eVALBEC 
April 2016 | VALBEC | Web version
In this Issue
From the committee
Member benefits include
Paying your membership
VALBEC Conference - Joining the Dots
Fine Print
4. Next Edition
5. From the Vault: Fine Print 2003:26.2
Professional development
9. EAL Curriculum Advisory Group meetings
Using technology
10. An app to help find literacy classes
From the (new) committee
1. New committee elected
The AGM elected the 2016-17 committee with a valuable mix of new and returning members.
We welcome the new Executive
Meg Cotter - Co-president
Linno Rhodes - Co-president
Digna Libera - Secretary
Ann Haynes - Treasurer
and general members Elspeth Collie, Anna Cranney, Melinda Eason, Kim Chi Forrest, Elizabeth Gunn, Lynne Matheson, Rhonda Pelletier, John Radalj, Rhonda Raisbeck and Sandra Wolfe.
2. Membership fees 2016
Thanks to those who have jumped right in and paid membership fees. Paper invoices were sent before Easter.
Member benefits include
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Access to free numeracy resources
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three times a year - a high quality journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issues.
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eVALBEC - our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
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Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
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Issues-based forums.
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Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field. Member benefits continue to develop to meet member needs. Tell us what you'd like.
Paying your membership
Right now you can join/renew online
VALBEC Conference - Joining the Dots
3. 2016 VALBEC Conference Friday May 20, 2016, William Angliss Conference Centre
Program includes
Keynote Speaker, Tony Dreise, Principal Research Fellow for Indigenous Education at the Australian Council for Educational Research 'A dot painting is more than the sum of its parts'
Entertainment from Monica Dullard and the Glenroy Harmonisers
and sessions on
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and more |
Early bird member closes on Monday, April 18, 2016.
Fine Print
4. Next Edition
Edition #1 2016 has reviews of two excellent resources for teachers : Control your money edited by Beth Oddy which has some great activities for students on topics related to financial literacy. The new Sing with me book 3 by Carmel Davies and Sharon Duff full of new songs and themes students will love. Beside the Whiteboard features Karen Fleischer the 2015 Learn Local Outstanding Practitioner award winner from Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre (PNC). The Vox Pop section of informal snapshots provides examples of teaching practice and springboard ideas. Send your contributions (up to 250 words). info@valbec.org.au
5. From the Vault: Fine Print 2003:26.2
Each month a VALBEC committee member selects a specific article from the Fine Print archive that illustrates good teaching practice, describes theories related to a ranges of literacies, explores a particular topic of interest or has some synergy with the present environment.
I started working in the area of Adult Literacy in 2004 so this is a little before my time, however, the learning outcomes of the program described in the article 'Learning in Circles: closing the communications gap' by Louisa Ellum is timeless. Ellum describes a youth program set up in Frankston to address literacy, but just as importantly address communication, self esteem and confidence. The learning circle - a facilitated learning program with mentor support - was introduced for 20 hours a week for 20 weeks. At the conclusion of the program, the young participants were able to participate effectively and to see the value in group discussions. The Learning Circle is grounded in experiential and critical learning theories, involving the whole person in a strength based approach. Reading this article has given me a couple of ideas for some pre-accredited literacy programs, which really does go to show, that learning is circular.
Linno Rhodes
Professional development
6. 'Stories of Resilience'
ACAL's 'Stories of Resilience' project is all about adult learners telling their own stories of this kind of experience, and having their words published on the web. Many adult learners have found it motivating to share their stories with a wider audience - what about your learners?
We are looking for stories about resilience in adult learning. Your students may have already written something during the year that could be adapted or re-drafted. We are accepting written or spoken text, audio or video. This could be a good way for people to revisit their year's work. Join with us in this celebration of the learning journeys of our adult learners.
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Follow the stories via facebook: http://facebook.com/learnResilience
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More at ACAL http://acal.edu.au/rapal-stories-project.htm
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Additional files, inc brochure and release form: https://goo.gl/SWWERC
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Contact Michael Chalk, the project worker, via ace@michalk.id.au
In collaboration with RaPAL (Research & Practice in Adult Literacies, UK).
Please pass on this info to anyone who may appreciate the opportunity.
7. ACFE Learn Local awards
Nominations for the 2016 Victorian Learn Local Awards will open the week commencing 11 April and will close on Friday 3 June. Consider applying for one of the following award categories:
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The Rowena Allen Award - Recognising Pre-accredited
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Learner Excellence
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Outstanding Practitioner
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Outstanding Pathways
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Program Excellence in Creating Local Solutions
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AMES Diversity Innovation Award
An information pack, including the nomination form for each category will be available in the week commencing 11 April: www.education.vic.gov.au/learnlocalawards.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in Melbourne on Thursday, 8 September 2016.
8. CGEA Champions Meetings
The CGEA Champions group is a group of practitioners that meet once a term with the CMM at RMIT in the city to discuss the implementation of the CGEA. Discussions include new government policy and procedure, validation and moderation, ideas for professional development and sharing of resources. The next meeting will be on Thursday 2nd June 10-12.30pm. If you are interested in joining the group contact Tim Morris on tim.morrris@rmit.edu.au
9. EAL Curriculum Advisory Group meetings
The EAL curriculum advisory group (CAG) meet once a term at VU in the city. This group of EAL practitioners and CMM meet to discuss the implementation of the EAL Frameworks. This includes information sharing of resources, teaching, changes in government policy and procedures as well planning for validation and professional development days. The next meeting will be on Wednesday June 1st 3-4.30pm.
If you are interested in joining the group or finding out more contact Angela DiSciascio. Email: ADiScias@gordontafe.edu.au
Using technology
10. An app to help find literacy classes
Vital facts on English classes are fingertips away for asylum seekers in Melbourne's south-east.
The newly-launched English for Asylum Seekers' Network app answers a crying need for an accessible up-to-date list of the scores of English-language class tutors and providers in Greater Dandenong.
The app was developed mainly by volunteers at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and led by project manager Andrea Kenny over the past six months.
Ms Kenny adapted a schools app template for an easy-to-use list for students, tutors and class providers.
It lists classes by location and by day of the week, with individualised maps and photos to help find the venues.
The information is thoughtfully translated into a host of languages with details on class costs, class levels, child care, website links and contacts.