn't really represent the majority of people even then. Also the Enid Blyton books which were denigrated by some educationalists as 'insufficiently literary'
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Agreed we are European British. I often think that if the USA didn't speak English we'd not align so closely with them as we've far more in common with Europe
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Whoa. I'm embarrassed to admit that I was unaware of this. Truly Shocking!!
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Me neither
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If oppression can be defined as a form of violence then the working classes have been violated for years. So perhaps its no wonder retaliation occurs from time to time.....possibly old lefties like me are too tolerant.... Humh....
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Lived Experience is soooooo important. My son is studying Philosophy at an elite University, where in his Seminar Group he is the only student with young kids living on a council estate. During political discussions some of his fellow students simply don't believe some of his life experiences. He lives in 2 different worlds.... mixing with families using food...
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Agreed. Invisible Disability means sufferers are often viewed as okay and therefore sometimes abused as wrongfully using eg blue badges, bus passes or cinema cards
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Rosella Davenport replied to Colin W
Fair comment. Good point.
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Rosella Davenport replied to Colin W
Frankly I'm not bothered what sex a person is or was. I just accept them whatever.
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Rosella Davenport replied to Colin W
As a feminist I don't understand this separatist view. I'm OK with male doctors and unisex toilets, which exist in the Uni where I work. We share toilets at home so I fail to understand why some people don't like them at work....
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Rosella Davenport replied to S. W.
See earlier comment often this is due to indoctrination. When I married my husband took my surname but even now we regularly get official documents questioning the veracity of our paper records and our kids used to be asked as to how we could be married if my maiden name was the same as my married name. Equality - Really??!!
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I disagree with positive discrimination, believing that equality of opportunity is important but equality of outcomes needs to be decided on ability alone. Re women's choices to stay at home, what can be problematic here is when it is an indoctrinated acceptance unlike your decision which was an educated choice. I encounter many girls who say things like - if...
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...... and prevention better than cure. Many prisoners are illiterate and from Families with Complex and Multiple Needs. Yet Tories slashed budgets for supporting such families, diverting the cash to the Police.!!
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@MichaelParkinson Absolutely agree with you. There is little justice in the UK. Barristers spar as if in a legal game. I had always intended to be a barrister but opted for Education instead when it became quite clear that I may have to defend the guilty which Morally I find unacceptable. I taught in prisons for a while and it was obvious the winners in our...
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Simply put, the term Just War is an impossible paradox. My own opinion is controversial but honest. If someone murdered my family I'd want to kill them. If I did so most people would consider it Just or Morally Acceptable. It isn't but I'd still want my family avenged. I can't justify my instincts but I accept them. Perhaps we should be more honest and stop...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Ideology is just that - words used to describe an ideal, which by definition is not realistic therefore using ideology to justify a political stance is actually paradoxical just like humans as a species!
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Thanks. I knew the name originated in Australia but that was all. Good to be aware of the extra info
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I'm not Muslim but once taught in a Jamea (Islamic Girls School) and was quite shocked that the hijab which, as a Westerner I always regarded as a symbol of Oppression, was viewed by many of the girls as a symbol of Liberation.!! Some had previously dressed in a Western way and had embraced this traditional garb saying it freed them from sexist male...
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Yes I'm a feminist but freedom and equality can conflict. I prefer to think in terms of equality of opportunity and complementarity in terms of roles, responsibilities and relationships
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Perspective is paramount BUT in order to legislate for equality of individual freedoms then a Higher Individual needs to decide which take priority and we have now got Inequality aka the Pigs in 1984
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
Freedom in terms of Individual Rights
Euthanasia, Abortion, Speeches inciting Hatred, Suicide, Criminality - rights of victims v offenders. The list is endless
Noisy neighbours. Anti social behaviour.
The need to balance one individual's freedom with that of another individual -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
I tend to agree with Marx but the problem is that he fails to understand human nature and sadly although equality of opportunity is important, equality of outcome is problematic due to it being an ideal rather than a realistic prospect. Freedom is a nebulous concept !
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Rosella Davenport made a comment
I think Foucault has a point but True Freedom is impossible. I am interested in how to balance freedom with the need to live in society and how much freedom individuals are willing to give up to feel safe and secure. I think this is a big issue currently
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Freedom in itself is meaningless unless the conditions to exercise freedom are present.
Eg in UK I am free to travel widely, perhaps go to Bermuda for a weekend, but without the conditions to use it this freedom is an illusion. I cannot afford the money needed so in reality I am not free -
Rosella Davenport made a comment
Propaganda involves convincing people that they are acting for the greater good and that the ends justify the means. As such they feel vindicated but fail to appreciate that complex problems never have a single answer. The power of the Group Mindset is well documented in psychology as is the excuse of 'following orders' or joining the mob. Milgram's...
