Free to access and offered through a closed environment on the Open Learning platform, courses support professional learning of the Primary Connection approach and its application in primary science.
The courses are:
- Self-paced and can be undertaken as an individual or with others at a time that is practical, and you can dip in and out of the course without losing any progress
- Designed to easily and seamlessly slot into meeting structures, personal or school planning time
- Range between 4 and 6 hours in duration
- Offer a range of readily applicable teaching and learning strategies and useful resources
- Include videos, varied activities and opportunities for reflection and collaboration.
Testimonials from trial participants
"I have really enjoyed completing this course and feel I have a deeper understanding of Primary Connections and how to implement the 5E model into our planning and teaching of Science. I appreciated the time that was dedicated to getting to know the Primary Connections website and Scootle as well...Completing this online course has already changed the way I think about the teaching of science and I am in the process of sharing this with my colleagues."(Victorian participant)
"This course has definitely made me think and reflect upon my current science teaching methods." (WA participant)
"The course was very supportive in my professional development for Science and a reflective tool." (WA participant)
Courses
Explore assessment with Primary Connections
Focus: assessment, pedagogy
Suitable for: beginning and experienced users of Primary Connections
Short Description of course: This course provides participants an opportunity to deepen knowledge of assessment practices and principles by exploring a range of assessment strategies and tools in the context of primary science.
Estimated time: minimum 4 - 6 hours
AITSL Standards: 3.2.2, 5.1.2, 6.2.2
Intended learning objectives
Using the Primary Connections approach, participants:
- Describe a range of assessment practices and principles.
- Explore assessment strategies and tools embedded across the phases of the 5E model.
- Apply strategies and tools to inform an approach to assessment.
- Collaborate within a community of practice by engaging with other participants.
- Consider how to assess during emergency remote teaching (optional).
Participant testimonials:
When asked to describe the best thing about this course, teachers said
"Getting a clear understanding and observation of the practices in motion, together with resources to keep for future reference"
"Loved the format and the knowledge I gained"
"Access and explanation of new resources."
"Getting some great tools for the classroom."
Course Dates: Wed 29 Sept - Fri 29 Oct, 2021
Registrations are limited!
Expressions of interest close Fri 24 Sep 2021.
Successful applicants will be notified in the week beginning Mon 27 Sep 2021.
To submit an expression of interest, email us.
Include the following information in your email.
- Subject: EOI - Explore assessment with Primary Connections
- Your name, school email, State/Territory, School.
- Enrolling with a colleague? Tell us their name, so that we ensure you are both selected (however selection cannot be assured).
- If you are unsuccessful this time, would you like us to contact you if a place in this course opens up later this year?
- If you are unsuccessful this time, would you like us to contact you if we run this course again in 2022?
Webinars
Explore maths and science resources with the Australian Academy of Science
Introducing the Academy’s education programs (Primary Connections, reSolve: Maths by Inquiry and Science by Doing) for teacher professional association Digital Teaching and Learning Victoria.
(Length 43:18. Recorded 13 August, 2020)
Creating a Digital Technologies Curriculum Scope and Sequence
Highlighting how Primary Connections supports teaching and learning of the Digital Technologies, and how to incorporate Primary Connections curriculum units into a Digital Technologies scope and sequence, for teacher professional association Australian Computer Society.
(Length 122.20, Recorded 10 June, 2020)
Coming soon
In 2022, a new online course that explores investigating in science, including many useful resources that support student learning and development of science inquiry skills.