Creativity, participation, innovation, crazy golf…….

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Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on September 28, 2010

We talk in education circles of creativity, participation and innovation…. this little video demonstrates aspects of all of these as a group of professional golfers create a ridiculous golfing challenge!

This post also serves to celebrate another Irish golfer (Ian Scott) as he retires this coming Friday from his post as Education Officer with Dumfries & Galloway Council. All the best for your retirement Ian – see you on the golf course soon!
Ian Scott, educator, sportsman, globetrotter.....

Learning Flemish (and Dutch) in China

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Posted by upbeat | Posted in International Education | Posted on September 1, 2010

IMG_7208 It was great to meet and spend time with Ruth (Root) and Wouter (Wotich) from Belgium. Interesting chats on languages (they speak Flemish), music education and training, Chinese culture (and food!) and life in general.

When Ruth was making final preparations for her seminar talk, Wouter taught me a really excellent Dutch card game ‘Machiavelli’. ‘Machiavelli’ is the Dutch version of a German game ‘Citadels’, and won the Dutch game prize (Nederlandse spellenprijs) in 2001. ‘Citadels’ was a finalist for the 2000 Spiel des Jahres award.

My Dutch vocabulary has increased dramatically, following several hours of playing ‘Machiavelli’ with Wouter. And I can now count to ten in Flemish! Spending time with Ruth and Wouter was fun and entertaining, especially when ordering food from traditional Chinese menus. Wouter was adventurous in his selection of food  –  I couldn’t match him on this, and returned from China a few pounds lighter, which was probably good news!

Wouter, Jan (from Australia) and Ruth relaxing after bartering at the Silk Market

Wouter, Jan (from Australia) and Ruth relaxing after bartering at the Silk Market

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