Dr Chan Kam Wing, Co-Director of the Centre, was invited by the Organisation for Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD) to participate in the International Conference on Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) in Banff, Alberta, Canada from 10-12 October 2011. The Conference was co-organised by the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) of OECD and the Government of Alberta. The Conference aims to engage educational researchers, innovators, leaders, policy shapers and other influential stakeholders in dialogue around ILE agenda.

A major part of the Conference focused on the discussion of the OECD-CERI Innovative Learning Environments Project. This is an international study of innovative learning environments as a holistic, inclusive set of opportunities and arrangements for enhancing the effectiveness of learning and teaching. The ILE Project is searching cases of innovative learning environments to provide examples of inspiring practice and to raise discussion of the potential to enrich mainstream education in systems around the world. At present, 122 cases (submitted from 23 countries) which meet the selection criteria have been successfully accepted to the Universe of the ILE Project.

One of the accepted cases entitled Lok Sin Tong Leung Wong Wai Fong Memorial School (the School) was submitted by CSCT. The case demonstrates the inclusive philosophy behind Small Class Teaching as a catalyst for the teacher development and school improvement that have contributed to a successful turnaround of the School that was on the brink of closure to one that is now recognized by the local community for its quality of education. In the past four years, the School has worked in close collaboration with CSCT which provides professional support to the School to empower the teachers to use Small Class Teaching as a facilitator in optimising their pupils’learning.

In order to capture the richness and complexity of the cases that the ILE project is investigating, about 35 to 50 inspiring cases from the Universe will be selected for entering the Inventory of the ILE Project. For successful entry to the Inventory, a deeper investigation of the case has to be carried out, including document review, observation of learning, arrangements in context and use of space and facilities, and interview with leaders, learners and other stakeholders. A case study report of the School has been submitted by the Centre to CERI for their investigation.

Details of the Conference can be seen from the following link: http://www.oecd.org/document/32/0,3746,en_21571361_48488357_48715360_1_1_1_1,00.html

Keynote speech Introduction to Reforms and Innovations in Alberta presented by The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education.

Keynote speech The OECD/CERI International “Innovative Learning Environments” (ILE) Project: Framing Concepts and Existing Conclusions presented by David Instance, ILE Project Leader.

Participants attending the Banff Conference