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Creative Learning Space

Chantel Borke

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Advocating for refugees.

In Australia, it is government legislation that all non-citizens without visas who are seeking asylum are detained. These asylum seekers are often fleeing from poverty stricken countries and extremely dangerous conditions in order to find refuge for themselves and their families. This desperate journey, commonly by boat is dangerous and often fatal. In recent times the treatment of asylum seekers has been of enormous ethical discussion in the media worldwide. Inside detention, 128 children were involved in self-harm, 233 cases of assault and 33 cases of sexual assault were reported within the space of one year (ABC News, 2015).

I believe this is extremely horrible as children and their families are living and sleeping in dirty and crowded rooms, being treated like prisoners. These people are fleeing their country as they are wanting freedom and asylum, however. When they arrive in most cases it is horrible the way they are treated. I saw one video on a facebook feed (unknown source) that displayed a man with a baby running away from aggressive authority figures. A news woman tripped this man who then fell with the baby in his arms, potentially harming the baby and the man. When seeing this, I thaught, who can help this situation? We can.

Many organizations and individuals such as The International Detention Coalition, ChilOut and The Refugee Council of Australia are already putting words into practice by advocating for these refugees. There are physical and mental health concerns. For the thousands of children there are concerns for development and learning opportunities. if we all work together as a community to advocate for those less fortunate we can make a difference in the lives of many children women and men. There may not be an easy solution to end this problem, however there are many ways in which we as a nation can work together towards equality and the correct treatment of human beings.

Reference:

ABC News. (2015). Children in detention centres living in ‘toxic environment’. Retrieved 24 October 2015, from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-12/children-immigration-detention-toxic-environment-abuse-self-harm/6088254

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How do we make the unknown, known?

I had never heard of ‘liminal spaces’ and after reading research and reflection about these spaces I have come to realise that I have always been aware of the qualities of the space I just didn’t know it!

The liminal space refers to the unknown and a place of transition. The moments of waiting and not knowing can vary in degree and time, however I believe it can also vary the mood of the person. What I found interesting from Jon DeWaals blog was that he said those who transition best through a liminal space “always have other sets of eyes on them” (DeWaal, 2011). At first I thought that adults don’t; that was quickly replaced with they do. If you have people who care for you or who are your employer, lecturer or even student; these are the people who watch over you with or without knowing it. As a teacher we guide our students and answer questions about all subjects so their transition through different liminal spaces are safe and supported. As a human we have “liminality” in all of our lives; sometimes it can cause anxiety and sometimes it can spark a drive for something new.

I am currently beginning a new job after four years at my previous workplace. I believe there are still many unknown factors that could be filled about my new job. This at first was nerve racking and I thought I had made the wrong decision to leave my comfortable job where I could walk around the store blindfolded and know what to do. This new opportunity has caused a spark in me and I believe it is because of this liminal, unknown aspect. To make the unknown known it is easy to ask questions or search on the internet, however, I believe to keep a liminal space keeps a drive in you and a motivation to learn.

A future learning space needs to ensure that students are aware of liminal spaces and that not knowing something is perfectly fine. It is how we all learn as humans. There is always someone there who is willing to help you get through your liminal space, your “in-between”. The most exciting, possibly daunting thing when I begin teaching I will be that person for my students.

Reference:

DeWaal, J. (2011). What is a liminal space?. Inaliminalspace.com. Retrieved 22 October 2015, from http://inaliminalspace.com/about/what

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This gives you goosebumps..

The images on this website taken by Tyler Trump and posted by the international rescue committee are very raw and confronting. It shows what a mother, child, teenager, artist refugee would have in their bag. They lack the necessities and this is very alarming for their wellbeing. It is alarming how much we don’t know about these people and it must be so horrible for them in this time of the unknown. advocates such as doctors, politicians and communities should help these people and give them guidance in this time where so much is unknown.

Reference:

Medium,. (2015). WHAT’S IN MY BAG? — Uprooted IRC. Retrieved 22 October 2015, from https://medium.com/uprooted/what-s-in-my-bag-758d435f6e62#.r4ybomcge

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Learning How to Learn

My learning taxonomy changes depending on mood, time of day, weather, events. Sometimes things happen in life that are not expected and can affect your learning greatly. This year my learning has been on a roller coaster. I believe that I can learn from this and experiment with what works and what doesn’t. Motivation and time management have been a big issue this semester and I am glad I can Identify why. Stress, Tiredness, Sickness, Laziness. All of these things can happen within a year in response to unfortunate or unexpected events and some years, weeks, months you deal with it a little better than others. So here is my taxonomy at the moment.                   

