adult workshops 2006
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 2006 the PEO presented the following adult workshop programs:
- a University Program for students of education from La Trobe University, Victoria
- many TAFE Programs for TAFE students in campuses across New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia
- a range of English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs in a variety of rural and city locations
- several Mature Student Programs delivered at Australia’s Parliament House.
For more information about these programs go to Customised Programs.
La Trobe university education students
The PEO runs the University Program for students of education in their third or fourth year of study. During 2006 this program was conducted on campus at La Trobe University in Victoria.
The La Trobe program engaged education students in role-playing how the Parliament would consider a bill (proposed law) to limit junk food in Australian schools. The House of Representatives debate initiated the proposal and was followed by a Senate committee of inquiry and a Senate debate. Using this simple method, the students learned about the complexities of Australian law-making.
The role-play experience was reinforced with a tutorial that explored role-play pedagogy including its practical application in the classroom and its power to motivate student centred learning.
TAFE students across Australia
Students often groan ‘boring’ when they hear the word ‘parliament’, but by the end of a day with the PEO, having actively participated in a program that reproduces the life and activities of the federal Parliament, students are animated and engaged.
A clear, interesting and enjoyable learning experience. The role-play was valuable because it included our imagination and involvement as opposed to a lecture.
I will take away from this session a new found interest in government processes.
Throughout 2006 four PEO educators ran the TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Program at 13 different campuses across New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria. Participating students were from city and country locations, varied in age and were studying in the field of community service and welfare. Students willingly immersed themselves in the role-play activity, expressed a multitude of opinions and asked many questions. Some had the opportunity to meet and speak directly with their local member or a representative of their member.
The more we know, the more we can do.
The TAFE students debated a bill in the House of Representatives and the Senate; ran a Question Time and took part in presenting ideas to a parliamentary committee. This program enabled the students to make connections between themselves, their future work and the role of the federal Parliament.
ESL students
The English as a Second Language (ESL) team had a busy year in 2006. During the year we ran a number of programs in various parts of Australia. We travelled to Wollongong, Geelong, Dandenong, Warnambool, Chisholm, Melbourne but stayed home to deliver programs right here in Canberra!
Groups of students of widely different language abilities and nationalities (from China , Kosovo, the Sudan, Vietnam, Japan, Colombo, and Lithuania to name a few) and widely different ages (17 to 70 years) participated with great enthusiasm. The Hon. David Hawker MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for Wannon and Annette Ellis MP, federal Member for Canberra, attended the program and gave freely of their time—meeting students and answering their many questions.
During workshops, students took advantage of the friendly, non-threatening environment to engage in role-plays that highlighted the main functions of parliament—law-making, representation and scrutiny. One teacher wrote: ’I was actually surprised how all students were so eager to participate, even the shy ones!’
Everything was alive and I could imagine myself in Parliament House and it was energised.
I like to study through actual experience.
Mature students in Parliament House
Little Lunch Sitting is the PEO’s program for mature students.
The program is open to student groups from all over Australia. Some of the groups incorporate the Little Lunch Sitting program in a broader visit to Canberra and enjoy the opportunity to participate in a unique parliamentary experience. During the program participants observed Question Time in action, met their federal member or senator (if available) and enjoyed lunch in the Members’ Guests Dining Room.
Members and senators who took part in the program during 2006 included Mr Bob McMullan MP, Member for Fraser and Mr Alby Schulz MP, Member for Hume. Groups who participated included Marulan Lions Club, Probus groups from Moss Vale, Yass and Canberra. Moss Vale enjoyed themselves so much they have re-booked for 2007—twice!
Voted our best outing yet!