Pomona -- Seven more schools are set to join a partnership between Central Queensland University and Sunshine Coast State Schools in 2003 that delivers a unique educational experience to student-teachers.

The Learning Management programs -- now available to 29 participating schools -- respond to the needs of the teaching profession and replenishes resources by moulding teachers to meet the current and emerging needs of early childhood, primary and middle school students.

Minister for Education Anna Bligh, who supports the university-plus-industry partnership, will visit the Sunshine Coast on 17 December (Tuesday) to mark the expansion and launch the third successful year of Learning Management programs at the Noosa Hub of Central Queensland University’s Faculty of Education and Creative Arts at Pomona.

“The fundamental difference is children today are living in a multimedia-electronically- connected world with instant access to knowledge. We can’t be using the same methods we used 25 years ago to teach them, not in this age,” said Rob McAlpine, Executive Director Schools for Education Queensland on the Sunshine Coast.

“CQU graduates will be highly motivated teachers with broad visions and sharp sensibilities who will enhance the learning experience for students here on the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere,” said CQU Vice Chancellor and President Glenice Hancock. Recognised by Education Queensland as a best-practice initiative, Bachelor of Learning Management students are teamed-up with individual mentors to create a seamless relationship between coursework and practical applications in the classroom. Training is based on the medical school model of extensive work experience. The student-teachers are required to achieve outcomes for their young pupils as part of their university training.

“This is a national model, really. We’re preparing teachers at the CQU Noosa Hub for the real workforce in the 21st century by building work experience into the program, not adding it on as an after-thought,” explained David Lynch, coordinator of the Noosa Hub, co-located at Cooroora Secondary College.

Established in 2001 with 50 undergraduates, the Bachelor of Learning Management program has grown 190 undergraduates and 100 post-graduates (Masters of Learning Management) in 2003. The professionally accredited training program is fully funded by CQU in partnership with Education Queensland, which provides access to staff, facilities and schools. Bachelor of Learning Management students attend the Hub two days a week. The other days are spent at assigned Sunshine Coast schools and at sessions with their mentors Undergraduate and postgraduate Learning Management programs are also available at CQU Rockhampton, CQU Gladstone, CQU Bundaberg and CQU Mackay.