Outback Teaching Experience for Education Students

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 5-9-2007

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Education students from The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle recently took part in, what was for them, a life changing trip to the remote mining town of Laverton.

The two students, Jessica Hill and Kristy Keast spent four days in Laverton, connecting with the local community and experiencing what teaching in a small rural town can be like. It also gave them a chance to work closely with indigenous children in the town.

The pair were taking part in the University’s Christian Service-Learning Program where education students have the opportunity to complete 20-hours of community service in a remote area.

Ms Hill said the program instantly appealed to her as she was looking to gain experience working in a rural community to help with her teaching skills.

“I want to be a great teacher and for me only seeing suburban teaching is only seeing half of what primary school teaching is really like. I wanted to get an idea of what remote teaching is all about,” she said.

While there, they held a ‘Kindy gym’, which offered local children a range of physical activities, attended the local football match and held a barbecue for the Laverton Primary School teachers to talk about working and living in such a remote area.

Ms Keast said that she had an amazing experience in Laverton and would now consider working in a rural area when she graduates.

“Participating in this project was fantastic. I went with no expectations and was surprised about how much I enjoyed my time there. I am now thinking about doing my prac up there as they are offering some placements in Laverton next year,” said Ms Keast.

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