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1.6 Teaching chemistry for deeper understanding

Description

This is a continuing activity that includes a university short course, action learning and reflective discussion groups, support from online mentoring and access to workplace coaching. A new cohort of teachers will increase and deepen their knowledge of:

  • new cutting edge areas of chemistry

  • conceptual development of big chemical ideas in a contextual framework

  • pedagogical content knowledge (application of general pedagogy to chemistry teaching)

  • approaches that challenge more able chemistry students.


    • As a result of the project, participants will increase and deepen their application of this knowledge to the teaching of chemistry in Stage 6 classes and become more involved in a network of chemistry teachers. The activity will be managed by a designated officer who will take responsibility for meeting the professional needs of teachers participating in the activity.

    A component of the project will be a twenty six hour short course provided by a university.

    Contacts

    Gary Carey
    email: gary.carey@ceo.syd.catholic.edu.au
    Ph 9643 3638
    Fax 9643 3609
    Sector: CEC     		    


    Outcomes

    Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have strengthened the currency and depth of their learning area knowledge and understandings.
    Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have strengthened the currency and depth of their pedagogical knowledge and skills.
    Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have engaged productively in collegial networks that extend and support knowledge and skills.

    Access

    Design

    The professional learning strategy for this activity includes:


    • partnerships with higher education institutions to provide expertise in the development, design and implementation of professional development activities

    • participation in formal courses or awards

    • flexible learning that includes face-to-face workshops, online mentors, coaching and discussion groups.


    This project is closely aligned to:

    1. Towards 2010, Sydney Catholic Schools Strategic Leadership and Management Plan 2006-2010

      • Key Area 2 - Students and Their Learning

        Strategic Intent Statement - 2.2 Students who are challenged to achieve academic excellence


        • Key Performance Indicator - 2.2.4 Increased numbers of students attaining Band 6 level performance

      • Key Area 3 - Pedagogy

        Strategic Intent Statement - 3.2 Pedagogy that is inclusive, innovative and effective

        Key Performance Indicator - 3.2.4 Improvement in the teaching of science



    2. Catholic Education Office Sydney, Learning Framework Discussion Paper

    3. The recent emphasis of the Australian Government to enhance the teaching of science and the promotion of science as a post school tertiary option

    4. NSW Institute of teachers' professional teaching standards.


    Evaluations of the 26 hour course and work-place coaching conducted in 2006 have been positive. This has resulted in the decision to continue the 2006 project into 2007 to provide opportunities for other teachers to be involved.

    Implementation

    The implementation of this project will involve two parallel phases. Participants will engage in a short course provided by a university over a 4-month period. During this time and for a further period of time they will be involved in discussion groups (both face-to- face and online), mentoring (in person and online) and workplace coaching if required.
    The implementation of the activity will be supported by the following personnel:
    designated project officer, academic partner, and external providers.

    Delivery

    Mentoring, workshops/course

    Timeline

    By May 2007:


    • 26 hour short course delivered by a university

    • discussion groups met at least 4 times "on line mentoring established and in progress

    • planning for workplace coaching commenced if need identified

    • evaluation process developed and in progress

    • submit progress report in May.


    By November 2007:

    • mentoring completed

    • discussion groups completed

    • workplace coaching finalised

    • evaluation completed

    • submit annual report in November.

    Sectors

     
    This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training as a quality teacher initiative under the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme.
    Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia 2007