Fired up about Rural Education at the ISFIRE Conference at UWA
We have just returned home feeling inspired and reenergised after participating in the 3rd International Symposium for Rural Education “Rural Education on the Global Stage: Connecting for Innovation” in Perth Wed-Friday last week (13-15 Feb). The event was held at the University of Western Australia and they co-hosted proceedings with the Society for the Provision of Education for Rural Australia and The University of New England (SiMERR)
Marg James, arriving from Alice Springs and Emma Browne from Brisbane were met by Perth based teacher, Margo and a horrific heatwave- 40 odd degree temperatures!! Margo assisted us with our Honey Ant Readers table which we strategically set up in the hall way of the School of Education Atrium with a big, bright yellow table cloth, beautiful banner and an enormous array of resources. Margo drew on her experience as a teacher, and passion for literacy, language and art to explain the project to passersby and even made a few sales!
The conference got off to a great start on Wednesday, 13 February with a warm and unique welcome to Nyoongar land by Whadjuk-Balardon Woman Carol Garlett. Her speech, outlining her family background, connection to the land and her vast experience in education across remote WA made us feel welcome guests on an exciting learning/sharing journey! Carol has held various positions at the Department of Education, WA and is currently the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Education and Training Council of Western Australia.
Professor Helen Wildy from UWA gave an opening address followed by some housekeeping by Dr Elaine Sharplin. The Keynote address was presented by Professor Kai Schaft, Associate Professor of Education in the College of Education at Pennsylvania State University who said this conference was the furthest he had ever travelled to make a presentation! A a rural sociologist, Kai Schaft described some of his projects on rural poverty, on “rurality” and explored the age-old questions of accountability in education and what purpose it serves in the context of the unique challenges of the 21st century.
In the afternoons, parallel breakaways sessions explored themes of curriculum, technology in education, teachers and Indigenous issues. Margaret presented during one of these on Thursday afternoon in a dynamic and interactive 45 minute session that involved a power point presentation complemented by singing, multimedia and hands on use of the HAR resources. Lisa Bell, lecturer at UWA who coordinated the session commented afterwards on Marg’s impeccable presentation and preparation, saying “Clearly Margaret, you are an excellent teacher”. Lisa went on to say that Marg must be well attuned to the needs and assets of her learners and that clearly the HARs are a much needed resource for all Australian learners. Marg’s paper will be published among other ISFIRE publications later this year.
Overall we were thrilled to participate in the 3rd International Symposium in Rural Education with rural and remote educators sharing their experiences of innovation, resilience and creativity in facilitating their students’ learning around the world! Some highlights were meeting principal of St Arnaud Primary School Mark Mclay who is keen to trial our books this year. Chatting to John Halsey and his collegue John Gunthrie (whom we sat next to on the plane!) of Flinders University about their work across the country. Margaret discussed making a maths and science book with Catholic University lecturer Sue Wilson and has been liasing with Peter Merrotsy Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Western Australia about recognising and targeting talented and gifted Indigenous learners. Whilst in Perth Marg also caught up with the ever inspiring Patricia Koningsberg who heads the Tracks to Two Ways Learning project as well as Professor of Linguistics and Aboriginal English advocate, Ian Malcolm for some very productive readings about applications for the HARs.
We’re looking forward to the next symposium to be held in New Mexico next year!