Discussion Forum: PD for effective Physics teaching
PD for effective Physics teaching – what we need and where we might find it. 5:00pm, 15th October, Deakin City campus
VicPhysics is holding a discussion forum with distinguished international physics educator, Dr Stuart Farmer.
Abstract: To improve student outcomes and for educational improvement, the need for high-quality career-long professional learning is well recognised. However, this then raises the questions of what that professional learning should be addressing and where teachers might best find the support they need.
To teach a topic well a teacher needs to develop their:
- Subject content knowledge of the topic
- Pedagogical content knowledge of the topic
- General pedagogical knowledge as it relates to the topic
- Knowledge of how the topic relates to other curriculum topics.
Teachers can develop their subject content knowledge though appropriate reading and research. However, a sound understanding of a topic is insufficient to teach that topic well. It is particularly important that professional learning is readily available which builds teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge, and which allows them to understand how to use their general pedagogical knowledge effectively within the topic. This includes an awareness of learners’ prior knowledge, developing clear explanations, relevant models and analogies, effective diagnostic questioning, and knowledge of a range of learning activities.
But where can teachers access such professional learning? How much can be done in the workplace? How can teachers access knowledgeable others with relevant expertise? How can teachers develop and participate in relevant communities of practice? These and other relevant questions will be explored in this talk.
Bio: Stuart is Learning and Skills Manager, Institute of Physics Scotland. Throughout his career Stuart has organised and delivered a wide range of teacher professional learning activities across Scotland and beyond, including work with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada. In 2016 he received the Bragg Medal and Prize from the Institute of Physics (IOP) ‘For outstanding contributions to enhance both the teaching and the public image of physics, making classroom science more relevant, attractive and visible’.
Venue: City Campus of Deakin University, Level 12, Tower 2, 727 Collins St. 6 min walk from Southern Cross Station. Tram routes 11 and 48 along Collins St to stop D15. Note: There is on street parking, but it usually taken. There is off street parking available, but some close at 7pm. For those that are 24 hrs, the cost will be about $20. There is likely to be more on street parking on the other side of Harbour Esplanade, from where you can catch a tram back up Collins St to the venue.
Date and Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Weds 15th October.
Cost: Zero. You are invited to dinner afterwards with other participants at Platform 28, a short walk away, where you will be able to order and pay for your food and drink.
To book:
For any queries please email Vicphysics.