Winter 2015

IN THIS ISSUE
In this edition of In the LOOP we focus on
exploring a range of practical skills to assist
you to enhance your ‘praxis’, as we know
‘Praxis Makes Perfect’.
Applying our practical skills and knowledge as an Educator
requires ‘examining all aspects and experiences from different
perspectives’ (EYLF 2009:13). Through critical reflection we
can examine the lens in which we view the world. There are
a range of influences that inform our world view including
our values and beliefs, which have been informed by our
upbringing and life experiences. We accommodate these
influences at a young age to try and make sense of our world
and who we are in this world – our identity.
Children’s use of their home languages underpins their
sense of identity and their conceptual development noted by
Anaik Doyle from MDA – this is one aspect that defines who
we are, as we develop and form our own theories based on a
range of situations we encounter.
These theories we ascertain from observation in our
environment and capture reams of footage using our own lens.
Dr Bridgette McKelvey asks ‘what images have moved you?’
The aspects of life that move us or resonate are more likely to
be the things that we capture and edit as part of our story, so
who better to be behind the lens than the maker of the story,
capturing those images that are relevant to their identity and
belonging. She suggests ‘by tailoring project provocations
to follow children’s interests, projects will sustain group focus
and exploration. Ask yourself what is happening in your
community and to whom, what images kids are responding to,
and what they are talking about.’ What makes you Happy?
According to Eileen Heywood we all deserve to be happy and
there is research that supports this, one point says ‘Happiness
makes people more resilient’ and ‘there is no doubt that the
ECEC sector has high rates of burnout and staff turnover.’
With these being so prevalent a team of researchers from
Queensland University of Technology and Charles Sturt
University are researching ways to grow and sustain a skilled
and professional workforce for Australia. Please take the time
to read this in more detail and complete the online survey.
Research published by the PSC Alliance states that
professional development and support is an ‘effective staff
retention strategy it supports engagement and commitment of
staff’ as well as overall job satisfaction - HAPPINESS.
PRAXIS
[‘praeksis]
1. Performance or application of
skill. The practical side and application
of something such as a professional
skill, as opposed to its theory.
2. Established practice.
Established custom or
habitual practice.
In July and August ACECQA, in partnership with the
Department of Education and Training and the Health and
Community Services Workforce Council are hosting a series
of free workshops for educators focusing on Quality Area 1:
Educational program and practice. ‘Educators can share their
ideas and experiences and learn more about educational
programs and practices’ says ACECQA’s National Education
Leader Ms Livingstone.
Promoting this culture of professional inquiry as outlined in the
EYLF 2009:13 supports issues relating to curriculum quality,
equity and children’s wellbeing to be raised and debated and
motivates staff to influence or change practice. Reviewing your
theory and practice or Praxis is key to your Educational and
Program and Practice.
Another service that supports Praxis is Noahs Ark. It continues
to operate the IPSP Specialist Equipment and offers ‘PERL’s of
wisdom through the Professional Educators Resource Library
with an affordable subscription.
There are additional development and support
opportunities available through the IPSP to inform
your practice.
Use your LDCPLP funds to pay for any of the professional
development charted on the calendar and ask one of our
knowledgeable consultants about ascribing specific mentoring
to shorter workshops to deepen your learning and critical
reflections.
The IPSP Online Library can also enhance your knowledge in
different areas and scaffold on your learning. This collection
is intended for educators, educational leaders, students and
anyone working under the National Quality Framework in
Australia. Within this collection you will find resources such
as templates, forms, digitised booklets, vignettes, and other
sources of information and inspiration for those working for
and with, children and families. This collection has a focus on
working with children aged birth to twelve.
Tara Lee Franks
Health and Community Services Workforce Council
REFERENCES:
Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations for the Council of Australian Government (DEEWR, 2009)
Belonging, Being, Becoming: The Early years Learning Framework.
Russell, Q. (2009). Child Care Staff: Learning and growing Through Professional Development. Professional Support Coordinator Alliance (PSCA)
WORKFORCE.ORG.AU 3