New resource for teachers wins award
Science in the classroom has traditionally been concerned with textbooks and the periodic table as opposed to the real world of work. However, a new program launched by the Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) and Murdoch University Extractive Metallurgy is changing that perception with an education outreach program to show physical science teachers employment possibilities for their students. Currently 600 teachers have elected to be part of the initiative, and it has been so successful that it has been awarded a major prize for Innovation in Education and Training by the Cooperative Research Centres Association of Australia (CRCA). This scheme, known as Sustainable Researchers: CSRP School Teacher Professional Development Program, recognises teachers’ influence over their students. Through professional development workshops, after-school programs and technical site tours, it shows where science students might work in the future. There is widespread recognition that fewer young Australians choose careers in the minerals sector despite it being the country’s largest export earner. However, through the CSRP Teacher Program, students, through their teachers, can be shown the relevance of the enabling sciences. A review of existing programs around Australia reveals that while many universities and companies have education outreach programs, most of these are aimed at students. This new approach is different because it targets teachers, and as it is delivered through a CRC, there is no suspicion of unwanted influences from industry. To date, it is estimated that 100,000 students are benefiting from this improved teacher training program. The program began in the Perth metropolitan area five years ago with full-day “Chemistry and Physics of Extractive Metallurgy” workshops offered for school science teachers on the Murdoch campus during term breaks. A follow-up “advanced” course was offered. Additionally, a series of one-hour talks for school students were developed and offered along with several 90-minute after school workshops to schools and teachers in regional areas including Geraldton and Bunbury. In 2005 the program was extended to regional Queensland (Gladstone, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba and Charters Towers) and in 2008 to Victoria (Geelong and Ballarat). An ongoing doctoral study shows this program has led to an increase in teachers’ overall knowledge of the industry and provided a framework in which they can effectively network with scientists. Other results showed teachers’ willingness to provide career information to students and to use the mining and mineral industry as examples in class. It is anticipated that by year’s end, more than 750 teachers will have attended one or more CSRP Teacher Program events. |
Mr Ken Seymour (Murdoch University), Dr Dan Churach (CSRP) and Dr Nicholas Welham (University of Ballarat) with their award for leading the Teacher Program.
Ms Bernie Hobbs (ABC), The Hon. Tony Staley (CRCA), Dr Nicholas Welham (University of Ballarat), Mr Michael Hartmann (CRCA), Dr Dan Churach (CSRP), Mr Ken Seymour (Murdoch University), Mr Stevan Green (CSRP), The Hon. Kim Carr (Minister) and Dr Geoff Garrett (CSIRO) at the award presentation. |
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| CSRP staff and some of their participants celebrate at the Gala Awards Dinner on 22 May 2008 in Sydney: | ||
Dr Merrill Ford (ANSTO) and Prof Peter May (Murdoch University) |
Dr Nicholas Welham (University of Ballarat) and Mr Ken Seymour (Murdoch University) |
Mr Ken Seymour (Murdoch), Dr Dan Churach (CSRP), Mr Stevan Green (CSRP) and Dr Merrill Ford (ANSTO) |
Dr Dan Churach (CSRP), Mr Stevan Green (CSRP) and Dr Joe Herbertson (The Crucible) |
Dr Merrill Ford (ANSTO), Mr Stevan Green (CSRP) and Dr Mark Neville (CSRP) |
Dr Ray Shaw (Rio Tinto) and Dr Joe Herbertson (The Crucible) |