Focus and motivation – Don’t be lazy! Don’t watch “just one more” episode of the block. Get into the right headspace and start!!

Understand the task – Break down the task into smaller goals. Overall the task might be hard but each small goal might be easier. If needed write your own overview of the task.

Organisation and motivation – Time management and motivation is very important. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to complete the task before stress sets in. When you are stressed or anxious you do not do your best work and make mistakes you usually wouldn’t. Make sure you leave time to get ready for work, uni, events. If you don’t you may stress, lose motivation and forget important things (your textbook, USB, notebook, etc).

Learning environment – When I am studying I prefer to have some light noise in the background. This may be in the form of music, a movie or tv. I try to keep my phone away from me as it is my main distraction.

Reflection – Reflection is one of the most important factors in learning and experience. Without reflection we don’t learn.

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Group work. Do we assign groups or let the students choose?

This Interesting Definiton from I.M Griggs from teaching treasures publications:

“The group mostly consists of a fast learner, a >students with learning difficulties, and two average students.” Teaching Treasures (Griggs, 2005). 

Do you agree? Is this fair to judge the “average” students. Or do we think it isn’t fair but do it anyway?

I believe that collaboration, Cooperation and Group work are essential in schooling. Students must be able to experience the skills needed to work in a group effectively and cooperatively. I.M Griggs states what is happening in schools today, mixing the students who are advanced with students who are struggling. I am still developing my opinion on this. On my practicum I had a few students ask me why they can’t choose their groups and why the teacher always puts them with the people who play up or don’t work as well. They said “Why don’t you just put them all together, so they don’t let anyone else who actually want to do the work down”. I thought this was a good point. This was my same opinion when I was in school. I believe Griggs strategy can work at times but can also be less beneficial for some students.

Reference:

Griggs, I. (2005). Group Learning Article. Teachingtreasures.com.au. Retrieved 7 September 2015, from http://www.teachingtreasures.com.au/newsletters/grouplearn.htm

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Curriculum as a learning space

What is the curriculum? My answer would be that the curriculum is an overarching model for schools and organisations (e.g the QCAA for Queensland) to understand what students at each level and subject should be learning. The Curriculum is altered when QCAA creates a syllabus from ACARA. It is altered again when schools create work programs and unit outlines. It is then altered again when a teacher interprets the work program and adapts the curriculum to their pedagogy and students.

The curriculum is not only a document it is also a learning space for teachers, parents and students to understand the level of knowledge that is suitable for a certain age group. I believe having a national curriculum is a great idea! It makes it as fair as possible for all schools and students. Teachers gather as a CoP to understand and select what sections of the curriculum to implement when and how in their schools.

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The Electronic Space.

ICT is a great tool for learning but it is not essential for a teacher or student.  ICT can include laptops, smart boards, iPads, tablets, smartphones, video web sessions, Skype and many more technologies. Digital technologies are extremely important in the 21st century. Without these technologies information wouldn’t be as readily available to all learners around the world (UNESCO, 2012).When used correctly the electronic learning space can be a great environment for students with all learning preferences and needs. When used incorrectly the electronic learning space can become a bottomless pit of information and websites. Without a direction, the electronic learning space can be dangerous. Students need to be able to understand how to use the space and why they are using it. Web 2.0 technology is also a great tool to encourage a CoP to develop in this particular learning space. I would call the internet an ‘Incursion’ within the classroom as students can have almost any questions answered with the touch of a button. When used correctly students can use valuable information to develop and construct their own learning.

UNESCO. (2012). Turning on Mobile Learning: Global Themes. France: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

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Effective and Engaging Learning Environments

Here is an e-presentation of effective and engaging learning environments specifically focusing on Drama!

-> E-Presentation

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My volunteering experience to create a drama Incursion for Grade 4-6 students.

I have just finished giving drama workshops at a primary school in Brisbane and I am so grateful for the experience. This was very valuable for me as I was the person who was giving the students the opportunity for an incursion. The students worked very well and enjoyed the series of drama workshops I gave them. The most rewarding day was my last day. I had given the students small scripts to perform in groups. They had a small amount of time in the week prior to rehearse. They were not expected to bring costumes or learn lines. When I arrived on my last day students were all in costumes and rehearsing at lunch time in their groups. It made me so happy to know that they had formed their community of practice within their classes and groups. Their performances were great and some students learned their lines!! I have established a great relationship with the teachers now and have expanded my PLN. They will be working on a different play in class and I will be invited back to see their progress!!

(Very Happy Teacher)

*This picture is an example from the plays I provided them. Feel free to give me your email address and I will share this resource with you.

Snow White.

playscript example

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