Sydney Metro professional development program commended
Western Sydney University’s collaboration with Transport for NSW to deliver the Sydney Metro professional development program, has been recognised at the recent Planning Institute of Australia Awards for Planning Excellence NSW.
The Fast Tracking the Future program and resources, which support local teachers to engage with the metro, was commended in the Cutting Edge Research and Teaching category of the awards.
According to co-designer Associate Professor Catherine Attard, from the University’s School of Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for Educational Research, the program offers teachers evidence-based and robust professional development.
“Through the program, local teachers gain an in-depth knowledge of inquiry-based teaching approaches and learn how this type of teaching can translate into student engagement with the Sydney Metro infrastructure project,” said Associate Professor Attard.
“The lesson design encourages problem-solving, builds analytical skills and provides practical knowledge about transport. Students also greatly benefit from learning about real-world projects happening in their communities.”
The professional development program was offered to primary and secondary teachers who worked at schools located within a 10 kilometre radius of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line, currently under construction.
It consisted of two full-day, face to face sessions, delivered at Western Sydney University’s Bankstown campus, with a total of 33 teachers from 12 schools completing the program.
The research team included Dr Nathan Berger from the School of Education who was also a program facilitator.
ENDS
16 December 2020
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