Dean's report

Dr Jim Watterston Dean Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Enterprise Professor, Education Systems

New MGSE website

I was delighted to browse through the newly launched MGSE website on Friday and see the diverse work across the Graduate School presented in a refreshing and attractive new template. This brings us into line with many other schools and faculties of the University and provides a more seamless transition across the wide array of online University information. With the recent launch of the University-wide Study website, prospective students are now directed to find out about courses from this central portal rather than through individual faculty and school websites. This change meant that we needed to redefine the focus of the MGSE website to better highlight our research, news and events and community engagement. Congratulations to the web team for accomplishing this large and complex project.

Dean's Lecture presented by Professor Fiona Stanley AC

Last week also saw the fifth Dean’s Lecture for 2018 delivered by the remarkable Professor Fiona Stanley AC who took us on an uplifting journey through her career and her lifelong passionate advocacy for children and Indigenous Australians. She had her audience transfixed as she described the turning points in her life that led her from being a young medical doctor to an epidemiologist to her current major project housed here at MGSE, the Australian National Development Index otherwise known as ANDI. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Fiona received a standing ovation.

Talking Teaching podcast episode 5

The fifth episode of our regular podcast series Talking Teaching went live last week with Professor Jo Boaler from Stanford University discussing the latest research in neuroscience which argues that anyone can do maths. The podcast also examines a new approach to on-line maths learning which is engaging students and producing impressive results. The final story focuses on MGSE’s project with Saudi Arabia and its aims to reform the entire Saudi Arabian school system, from curriculum to assessment to teacher training. Definitely worth a listen.

Leadership opportunities

Stepping up to leadership brings many rewards and opportunities including increasing your sense of being part of a team and expanding your knowledge and networks. We have two leadership positions available which I encourage aspiring leaders to apply for – Program Coordinator, Master of Teaching and Course Coordinator, – Master of Teaching (Secondary). Contact Human Resources for further information and send in your applications by Sunday, 30 September 2018.

Jim