Standard+6.3.5

=Create and utilise networks to support constructive professional discussion. =

I have been a regular [|Conference Participant] in various Science Teachers’ Association of NSW Conferences for many years, in fact since I was in Teachers’ College in 1975 (although I have not kept the evidence). I find that attending these conferences on a regular basis not only allows for the professional networking but re-invigorates one’s enthusiasm.

Keeping up with new trends and becoming aware of interesting resources is vital to maintaining professional vitality.

In recent years I have found various online discussion groups and newsletters such as:-


 * fromnowon@earthlink.net  for information on ICT and Thinking Skills (Jamie McKenzie)
 * Teachers’ Domain News
 * ABC Teaching Science Discussion List
 * ABC Science Updates, a weekly email alert from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
 * Middle School Portal 2 [Maths & Science Pathways] Online network []
 * Making Curriculum Pop Ning [|http://mcpopmb.ning.com]
 * CSIRO Science by Email

I occasionally participate in the discussions or offer suggestions when other subscribers are looking for activities or ideas; however, I find following discussions of great interest as well. Seeing how other teachers are dealing with content and bringing new resources to light is very useful.

While HSC Biology marking in 2007, I met a colleague at a nearby school and as I was the only HSC Biology teacher at my school I got in touch with her as I wanted some feedback on my proposed Trial paper. We worked quite closely, discussing the intricacies of the way questions are worded and devising realistic marking schemes. We both found the [|Collaboration on Trial HSC Setting] useful on many levels and while it is a small network it certainly supported constructive professional discussion.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">More recently I have become a member of STANSW Council with a number of responsibilities [cited previously]:-


 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Convenor of the Early Career Teachers’ Professional Learning Course
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Editor of eNews – a quarterly electronic news letter to Science educators in NSW
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Editorial team of Science Education News
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Regular contributor to Science Education News
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Regular presenter at Meet the Markers Meetings – Biology
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Presenter at Primary Science Conference 2011

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Thus creating and utilising networks to support constructive professional discussion.