Keynote speakers 2009
The keynote presentations at the Scottish Learning Festival are of universal interest to everyone attending and are a central focus of the event. This year we were delighted to welcome internationally respected keynote speakers:
- Fiona Hyslop MSP
- Professor Carol Dweck, Stanford University
- Professor Ferre Laevers, University of Leuven
- Dr. Frank Dick, OBE
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning - Fiona Hyslop, MSP
Fiona Hyslop was born in Ayrshire in 1964 and was brought up in her early years in England before returning to Scotland and graduating from Glasgow University with an MA (Hons) in Economic History and sociology.
She completed a post graduate Diploma in Industrial Administration at the Scottish College of Textiles.
She then moved to Edinburgh and joined the financial services company Standard Life where she held various positions in sales and marketing latterly as Brand Development Manager.
She was elected a Lothians MSP in 1999 and was latterly the Shadow Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning and a member of the Parliament's Education Committee.
In her keynote address, the Cabinet Secretary will talk about the Government’s ambition for a Smarter Scotland and how through Curriculum for Excellence we can all work together to embrace a learning and teaching system to last a lifetime. There will be ample time set aside at the end of the keynote address to put questions to the Cabinet Secretary..
Further information for keynote: Achieving a Smarter Scotland: Transforming our Education System to Deliver the Best Outcomes for Every Child and Young Person will take place on Wednesday at 10:30 am.
In advance of the keynote speech, Fiona Hyslop will hosting a Glow Meet on September 15, when she will be speaking about why she is proud to be Scottish. She is inviting pupils from schools across the country to contribute by asking questions.
Professor Carol Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology, Stanford University
Carol Dweck is a professor at Stanford University and a social psychologist. She graduated from Barnard College in 1967 and earned a PhD from Yale University in 1972. She taught at Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of Illinois before joining the Stanford faculty in 2004. Prof Dweck has primary research interests in motivation, personality, and development. She teaches courses in Personality and Social Development as well as Motivation.
Further information for keynote: Developing Growth Mindsets: How Praise Can Harm, and How To Use it Well will take place on Wednesday at 14:00 pm.
Professor Ferre Laevers, Director of the Research Centre for Experiential Education, University of Leuven
Ferre Laevers is a Director of the Research Centre for Experiential Education, based at the Department of Education, Leuven University, and President of the European Early Childhood Education Research Association. He is widely known for his work on children’s emotional wellbeing and involvement.
Further information for keynote: A Single Curriculum 0-18: The Same Quality Approach will take place on Thursday at 12:00 pm.
Dr Frank Dick OBE, former British Athletics Federation Director of Coaching
Renowned as one of the country’s best and most consistently inspiring motivational speakers, Frank is the current President of the European Athletics Coaches Association, member of the IAAF Coaches Commission as well as Chair (and architect) of the IAAF Academy.
Frank has also held the post of Chairman of the British Olympic Coaches Advisory Programme (1983 - 1994), and Director of Coaching for the British Athletics Federation.
Further information for keynote: From Potential to Performance: Lessons for Scottish Education from Success in Sport will take place on Thursday at 15:00 pm.