Blog 1: Anne Glynn

Throughout the EDUC1751 Course, our group participated in activities, which engaged us through an authentic task, group work and project based learning (PBL) pedagogical approaches. These strategies were successful as they worked simultaneously rather than in opposition. Participating as a student in these teaching strategies was an opportunity to experience the perspective of the student. This is a significant learning experience for a novice teacher as these are the types of pedagogies we will be using in our classrooms as practitioners. Therefore, we can reflect on and consider for future implementation from our experiences. 

Making the short film gave us an opportunity to consider the NSW BOS Syllabus documents from a cross-curricular perspective. The content and desired implementation of the film gives opportunities for it to meet a myriad of outcomes ranging from the k-6 Syllabi and the 7-10 Syllabi. It would be particularly effective in the English and PDHPE classrooms as a stimulus and a point for engagement. In particular, from a secondary English teacher’s perspective it can be use in a variety of ways in the English classroom. Specifically used as a task and text it is appropriate for Stage 4, outcome 9: “A student demonstrates understanding that texts express views of their broadening world and their relationships within it.” (NSW BOS, 2003, p28) and stage 5, outcome 9: “A student demonstrates understanding of the ways texts reflect personal and public worlds.” (NSW BOS, 2003a, p40). In the PDHPE 7-10 Syllabus it could be used as an appropriate stimulus in strand 1, Self and Relationships: “enhance their sense of self, improve their capacity to manage challenging circumstances and develop caring and respectful relationships” (NSW BOS, 2003b, 12). In addition, pedagogical and content approaches in the process and product of the film were considered according to the Quality Teaching Model through the areas of Intellectual Quality, Quality Learning Environment and Significance (NSW DET, 2006).