Fresh new teaching force graduates
Published on 05 March, 2004
Pioneering graduates from CQU's Bachelor of Learning Management degree are the best-yet equipped for the real world of classroom teaching.
That is according to Lynne Foley, Executive Director of Schools, Rockhampton District, for Education Queensland.
Ms Foley said the new graduates, 69 of whom attended a CQU Rockhampton graduation ceremony on Saturday morning, had worked for 10 weeks as interns during their third year of study and had gained an unprecedented level of contact with schools during their degree.
"This means they have had plenty of 'real-world' experience of handling a classroom on their own," she said.
Ms Foley, who will be among the stage party at the graduation, said the BLM's success was founded on its origin as a partnership between the education industry and the University.
"We have had a true parternship where teachers and education administrators have been involved in constructing courses and have continued to be involved through the implementation phase," she said.
"Also, teachers have worked alongside undergraduates, learning with them in a collaborative manner, so it has been a two-way learning experience.
"These graduates have been prepared to start their careers ready for the real world of teaching." Meanwhile, Diocesan Director of Catholic Education Leesa Jeffcoat said she offered her congratulations to the first group of graduates of the CQU Bachelor of Learning Management course.
"As a major employer of CQU graduate teachers, I am excited by the prospect of these new thinkers joining the teaching profession and with their fresh ideas helping to invigorate the learning process. "Catholic Education has been pleased to be a partner with CQU in the design and implementation of this course and to have hosted many of these graduates in our schools for the practical components of their studies.
"This course has been an innovative addition to the range of teacher training options available," Miss Jeffcoat said.
Photos: Some of the pioneering BLM graduates at the CQU Rockhampton graduation ceremony last Saturday.