Introducing Dr Paul Lowe: MYP Science, DP Chemistry, PD Developer and Mentor 4 April 2017

Dr Paul Lowe is a specialist teacher in Science with vast experience in developing learning teams and ‘blended learning’ in secondary schools. He has worked and consulted in New Zealand, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia. His role is to teach secondary Science, support our Middle School development and contribute to the ‘Blended Learning Project’ with SCU.

Where are you from and how long have you been living in Japan?
I am from New Zealand. I have been in Japan with my wife Wendy for 2 months. We are loving the country and the people.

What did you study, why, and what did you like the most?
I studied Chemistry to Masters level at The University of Waikato, New Zealand and later a PhD from Curtin University (Western Australia) where I studied the effect of cooperative learning and assessment on student attitudes towards science using Grade 8 and 9 students in New Zealand. I have been an adjunct research fellow with Curtin University since 2012, I examine PhD’s and peer review papers for Learning Environments Research. I really enjoy the research side of both Chemistry and Education as it keeps me abreast with current thinking.

How long have you been teaching or working in Education?
I have worked in education in New Zealand for about 30 years. For the last 6 years, I have worked as an advisor and curriculum specialist in: Abu Dhabi for 4.5 years, Malaysia for 6 months and last year in New Zealand with the University of Auckland. I recently became a national accredited Science PLD facilitator

What are the achievements you are most proud of?
My proudest achievements include finally getting a PhD, changing the direction of education for 10,000 students at each grade level in Abu Dhabi, and being awarded the inaugural NZ Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Teaching in 2010. I am also very proud of how well my past students have done in their years beyond school.

What do you like most about teaching or working in Education?
I really enjoy seeing students achieve to their full potential both in and out of the classroom. I have working in outdoor education, windsurfing instructing, rugby coaching and several other sports.

What are your roles here at A-JIS?
I work in the MYP science programme, IB Chemistry. I am involved in some of the special projects at AOBA-JIS such as blended learning, student centered learning and the review of the MYP programme.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family who recently have been working or studying all over the world. I enjoy travel with my wife, especially sailing yachts around some fascinating places such as Croatia and Greece. I have enjoyed skiing, cycling and canal boating holidays. I love coaching and watching rugby, especially the New Zealand All Blacks

Is there something interesting about yourself you would like to share?
Being 1.94m tall creates issues in Japan for me, especially in places like shoe or clothes shops where they just smile politely before I leave empty handed.

Can you share your favorite inspirational quote with us?
Albert Einstein: ‘I do not teach my students I merely provide the environment in which they can learn.’ 1946