Shine Magazine, Issue 1, February 2010 - Department of Education ...

OpinionKristina BratichMy teachingphilosophyTeaching and learning are innateinstincts. We all teach and learn in someway every day of our lives. But I oftenask myself: What is the nature of thiscompelling vocation that holds me yearafter year in its exhausting yet rewardinggrip? Ultimately, education is aboutthe mind I am continually constructingwith other young minds in my care. Theteaching experience is one of ongoingpersonal transformation, a “turning themind around” as Aristotle would have itcenturies ago.As a teacher of philosophy and English,I have been intrigued by the fact thatphilosophy produces such differentoutcomes in students. Moving froma philosophy class to an English classin the same day potently highlightsthis difference. In philosophy, we areall students grappling with ideas andquestions that have preoccupied humanbeings since active consciousnessoriginated in the human reality.Philosophical texts are simply vehiclesfor us to explore our own ideas andultimately our own natures as individualsin a complex and changing universe.As with Socrates, we are still prompted toask the question: “What ought a personto be?” in order to lead a “good life”?Iris Murdoch frames a similar questionthousands of years hence when she alsoLive Reptiles at your schoolJOINING the CHORUSTheatre Production WorkshopThursday 25 March 2010EDUCATIONAL • INTERACTIVE • FUNHold a snake • Feed a lizard • Say hello to afrog • Touch a turtle • Wrestle a crocodile!Other programs available:WHAT’S SAFE IN MY GARDEN?Invite our Magnificent Mini-beaststo crawl around your school orkinder.Beetles, Stick Insects, Scorpions,Spiders, Giant Cockroaches & more!ANIMALS WITH ATTITUDETargeting Challenging studentsYears 3–11. We bring live: Lizards,Sporpions, Bird-eating Spiders,Giant Cockroaches, Huge Snakesand Crocodiles.Tracey Sandstrom0418B.Ed. Dip.Teach. 227 W.D.L.083www.roamingreptiles.com.au• Public LiabilityInsurance• Presentation designedby teachers• K to 12WE GUARANTEEno student attackedby the crocodile(unless requested)!snakes@roamingreptiles.com.auA professional development workshop aims to demystifysome of the complexities of staging a school musical,so that it may become a simpler, more enjoyable andrewarding experience for you and your colleagues.The workshop, hosted by members of the JOINING theCHORUS production and events team, will cover dance,music production, costume, legals and set.For more information contactJOINING the CHORUS on (03) 9415 1700or email: jtc@edumail.vic.gov.au48 Shine Feb 2010