What happens to schools during drastic societal changes such as a prolonged lockdown?
The August 2022 UTS Change and Innovation Conference was a recent Partnerships Initiative by the UTS FASS School of International Studies and Education (SoISEd).
SoISEd staff decided to explore what innovations have emerged as schools have adjusted to online learning in a post-pandemic era.
Phase One of this initiative involved bringing together school leaders who have been pioneering a path forward.
School leadership teams, initial teacher education academics, and pre-service teachers came together to share innovative practices in this new post-pandemic world.
They discussed a diverse range of urgent topics including teacher and student well-being, curriculum access, online learning platforms, teacher professional learning, and other issues.
Phase Two involved immersion experiences in schools so that conference participants could witness these innovative practices in action. The schools involved were Prairiewood High School, Lindfield Learning Village and Merrylands East Public school.
Conference participants were able to speak with school students about their experiences of learning during lockdown. They were able to see first-hand how schools could bounce back from the challenges to bring the school community back together.
The final phase was a workshop at UTS where participants could brainstorm on ways to carry forward innovative practices into 2023 and beyond. The positive feedback regarding this initiative was captured through one Principal’s comment below:
The day overall was fantastic. The presentations that I attended were inspiring. It was very refreshing to be given an opportunity to gain an insight into the wonderful work happening in different contexts. . . It was overall the best PL that I have attended, and I hope you can arrange more. . .
UTS is doing an amazing job in preparing the next generation of teachers. The practical nature of your program is wonderful, and important. I wish I had similar experiences during my studies. Our gates are open - if you need anything.
In light of these wonderful experiences, we look forward to building stronger and more impactful collaborations within the education sector in 2023.
Watch this space!
Joanne Yoo, Senior Lecturer
Master of Teaching in Secondary Education Combined Degrees Course Coordinator
School of International Studies and Education