USQ proud to support MYSA conference

More than 100 upper primary and lower secondary teachers will converge on Toowoomba this week for the Middle Years of Schooling Association (MYSA) South West Queensland regional conference.

Supported by the University of Southern Queensland, the event aims to enhance teacher's effectiveness in dealing with students aged between 10 and 14 years.

USQ Faculty of Education Lecturer and organising committee member, Stephen Smith, says it's very challenging to teach children at this age.

'Middle School classes are very diverse – there are kids who show many of the attributes of a 7 or 8 year old, right through to a 17 year old.

'It's also a time where many students disengage with learning, so it's a great challenge for us to change elements of the curriculum and motivate students to learn.

'For example, there is a movement away from using standardised texts for this age group and looking at what is happening in the real world and aligning school work with current needs.'

Mr Smith will also present a workshop that looks at the link between brain development and classroom practice.

'The workshop will look at how we can tailor curriculum to recognise the way the adolescent brain operates.

'Basically it means that teachers should regularly revisit key aspects of what they teach adolescents, because they are very selective about the information they retain.'

Mr Smith said the conference is also an opportunity to look at the current best practice for Middle Schooling and to compare effective strategies for teaching adolescents.

Keynote speakers will include:
- Graham Hyman, Youth Specialities Australia
Building confidence, hope and resilience in young people
- Anne Hampshire, Mission Australia
2005 Youth Survey Report

What: MYSA South West Queensland regional conference
Where: USQ K113 Lecturer Theatre (access from Refectory)
When: Friday 5 May 2006, 8.45am – 3pm

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or +61 412 097 326