NEWSLETTERS AUGUST 2010
Professional learning
A new document has been added to our website that outlines the differences between the three different professional learning training offered by PrimaryConnections. This document is helpful to distinguish which type of professional learning will best suit your needs.
PLF Recall days Sydney / Adelaide / Perth
Adelaide PLF recall day 22 July 2010
Over the three days of 21, 22 and 23 of August, the PrimaryConnections team, led by Louise Rostron, conducted three one-day Professional Learning Facilitator Recall Days in Sydney
(22 PLFs), Adelaide (86 PLFs) and Perth
(32 PLFs).
The day’s agenda included updating the PLFswith new information and initiatives including: the latest on the units currently
under trial:
- information on the alignment of PrimaryConnections with the
Draft of the Australian Curriculum: Science - Indigenous perspectives and what changes are being trialled in the new units
- interactive whiteboards (IWB) and how they are being developed to supplement units.
The PLFs were also kept up-to-date with the current research and development being undertaken by the team in the area of scientific explanation/argumentation and how this will be embedded more within the new units.
In the last session of the day, the participants were asked to analyse the PLF model and how it is currently working within their own sector and system. This exercise produced many interesting and productive discussions.
Master Facilitator training, August 4-6, Canberra
Ms Suzanne Northcott, Mr Scott Lambert,
Professor Jenny Graves and Ms Shelly Peers
coloured hats (something to do with brain preference!).
Recently, PrimaryConnections ran a unique, busy and exciting three day training program for 23 state and territory nominated and endorsed PrimaryConnections Professional Learning Facilitators to train as Master Facilitators.
The purpose of the Master Facilitator Leadership Program was to develop a cohort of effective leaders in states and territories who:
- support the implementation, enhancement and sustainability of PrimaryConnections across all participating primary schools
- promote and facilitate Curriculum Leader Training
- build professional networks and learning communities to promote primary science education
- increase the profile of science education in primary schools
- provide strategic advice and leadership for systems to implement PrimaryConnections aligned to the Australian Curriculum: Science, Years K-6.
The leadership program was opened by Ms Suzanne Northcott , Branch Manager, National Curriculum Branch, DEEWR; Professor Suzanne Cory, AAS President; and Professor Jenny Graves, Secretary Education & Public Awareness, AAS. The opening address was also attended by Mr Scott Lambert, Director, Science and Maths Education Section, National Curriculum Branch, National Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Group, DEEWR.
The training was conducted by Louise Rostron, our professional learning consultant, who put together a program that covered four themes: Leader Understanding Self, Leader Enabling Expertise, Leader Working with People in Systems, Leader Working with People on a System.
The three day program was a huge success. Some of the comments received included:
- ‘I want you to know that I am leaving with a far greater confidence in applying myself to the role of MF.
I am excited about this role and the commitment by all of us to ensure the sustainability of science, PC, the inquiry approach and the support of teachers in all our states.’ - ‘The Master Facilitator role is one which I take on with great pride and it will encourage me to make positive changes – one small step at a time.’
- ‘The 3 days have flown past so quickly and it has all been a truly great experience. I feel so much better prepared to continue my work with teachers back in my jurisdiction.’
- ‘I would like to thank you for a wonderful 3 days of professional learning. I believe that I have grown both personally and professionally by reflecting on my leadership styles and values.’
Professional Learning Facilitator (PLF) Training, 11-13 October 2010, Canberra
If you would like to become a PrimaryConnections PLF please see the following link for further information. Please note numbers are limited so register early to avoid disappointment!
http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections/images/PLF-Training-OCT2010.pdf
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