Primary teachers head to Norway

Three Coffs Harbour primary school teachers are heading to Norway this weekend (April 13) to investigate how other international education systems work, as part of their research studies with Southern Cross University.

Dan Hammond, Michelle Scott and Stephanie George, teachers at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, will be attending the 3rd Annual Education Symposium at the Trondheim International School in Norway.

Accompanying them will be St Augustine’s principal Dr Jake Madden and Southern Cross University’s head of campus Professor David Lynch. The three school teachers are all undertaking their Master of Education by research and Professor Lynch is their supervisor.

Professor Lynch said there were a number of teachers in Norway who were also undertaking their Masters degree through Southern Cross University.

“This study opportunity will ensure these teachers are at the top of their field. They will have the opportunity to look at different education systems and to network with other classroom teachers,” Professor Lynch said.

Dr Madden, a strong advocate of lifelong learning, said the traditional notion of education as one-size fits all had shifted and he was keen to see his teachers investigate and develop new models of education.

“We have seen a big turn-around in education from a teacher-centric system to a student centric system. We are developing a learning framework that is personalised for each child and providing them with 21st century skills,” Dr Madden said.

“Through action research projects, we can provide a meaningful end product that will be beneficial to the teachers and the school, and the kids are part of that journey.”

Dr Madden said it was a great opportunity for his teachers to be exposed to the international setting and to share an understanding of changes in education.

“We are pleased to be working with our local university to help us promote and develop flexible and adaptable teachers.”

Dr Madden will be presenting a paper at the conference titled ‘Teachers as Researchers’.

As a follow up, teachers involved in the Masters program from Norway will be visiting Coffs Harbour later in the year.

Photo: St Augustine's students Marli Jenkins, Riley Doherty and Tara Rielly, with from left, Michelle Scott, Professor David Lynch, Dan Hammond, Dr Jake Madden and Stephanie George.