Principals and teachers from over twenty five (25) Hunter schools were given the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s foremost education experts.
Glen O’Grady, Director for the Centre for Higher Education, Learning and Teaching at the Australian
National University provided teachers and principals from RDA Hunter’s ME Program with strategies
and practical techniques to implement in the classroom.
Mr O’Grady is a world renowned expert in the field of Problem Based Learning (PBL) shared his knowledge at the breakfast event hosted by the ME Program.
Problem based learning is a student centred teaching methodology in which students learn about a subject
through solving real world problems. PBL aims to develop a students’ knowledge and encourages self directed learning and effective collaboration.
“This new method of teaching which the ME Program advocates, focuses on engaging students in practical
activities that develop not only the skills they need to do well in school but the skills they will need for the
rest of their lives,” said Mr Ashley Cox, ME Program Manager at RDA Hunter.
“It’s about ensuring that learning makes sense. We all remember sitting in school wondering why we had to
learn certain things. PBL ensures that students know why they are learning something and how to use it in
the future.” Continued Mr Cox
Adam Hendry, Learning Co-ordinator at Parramatta Marist High School addressed the group about
the lessons his school has learnt in the eight years since their extensive Problem Based Learning program
has been implemented.
For copies of the presentation, contact sarah.frith@rdahunter.org.au
