eVALBEC
August 2021 | VALBEC | Web version
Latest News
**Upcoming Valbec PD Webinar**
Neurodiversity in Adult Learning with Linno Rhodes
Note: Change in webinar date
Wednesday 1 September 2021 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEST
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia are perhaps the most common specific learning differences we encounter in the adult learning environment. In this webinar, participants will be guided through the manifestations of these learning differences and learn some strategies to expand their teaching toolbox. We will revisit the adult learning principles and look at teaching through a strength-based approach.
Linno Rhodes is an adult literacy educator. She is interested in the transformative power of education and the wonders of the brain and learning.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Spotlight on Valbec committee member Di Buckley!
This eValbec shines a light on Di Buckley who joined Valbec’s committee of management this year. Like all Valbec committee members, Di is very busy. Along with a busy work schedule, Di is part of the Fine Print editorial team, and the Valbec Conference and PD Forums working groups. In addition to all that extra work, last week Di took time to write about a Zoom project she’s been involved in at Victoria University. She shared her experience with the Valbec Facebook Group, and it was so inspiring I’ve decided to share it here:
“I’ve just finished co-delivering a three week International Global Careers English Program to Korean students in Seoul. Zoom made it possible to have daily English and Careers classes, as well as a ‘Conversational Partners’ session with a range of native English speakers here in Victoria, each afternoon.
Students were able to participate in whole class sessions, break out room activities and view a range of learning resources easily and effectively. The program culminated in Mock Interview sessions (which were recorded) and provided further evidence of the development of their English language skills. In future programs, there is scope to further encourage conversational English skills by developing activities whereby students can upload their own videos and share their English language journey in personally engaging ways. The program finished with a heartfelt online ‘Graduation Ceremony’. Feedback from students has been really positive: they felt supported, encouraged and importantly, built on their existing language skills – in terms of both prowess and confidence.
Though face-to-face teaching remains a personal preference – for a myriad of reasons – this program has further reinforced that online learning has the potential to create great interactive practices and experiences, for students all over the world, especially during these pandemic-related challenging times.”
Join these and other conversations about new directions in adult learning in Valbec’s FB Professional Learning Group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/valbec/
1. From the President
In August, eVALBEC is better late than never. Better because we’ve had time to add a few last minute updates…
Firstly, Valbec’s conference planning is heating up. Believe us, this conference is going ahead on Thursday 25 November. Save the date!
And we’re going hybrid – face-to-face and online – so if you can’t make it to William Angliss, you can get into it on the internet!
Our Keynote Speaker this year is the multi-skilled Daniel Teitelbaum, lead facilitator at Playful Thinking, radio broadcaster*, comedy cabaret performer, an Associate Teacher of Design at Monash University and Chair of the Board for Tiny Non-Profit, an organisation dedicated to project led advocacy for sustainable living and dignified housing for all Australians.
Daniel leads people to discover playful tools from education, game design, theatre, philosophy, psychology and science to apply to the challenges of modern organisations and groups. Look forward to Daniel igniting Valbec’s Conference with playfulness on November 25th, 2021.
*Tune in to Daniel’s playful broadcasts on 3RRR and ABC 774 afternoons with Jacinta Parsons.
Elizabeth Gunn
Valbec President
Photo by Katrina Berban on Unsplash
2. Valbec Membership
Join or renew online.
https://archive.valbec.org.au/membership/
If you join in August, September or October, deduct 50%. Renewal falls due the following February
Members receive:
- 2021 – the Valbec professional learning series of 6 workshops will be free to current individual members.
- Discounts for the Annual Conference and other Valbec statewide professional development.
- Three issues of FINE PRINT per year – a quality LLN journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issues.
- eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
- Free online numeracy resources.
- Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
3. Conferences
Valbec 2021 Conference – “A Passage In Time – Changes in Teaching and Learning Practices”
This year’s conference is about the changing nature of teaching and learning environments. If you have something to share about your changing journey as a teacher and/or learner why not put your hand up to present at our conference? We would love to hear from you at info@valbec.org.au.
