Online Professional Learning

VATE is pleased to offer a range of online professional learning opportunities to support you during this period of remote teaching and learning, and beyond! We have adapted parts of our existing professional learning program and introduced some new elements. We welcome your ideas and suggestions - please email Ernest, VATE Education Officer.
 

VATE Remote Text Study Series

VATE’s Remote Text Study Series is for direct use with students from Years 7 to 10. The fifteen lessons will be skills-based, targeted at engaging young people who are learning remotely. Across the series, students will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through this series of 15-minute lessons. Teachers will be able to monitor student progress and align the lessons with in-school curriculum and assessment objectives. More information here - Register here

2020 Adjusted VCE Study Designs PL

This series has been prepared to support teachers in implementing the adjustments to the VCE Study Designs for 2020. Each session has been prepared by an experienced teacher and provides a comprehensive outline of the relevant changes, as well as practical ideas for how to amend your teaching and assessment. Find out more here - download the application form here.

Beyond TEEL: Developing readings of texts and voice in writing

The aim of these seven modules is to adapt the face-to-face Beyond TEEL course to an online format to help teachers in Years 7-12 develop student readers and writers through: providing strategies which will enable students to find their own reading of a text; developing their capacity to find their voice in their writing; and to do this using an online learning model which enables students to have agency in their interactions with texts. Find out more here - download the application form here

English Language Mini-Method

VATE’s English Language Mini-Method has been running successfully for several years. Whether you are already teaching English Language, or will be in the future, the Mini-Method is a great way to prepare for teaching Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 2020 and beyond. Registering for the online VCE English Language Mini-Method gives you access to the 2019 recordings and presenter notes and resources. Find out more here - download the application form here

Literature Mini-Method

Whether you are already teaching Literature, or will be in the future, the Mini-Method is a great way to refresh your perspective and learn more about how to teach Units 1, 2, 3 and 4. Registering for the online VCE Literature Mini-Method gives you access to the 2019 recordings and presenter notes and resources. The presenters, experienced VCE Literature teachers and assessors, will focus on developing your knowledge and skills across the Units. For each Area of Study, the presenters share their expertise in what students enjoy or find difficult, how you can best support their learning, and some useful activities and resources for building analysis and interpretation skills. Find out more here - download the application form here

 

Online Learning Package

 

The following series of videos has been prepared by VATE to support teachers as we all work remotely. The ideas and activities in each session target specific areas of need highlighted by our members. Many of the strategies contained in the sessions are adaptable to all secondary year levels and also to to a return to 'regular programming' - whenever that may come. You can choose to purchase access to a single video of your choice or the full suite listed below. Find out more here - download the application form here

Teaching independent text study

Ernest Price, Education Officer at VATE, provides strategies for leading students in independent text study, particularly in a remote context. Ernest shares his experience with working with students to choose and analyse texts that engage their interest and meet their needs.

Providing feedback online

Sara Tacey, Head of English at Virtual School Victoria, provides evidence-based tips for how to effectively provide feedback while teaching remotely. Sara shares her extensive experience and examples of her approach.

Teaching EAL/D in a remote environment

Remote learning may amplify the significant challenges faced by learners from an EAL/D background. This session is crammed with tips and strategies to help teachers plan engaging, inclusive lessons that will cater for the diverse needs of EAL/D learners. The session will aid teachers to: deliver clear instructions; predict where EAL/D learners may have difficulties; improve students' speaking and listening; and ensure that students continue to develop their vocabulary, all in the virtual classroom!

Analysing and presenting argument

Ernest Price outlines a range of strategies for teaching analysing and presenting argument. The learning activities embedded in the sessions can be adapted for all secondary year levels and both remote and on-site teaching.