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I Learn You Learn We Learn

June 4, 2010   

What a great day we had! Thanks again to all the presenters and to all who attended and contributed to the learning that took place throughout the day. The program provided some highlights and the evaluation forms were quite uniform in the positive comments about each session.

Here is a selection about our keynote speakers:

• Fantastic introduction by Joan Kirner with her reminder of the need to act on policy to bring about change in adult literacy.
• Joan Kirner is brilliant ! I could listen to her for hours.
• Kate Perkins was great getting us to move around and meet new people and learn of different literacy areas.
• PPK – Personal Practical Knowledge – what life has taught us and who we are to remain passionate and think outside the square.
• Excellent – made me think about my own practice as a teacher and a coordinator
• Merv Edmunds was relevant and thought provoking.
• We need to create positive emotions before actually teaching.
• He reminded us we all need more restorative sleep!

Some comments from the workshop sessions:

• A1 Sport meets Freire - the Mt Evelyn Football/Netball Club History project - great use of new technologies; very useful; created confidence in nervous participants; lots of good ideas.
• A2 Making a difference - Positive Parenting Pupil Participation (PPPP) - can’t wait to see how this program progresses; great to see 3 perspectives; commendable project; Brave!
• A3 Finding a ‘real’ audience - publishing in the AGE online - loved the student participation and the relaxed way in which it evolved; excellent teaching practice; Good on you Tim!
• A4 Catering for learner needs - Chinese Heritage Culture - good presentation and engagement; fruitful, fun; stimulating.
• B1 The bigger picture – international perspectives on adult learning - fast paced and interesting; great to see overview and global policy context; very engaging; so knowledgeable and passionate.
• B2 Tools for the Trade: developing communication skills for employment pathways - good to hear about an alternative way; relevant; constructive ideas.
• B3 Dealing with diversity in the numeracy/science class – Informative; relevant and practical – Thanks!
• B4 NewResources Showcase – valuable; informative; very practical and worthwhile.
• C1 Keeping learners connected - Innovative Family Literacy Models -  inspiring; innovative; exceptional work of caring professionals.
• C2 Exploring Essential Questions - very engaging and useful; great presenter; very knowledgeable.
• C3 Strategies for developing a Learning Plan - helpful suggestions; lots of ideas to improve on; great tools and ideas.
• C4 Sudoku without tears – engaging; fun; very positive and useful; a great way to learn.

Some of the key messages or ideas taken away from the conference:

• For the student tangible success is important
• Others share the same passion
• Challenge how things are done by looking through different windows
• I need to be recharged like this
• Persistence and perseverance will get you there in the end
• There are a lot of interesting, experienced educators out there – adult education is so diverse!
• Be prepared to try something different
• I am a professional in an awe inspiring profession.

Also

People appreciated the Parkville String Quartet on arrival and the excellent catering provided by William Angliss. The marketplace with resources from the Bookery, AMES, SGAE, Pageturners, Kangan and VEC/ Parliament Victoria was busy during the breaks. Thanks to those who stayed on for the Annual General Meeting and refreshments at the end of what was a fantastic day.