4. Upcoming PD
Webinar: Neurodiversity in Adult Learning
Valbec
September 1 at 5:30 – 6:30PM AEST
Presenter: Linno Rhodes
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia are perhaps the most common specific learning differences we encounter in the adult learning environment. In this webinar, participants will be guided through the manifestations of these learning differences and learn some strategies to expand their teaching toolbox. We will revisit the adult learning principles and look at teaching through a strength-based approach.
Linno Rhodes is an adult literacy educator. She is interested in the transformative power of education and the wonders of the brain and learning.
Webinar: Community learning through adversity and disaster: A conversation about adaptation through needs based lifelong learning
Adult Learning Australia
August 25 at 1:00 – 2:00PM AEST
Presenters: Associate Prof. Annette Foley and Prof. (Adjunct) Barry Golding
This presentation will draw from recent research on Men’s Sheds in regional and remote Victoria. It will reference a case study of a community-based Shed in a disadvantaged rural location to discuss the role local community learning can play in responding to and developing resilience in the face of locally experienced global disasters. The discussion will include a conversation about how small communities of practice can exercise agency to create a unique, place and needs-based form of ‘bottom up’ lifelong and life-wide learning.
Adult Learners Week 2021 – Change your story
1 – 8 September 2021
Adult Learners’ Week brings together organisations across the country to offer thousands of opportunities for all Australians to learn something new. It is a celebration of lifelong learning and demonstrates the dynamic personal, social and professional benefits of adult learning through a range of celebrations, activities and events across every state and territory. Any organisation involved in adult education and training can get involved in Adult Learners’ Week including neighbourhood houses, community centres, libraries, training organisations, employers, not for profit organisations, TAFE colleges and universities. More details
ALW21 Launch – 1 September at 1:00 – 3:00pm AEST
Presenters: Catherine Deveny MC with Simon Fenech, Ian Roberts, Lana Masterson
Be inspired by people who have changed their life stories through learning. The ALW21 launch is a virtual and free event. Register here.
5. Resources
The Plain English School by Lauren Carter
A recent welcome addition to the Language Literacy and Numeracy resources landscape is Lauren Carter’s Plain English School. In her own words, Lauren is “a total language and linguistics nerd who is passionate about helping others be the best versions of themselves”. Lauren’s posts include: Repetition Is A Fool’s Game, Miscommunication Is Your Problem, Slowing Down, and Plain English: What It Is And Why It’s Important
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
6. Fine Print
Fine Print Vol.44(2) reached members’ and subscribers’ mailboxes early in July. Along with many other treats, you will find in its pages Manjit Bhamral’s review of Ama Omran’s podcast series What The English?
In case you don’t have the journal in front of you, here’s so you can find out about this great series AND take inspiration from Manjit: write a review for Fine Print! It’s a great way to get experience in writing for a public audience while also contributing to your profession and to your own professional development.
Email Fine Print editor, Deryn Mansell, at fineprintvalbec@gmail.com to discuss your idea.
7. Digital Literacy
After discussing the student’s learning preference in the last issue, let’s start with low literacy level students as they are the hardest to reach out to in an online environment. One of the sites I would recommend is Liveworksheets.com for highly interactive, mostly easy to understand worksheets. Worksheets can be used as activities or assessments. They are free to use and without any copyright issues. Our EAL Initial and Course class students have successfully used them. It is easy for students to complete the work and send the worksheets to their teacher (Teacher needs to have a Liveworksheets account. Free and paid options are available). Students get instant feedback on their work. Teachers can use one of the many worksheets from collections or create their own.
8. Unions
Australian Education Union
National Tertiary Education Union
9. Employment Opportunities
Diamond Valley Learning Centre
Compliance Officer – Diamond Valley Learning Centre. More info
Job vacancies advertised by NHVIC
https://www.nhvic.org.au/job-opportunities
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