The Handshake Ep. 1 – “Connected Autonomy” key to Success in “The Wonder Decade” with Michael Fullan

Michael Fullan, the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative. A worldwide expert in Whole System Change, Teresa invited Michael to launch ‘The Handshake’ in appreciation of links with Irish education and his fearless dedication to bottom-up change through the ‘connected autonomy’ of students, teachers, Principals and parents/community working in relationship, not in isolation.

Referencing his work on drivers – bad and good, Michael points to the six global competencies – character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking – mobilised through pedagogy, and co-developed by teachers and students, as the route to re-awaken students’ interest at this critical juncture for education worldwide.

Join me as Michael builds on the symbolism of the ‘handshake’ advising on how to build the base, strengthen the middle and intrigue the top, the policy makers. Awareness is key, he argues; being in partnership with educators, teachers and students as ‘co-pilots’, freeing up time to work laterally and hierarchically, while embracing AI as an enabler to be mastered, not feared.