Universities steering schools in right direction

Universities steering schools in right direction

Universities are increasingly reaching out to K-12 schools to ensure learning outcomes in the education sector continues to move in the right direction.

Western Sydney University, for its part, has partnered with Paint Liverpool REaD, an early literacy initiative, and Sing&Grow (Playground Queensland) to work on a song which will be used in an animation to promote literacy.

CQ University has also set its sights on developing teacher capacity through a partnership with Food & Fibre Gippsland’s GIPPY Ag project. The professional development program is helping East Gippsland teachers provide more awareness about career pathways for their students.

The University already previously held an event to encourage the region’s secondary students to consider a career in agriculture.

“Providing our educators with information and practical support to drive awareness of the opportunities to pursue a career in the food and fibre sector in Gippsland is an important part of the many collaborative ways we strive to engage across the region,” Food & Fibre Gippsland Acting CEO Dr Nicola Watts said.

Targeting both students and teachers

The University of Sunshine Coast (USC) recently linked up with Pialba State School, Hervey Bay High School and Aldrige State High School in a bid to give students and teachers hands-on experience in the latest digital technologies.

Currently in its pilot state, USC provided in-school lessons as well as professional development sessions on various topics such as coding, robotics and programming driverless cars.

USC students also worked with the school’s teachers to plan and co-teach units in which digital and robotic technologies were integrated in traditional subjects such as English and mathematics.

Dr David Martin, a lecturer in Education at USC, said they are looking to expand this program to other schools in Fraser Coast in 2020.

“This is about developing the knowledge and skills of current teachers and USC’s Bachelor of Education students so they can prepare the next generation for a future where digital technologies will play a central role,” Martin said.

“This year we have run a very successful pilot at Pialba State School, where our pre-service teachers have helped pupils as young as Prep engage in coding and robotics.”

USC’s program – which stems from Martin’s 2017 initiative on developing a dedicated Makerspace lab at its Hervey Bay campus – was funded by the Higher Education Participation and Partnership program, which seeks to improve access and participation among higher education institutions.