AUSTRALIAN IDENTITY WEBQUEST Two things about the following webquest: try to stick to the stated time limits for each section of the quest because; this is supposed to be a quick, informative and fun on-line excursion. If you find you are struggling to answer the questions for each section in the time allotted, move faster!!! […]
“On the Waterfront is the battle between good and evil.” Do you agree? When Elia Kazan directed “On the Waterfront” in the early 1950’s, he was struggling within the political tide of McCarthyism. The message implicit in the film, as demonstrated in the final scene, is that people united can overcome an unjust rule. Strangely, […]
Several students in Years 7 and 8 that I’ve tutored have told me that John Wyndham’s Day of the Triffids is the best book they have ever read. Whilst I’m always pleased when students really enjoy the studies we do, in such situations I smile to the students and curse to myself that they have […]
TRUTH AND REASON, AND THEN… “Did you see it? Australia’s going to have a war with China!” This was new “news” to me. Indeed, it was of the nature of news to the surprised and excited Year 12 student who shared it. If he had not thought it news, he would never have “reported” it […]
In a text response essay for Outcome 1 students must demonstrate: • a broad understanding of ideas and perspectives • the construction of strong argumentative paragraphs The activity presented below develops divergent thinking and logical reasoning. It scaffolds students to consider a spectrum of positions on important themes and concepts. It also scaffolds the structuring […]
The history of Malcolm X is very sad, for he was a greatly talented individual denied care and education. The essay below is a reflection on his auto-biography, and presents how improved education and experiences can produce great changes. It also demonstrates how giftedness denied can be perceived as destructive. I have a word document […]
Comprehension questions serve a purpose in education, but they do not always challenge or inspire. The questions below have proved successful in engaging productive discussion, and encouraging students to attempt to understand complex systems, historical events and conflicting political ideologies/realities. Animal Farm is an excellent allegory; it makes that which appears complicated very simple. These questions appear difficult but […]
We can all make a difference. In 2010 Simon McKeon was recognised as Australian of the Year for “his efforts to support multiple Australian and international charities” (from www.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/?m=simon-mckeon-2011). Philanthropy, humanitariansm, and social enterprise deserve and demand attention. I wondered how I might pursue my interests and skills through a social enterprise, and so developed […]
Recent discussions in my course with GERRIC prompted/inspired me to develop an activity that directly addressed and invoked the creative and intellectual skills of gifted students. The activity is similar to one that I’ve used in many classrooms and demands a developed (or developing) capacity for higher-order thinking skills. It is particularly appropriate for Philosophy classes, yet […]
The following is a brief and complicated list of actions suggested for the preparation and successful undertaking of any context SAC. These are skills I’ve often developed with students as an English tutor and mentor to gifted students in Melbourne. A. Establish a time-line for your studies, detailing tasks to complete in the lead-up weeks […]
