28 September 2015: Science and mathematics teachers from all over Australia will gather this week in Canberra to boost their knowledge and teaching practices in new and creative ways during a week-long national intensive program to be held in Canberra from TODAY.
This program aims to help teachers deepen their knowledge as well as receive expert mentoring from experienced science and maths teachers. Teachers attending will also gain a better 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 this program is part of a larger project funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program.
The UC-led consortium project 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 project, 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 will be 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.
- Professor Gaffney is available for interview.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Marcus Butler: 0438 447 810