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Given the very busy time of the year that this is, my report will be short. I am sure you will identify with me! This has been an eventful and fulfilling year. One of the highlights was the very well-supported State Conference at the Rendezvous Hotel. Members will by now have received a CD ROM containing video footage of two of the conference presenters – Dr Anne McGuire, speaking about the Viewing outcome, and Tim Manea with some of his students, talking about the new English course. Other highlights of the year were the professional development workshops and seminars facilitated by our Professional Development Officer, Karren Philp. On behalf of the ETAWA Executive and Council, I extend my thanks to Karren for the work she has done this year in supporting the membership.
ETAWA has been working very hard to support its members through their implementation of the new English Course of Study. In this process, as with anything involving change, there is bound to be a degree of uncertainty, anxiety and negativity. While this has been the case for some ETA members involved with teaching the new course, the majority have maintained a positive outlook, many expressing their approval of the course and their appreciation of our support. Despite perceptions to the contrary, most English teachers have endorsed the new English course, commending its flexibility and capacity to more appropriately suit students’ learning styles.
ETAWA shares the concerns expressed by members at frequent and often unexplained changes to assessment recording and reporting requirements. Those of us on ETA Council who are in the classroom have experienced the same concerns and frustration. However, once teachers have the chance to get together and share their experiences and feelings, more often than not that frustration can be diffused.
Whereas the new course has naturally occupied centre stage, we must not forget that English and literacy teaching continues to grow in Years 8, 9 and 10. The experiences associated with senior schooling curriculum change have no doubt sharpened teachers’ focus on their existing teaching practices. It has been widely reported that one of the benefits has been a renewal of attention to what it is that we English teachers teach. Teachers have expressed particular interest in developing their skills in teaching Listening & Speaking.
I would like to wish all ETAWA members a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a wonderfully relaxing holiday break, however short it may be. I look forward to working with you again in the new school year.
Wendy Cody
President
06 Dec 2006 by ETA
ETAWA has been working very hard to support its members through their implementation of the new English Course of Study. In this process, as with anything involving change, there is bound to be a degree of uncertainty, anxiety and negativity. While this has been the case for some ETA members involved with teaching the new course, the majority have maintained a positive outlook, many expressing their approval of the course and their appreciation of our support. Despite perceptions to the contrary, most English teachers have endorsed the new English course, commending its flexibility and capacity to more appropriately suit students’ learning styles.
ETAWA shares the concerns expressed by members at frequent and often unexplained changes to assessment recording and reporting requirements. Those of us on ETA Council who are in the classroom have experienced the same concerns and frustration. However, once teachers have the chance to get together and share their experiences and feelings, more often than not that frustration can be diffused.
Whereas the new course has naturally occupied centre stage, we must not forget that English and literacy teaching continues to grow in Years 8, 9 and 10. The experiences associated with senior schooling curriculum change have no doubt sharpened teachers’ focus on their existing teaching practices. It has been widely reported that one of the benefits has been a renewal of attention to what it is that we English teachers teach. Teachers have expressed particular interest in developing their skills in teaching Listening & Speaking.
I would like to wish all ETAWA members a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a wonderfully relaxing holiday break, however short it may be. I look forward to working with you again in the new school year.
Wendy Cody
President
06 Dec 2006 by ETA
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