The first eight students to complete the new UTAS Graduate Certificate in Science Education graduated in Hobart today (Wednesday 19 December 2012).
The Grad Cert enables science teachers to upgrade their knowledge about the latest discoveries in science. It works by linking new research to the classroom in line with the Australian Curriculum in Science.
The course is aimed at teachers who work in upper primary, secondary and senior secondary schools, as well as being open to others involved in the field of science education.
Feedback from teachers about the course has been very positive, with comments focusing on the relevance of the program to classroom teaching and learning.
The graduating teachers represent a range of schools (primary and secondary, government and non-government) from around the state.
Rebecca Prenter, a science and maths teacher from MacKillop College, enrolled in the Grad Cert while looking for an opportunity to further hone her teaching skills.
“I did enjoy it and I teamed up with some really good people from others schools. It didn’t feel like a daunting task.
“I think it was the most valuable professional learning that I had done in my career-it was a really worthwhile experience for me.”
Duncan Brain, from New Town High School, also completed the Grad Cert. He teaches predominantly science to grades seven -10.
“The Science Hot Topics course got me interested, as it was all about staying up to date with what is the best practice in science.
“It gave me a chance to find out about the latest research at Menzies and uni, which is pretty important as a science teacher if I want to encourage my students to pursue a career in science.
“The beauty of doing the grad cert is everything was really relevant to what we are doing in the classroom.
“If you are inspired by the science, then it is much easier to inspire your students.”
The Grad Cert was developed and delivered by the UTAS Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology in collaboration with Denise Devitt from the Department of Education and Natalie Brown from the UTAS Tasmanian Institute for Learning and Teaching. The UTAS Faculty of Education also contributes to the program. The Science in Practice elective unit is supported by CSIRO’s Scientists in Schools program.