adult workshops 2005
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) believes in a deep approach to learning that pushes the boundaries of every learner’s understanding of the real world—including adult learners!
In 2005 adult workshops were delivered via the following PEO programs:
- University Program
- Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Program
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
- Mature Student Program.
University Programs 2005
I found the lecture and especially the tutorials extremely beneficial to my learning as an aspiring teaching professional.
During 2005 the PEO ran four programs with students of education in their first, second or third year of study. The programs were conducted on campus at La Trobe University in Victoria, the University of Launceston in Tasmania, Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory and the Australian Catholic University in the Australian Capital Territory.
While each program varied in content and mode of delivery, all four university programs engaged the participants in active role-play via:
- a debate in the House of Representatives
- a Senate committee of inquiry
- a debate in the Senate.
The role-play experience was followed by informal discussions that focused on:
- the pedagogy of the role-play. Having contributed to the parliamentary debate with gusto, the teachers in training reflected on the power of the role-play to motivate
- practical examples of how to successfully integrate the role-play into the classroom
- the processes that underpin Australia’s fundamental law-making processes.
The lecture and tutorial provided concrete demonstrations of the pedagogy we advocate.
TAFE Programs 2005
I think every Australian should participate in this program, and then we would have a very politically aware and productive community.
The PEO ran programs in four Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges across Victoria and five TAFEs throughout Queensland in 2005. Most students participating in the program were mature aged, from diverse backgrounds and studying in the areas of community services and welfare.
I learned heaps of stuff—to be pro-active and confident in talking about parliamentary processes and how our vote is very important.
The TAFE students were enthusiastic participants in role-play activities based on House of Representatives and Senate debates and a Senate committee of inquiry and asked many questions which deepened their understanding of parliamentary processes. They were also very pleased to be visited by their federal member and in some cases a federal senator.
We are from a wide age range with different educational and employment backgrounds. We benefited from your expertise and first-hand knowledge.
English as a Second Language Programs 2005
In 2005, the PEO facilitated 15 separate programs designed specifically for students of English as a second language (ESL). Held in the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament, students participated in House of Representatives role-plays that highlighted the main functions of parliament—law-making, representation and scrutiny.
PEO facilitators in association with the teachers, used the role-play program as an introduction to democracy which allowed students to:
- encounter the rights and freedoms of democracy
- craft speeches and articulate opinions
- listen to and support their peers
- engage in parliamentary processes.
The feedback below summarises the power of the experience for one ESL student:
I enjoyed your presentation very much and it was interesting to play a role as a member of parliament. Also, it was a good idea for helping us practice our speaking and understand the bill. I thought visiting Parliament House would be boring, because it is a serious place, but this trip gave me pleasure to see and understand how the members of parliament have their meeting, passed the bills and how government business is introduced. It opened my eyes and made me understand decisions are not easy to make.
Mature Student Programs 2005
What an experience—I was the Prime Minister for an hour!
A Little Lunch Sitting gives mature students the opportunity to meet their federal representative and to gain a greater understanding of the federal Parliament through interaction, role-play and observation of Question Time. Various community groups enjoyed Little Lunch Sittings during 2005 including the Springwood branch of the Liberal Party of Australia, Probus groups from Canberra and Wagga and Mr Speaker’s workers in the electorate of Wannon.
Participation—it’s the best way to learn.
During 2005 members and senators who attended the program included:
- Mr Bob McMullan, member for Fraser
- Mr Kerry Bartlett, member for Macquarie
- Mrs Kay Hull, member for Riverina
- Mr Alby Schulz, member for Hume
- the Hon David Hawker, member for Wannon and Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Kate Lundy, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory.