February 2015 (cont.)
Challenging Tasks
9 February attended by Trish, Nicole B, Sonja, Paul, Hiroyo
Provider: Monash University
Venue: Veneto Club Bulleen
ABOUT?
Using challenging tasks in maths to engage studetns and put them out of comfort zone to encourage risk taking and persistence,
PRESENTERS?
Peter Sullivan, Monash University
RESOURCES?
hard copy resource book provided
RECOMMENDED?
Yes. All maths teachers
COMMENTS?
Very worthwhile experience
Meet the Assessors - Literature
9 February attended by Jane O’Shannessy
Provider: VATE
Venue: Monash University, Caulfield Campus
ABOUT?
The session addressed the 2014 Literature Examiners’ Report published by VCAA
PRESENTERS?
Margaret Smith was the key presenter
RECOMMENDED?
This professional learning activity is great for anyone teaching the subject as it gives an insight into students’ strengths and weaknesses when approaching their exams.
Meet the Assessors - English
9 February attended by Sue, Anna and Naomi
Provider: VATE
Venue: Monash University, Caulfield Campus
ABOUT?
The session addressed the 2014 English Examiners’ Report published by VCAA.
PRESENTERS?
Bob Hillman (chief assessor) was the key presenter. Ross Huggard presented information pertaining to the Context – Creating and Presenting.
RESOURCES?
The reports can be accessed via the VCAA site.
RECOMMENDED?
This professional learning activity is extremely worthwhile for anyone teaching English as it gives an insight into students’ strengths and weaknesses when approaching their exams. Many examples of student responses to the three sections of the English exam are shown and discussed in detail, this would be of particular value to teachers new to Units 3 and 4 English as well as those who have taught English for a significant time.
COMMENTS?
Students should read the reports and pay particular attention to the worthwhile suggestions made by the assessors.
VATE English and EAL
13 February attended by Anna, Sue and Naomi
Provider: VATE
Venue: Monash University – Caulfield Campus
ABOUT?
Each of the four sessions focused on a particular component of the VCE English Unit 3 and 4 curriculum.
PRESENTERS?
Rachel Kafka
RESOURCES?
Resources placed on the M drive
RECOMMENDED?
New VCE English teachers
HTAV Revolutions
20 February attended bySimon G & Nick
Provider: HTAV
Venue: HTAV
ABOUT?
The session went through strategies in working through the VCE study design for Unit 3/4 History Revolutions. The sessions covered pedagogy, content and strategies in working through the unit and how best to prepare students to tackle and receive feedback on assessment tasks and how to prepare for the end of year exam.
PRESENTERS?
A range of HTAV presenters all of whom were of very high quality
RESOURCES?
Alphahistory website, American History.org website, we also have a range resources available for viewing in the curriculum drive
RECOMMENDED?
Any staff who are teaching VCE revolutions
COMMENTS?
We have a collection of resources and notes for anyone who is interested, please let us know.