Science and mathematics teachers from all over Australia gathered in Canberra over the recent school holidays to boost their knowledge and teaching practices in new and creative ways during a week-long national intensive program.
Our teacher Mr Murray Henstock was one of the participants selected from a national field of applicants following an Expression of Interest process.
The program, titled National Mentoring for Science and Maths Teachers, aims to help teachers deepen their knowledge and understanding of how to get key ideas and difficult concepts in science and maths across to students in effective and engaging ways.
The University of Canberra is the lead partner in the design and delivery of this innovative program in collaboration with Questacon, the Australian National University, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers.
University of Canberra professor of education and project director, Michael Gaffney, said: “The preparation of maths and science teachers is critical to ensure the next generation is best-equipped for the increasingly scientific, technological and mathematical demands of their day to day life, as well as their workplaces.
“It is particularly important that we support our beginning teachers, as well as those teaching out of their field.”
Professor Gaffney said the program, funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program, will be followed up by a period of innovative online mentoring support and workshops over the next 15 months.
The UC-led consortium brings together researchers, practitioners and professional associations in science and maths education and is designed to improve the quality of science and maths teaching in Australian schools.
The consortium approach, which is also partnering with the well regarded California-based New Teacher Center and Exploratorium, combines hands-on inquiry-based approaches with targeted face-to-face and online mentoring support.
“We hope that the lessons learnt from our project will help inform policy and improve the shape of science and maths teaching in this country,” Professor Gaffney said.
The event was held from Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October at various locations across the city, including the INSPIRE Centre at the University of Canberra.
See full program here
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