Teaching has its own rewards
4 July 2008
Kangan Batman TAFE's enterprising teaching staff took centre stage at the 2008 SpArtA Awards Night held at city venue CQ on June 19. The awards, hosted by Verve the industry training advisory borad (ITAB) for the cultural and recreation industries in Victoria - celebrate and promote the achievements of those excelling in the cultural and recreation sectors as students, teacher/trainers, employees and employers.
Kangan Batman TAFE was awarded the Training Initiative of the Year Award for the Hex delivery model, created and implemented by teachers in the Information Communication and Technology department.
Graphic Arts and Multimedia senior educator David McLean accepted the award at last week's presentation evening, and said it was a credit to the team effort behind the development of the Hex model.
"I was rapt to receive the award on behalf of all the staff members involved in creating and implementing this method of delivery," he said. The SpArtA Training Initiative award recognises excellence and innovation in the development and implementation of a leading edge initiative, project, program or product for the purpose of vocational education and training.
Kangan Batman TAFE's entry proved its relevance and value against a wide range of other nominations entered by Registered Training Organisations and businesses across the state.
David said the Hex model was designed to re-engage students, maximise resources and develop a more collaborative teaching environment. "The new model differs from the current department structure, with six terms in a calendar year, a more balanced lesson load for students, and better opportunities for teachers to meet and discuss the teaching experience," David said.
"Staff members are really seeing the benefits of the new approach, particularly in the way it has improved their work structure.
"We're continually working on the model to make sure it serves it purpose. Our next step will be to confirm that the targeted improvements like student retention and increased completions have been achieved.
"We are all hopeful that the success of the model in our department will have a flow-on effect to other areas of the Institute."
