We received an email the other week that does have me thinking about VALBEC and its role in the sector. So much so that I put it on our agenda to discuss at our next meeting. And given the responses that we have had to our Professional Learning sessions and conference, it might not be entirely unjustified. The one constant that we tend to have in this sector (and probably all sectors) is change. In speaking with many people, weathering the storm of chance has simply become an expectation. And while VALBEC will bend in the wind like a palm tree when change comes our way, we do still retain a centre point. Education is important. Education changes lives. We educate because we believe in the transformative nature of the process, and while we might debate the small aspects, we are all on the same page here. The work may change, but our identities will adapt. I am drawing on my late friend and colleague’s Julianne Krusche’s PhD work here, but I think it helps to be reminded of our identities once and a while.
Last eVALBEC I urged you have a conversation about VALBEC with someone, and I thank all that did because it seems to have made a difference. I am excited to think about these next steps and how VALBEC can take a more central role in the development of adult education across the state. In the meantime, keep an eye on our Professional Learning forums, these have been particularly on point the last few months.
VALBEC President
VALBEC Membership
You can join or renew online.
https://valbec.org.au/membership/
If you join in August, September or October, deduct 50%. Renewal falls due the following February.
Members receive:
- Fine Print three times a year – a high quality journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issues.
-
eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
-
Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
-
Issues-based forums.
-
Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
-
Free numeracy resources.
What engaging literacy tasks look like between CGEA I, II and III
A VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Educational Council) Professional Learning session presented by Stephen Roberson.
This presentation is designed for you to understand literacy task development across CGEA levels I, II and III, whilst highlighting task complexity, appropriate terminology, and useful tools you can utilise throughout the process.
We will be looking at what types of terminology are used for each of the 3 levels. We will then be analysing the reading, writing, and oral structure of tasks aimed at the 3 different levels.
With understanding the structure used, we will then be reviewing some example tasks for reading, writing and oracy across the 3 levels. After this, we will be discussing ways you could create and deliver more engaging and well thought out tasks for your students. Finally, at the end, we will be recapping the key points about literacy tasks at each certification level, task creation, terminology used, and tools we could use to create a more engaging classroom experience.
Stephen has been teaching CGEA for over 6 years at all 3 levels. He started off as a graphic designer, then studied and worked in the IT internet security field. He then studied a diploma in community services which allowed him to learn about the CGEA and VCAL educational field. He started to then work as a support worker whilst going back to university to do a double degree in health sciences and secondary teaching. Whilst studying this course from 2018 onwards, he started to teach CGEA units and when he completed in 2021, he then started to teach CGEA full time.
We look forward to seeing you there.
VALBEC PL Forums Team
Who: Stephen Robertson
When: Thursday, 22nd August 2024, 5.30-6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free; non-Members $10
VIC TESOL PL Sessions
VIC TESOL presents the following PL sessions. Information and registration available using the below links.
ADCET free webinars
The Australian disability clearinghouse for education and training (ADCET) often have terrific and FREE webinars for our sector/s. Here they have a webinar outlining the use of a digital note taking tool.
https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/11737/adcet-webinar-unlock-the-power-of-glean-s-newest-features-for-streamlined-note-taking
Andragogy: Adult Learning Theory
Have you thought about how the adult learning principles apply to your teaching practices lately? Here is a nifty little article to refresh your minds - and perhaps you can discuss it at the next team meeting.
https://instructionaldesign.com.au/andragogy-adult-learning-theory/
Edition 2 and 3 of Fine Print will be 64 pages instead of the regular 32 pages in two editions.
Readers should be looking out for the bumper edition in November...
We can promise you an exceptional read, including articles inspired by the VALBEC conference, a range of reviews plus some practical ideas for making your andragogy more engaging for you and your learners. As always, we welcome your submissions, especially articles and ideas about literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 is focusing on ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’. Read more about it here:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day
Let us know how you are commemorating this important day of observation and participation.
Adult Learners Week 1-8 September
This year’s Adult Learners Week theme, Take the journey, aims to encourage adults of any age or stage in life to think about how many educational opportunities are available to them. Adult Learners Week highlights this huge range of learning opportunities.
https://ala.asn.au/stories/adult-learners-week-2024/
eVALBEC
eVALBEC is the monthly electronic newsletter of (VALBEC) the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council and is sent to about 1000 practitioners on the first of each month (other than January). It is also available in the ‘News’ section of our web site
Disclaimer:
The activities, goods and services mentioned in eVALBEC are not endorsed by Valbec in any way. People should make their own judgment about the suitability of each item.
How to submit items: https://www.valbec.org.au/evalbec