Kelly Goodsir

With over two decades of experience across New Zealand and Australia, her work is grounded in deep listening, intentional inquiry, and a belief in purpose-filled practice. Kelly supports teams to explore the “why” behind their decisions, transforming everyday pedagogical interactions into meaningful opportunities for teaching and learning. Her approach is both courageous and compassionate- creating space for slow thinking, shared meaning, and the joy of discovery. A published author, sought-after speaker, and engaging facilitator of professional learning, Kelly brings clarity to complexity and connects theory to practice through real-world examples. She is widely recognised for her commitment to the rights of children and educators, her creative spirit, and her ability to inspire change from the inside out.

PRESENTATION TITLE:

Spaces That Think: Inquiry, Documentation & Research in the Learning Environment

ABSTRACT:

The learning environment is more than a physical space – it is a living expression of our pedagogical values and ways of thinking. It goes beyond setting out materials or creating activities that simply occupy children’s hands. Instead, it invites curiosity, provokes thinking, and supports deeper engagement.

We will explore how environments can be intentionally designed to nurture inquiry-based learning, make thinking visible through living documentation, and position educators as researchers alongside children. We will examine the intentional choices that transform spaces into dynamic sites of learning, where complexity is welcomed and thinking is valued.