Educators share experiences at National IDEAS forum

Around 120 educators from as far as Sicily and Singapore met at USQ for the IDEAS National forum from April 16 – 18 2008.

With the aim of building better futures for school students, the forum allowed teachers to hear from some of the 250 schools who have adopted the IDEAS framework since its inception 10 years ago.

Harlaxton State School teacher Julie O'Reilly said the forum was a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from other schools.

'It's really good. The fact that we are able to share our journeys with schools in Queensland as well as nationally and internationally shows the IDEAS process can be used in many environments and adapted to any school community,' Mrs O'Reilly said.

'IDEAS is a good framework for us to ensure teaching and learning at Harlaxton offers real life learning and we're all on the one page and focusing on the needs of the student.'

Forum attendees participated in thematic workshops over the two days and had virtual school visits where they heard how different schools have applied the IDEAS framework at their schools.

Representing Woodlands Secondary School in Singapore Rachel Choong said she has found the application of IDEAS helped develop her school.

'Being involved in IDEAS has given us the opportunity for more professional sharing and having a shared vision means teachers are coming together to craft better lessons,' she said.

Teresa Len also travelled from Singapore and said the forum was a great opportunity to hear from other schools.

'I came to learn more about IDEAS. Our school has been involved in the process for four years; I've just joined the school this year so the conference is great for learning more.'

To find out more about IDEAS visit the website http://ideas.usq.edu.au

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559