February 2016 | VALBEC | Web version

In this Issue

From the committee

VALBEC Conference

1. Call for papers 'Joining the dots: multiple literacies in multiple contexts'

2016 VALBEC Conference Friday May 20, 2016, William Angliss Conference Centre

2. Something different - visual presentations

Fine Print

3. Fine Print Edition #1 2016

4. Family Literacy – from the Fine Print archive

Professional development

5. 2016 ACAL-ACTA Conference 'Diversity: exchanging ways of being'

Perth, 7-11 Apri 2016 with symposia

Discount for VALBEC members

6. 'Stories of Resilience'

7. Learn Local – 'Showcasing Innovation in Teaching Practice'

8. Developing Communities Through Learning: Evidencing Impact

From the committee

At our recent VALBEC planning day, we decided that instead of committee members contributing ideas for 'The Year of …' to eVALBEC, we would turn our focus to the wealth of articles from the Fine Print archive.

Each month, a VALBEC committee member will select 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.

The many writers who have contributed to Fine Print since 1978, provide a source of inspiration to the LLN practitioner, or program coordinator, in the many Learn Local, VET institutes or RTOs that are part of the wider adult education sector.

We hope that you will enjoy reading selected articles and revisiting editions throughout the year. We trust that you will seek them out online or from your bookcase, spend some time in reflection or discuss and share with colleagues. Send us your feedback or comments to info@valbec.org.au.

VALBEC Conference

2016 VALBEC Conference

1. Call for papers 'Joining the dots: multiple literacies in multiple contexts'

2016 VALBEC Conference Friday May 20, 2016, William Angliss Conference Centre

The demands of contemporary society mean that there are increasing pressures on us all to be literate and numerate in many realms beyond the traditional reading, writing and maths. Learners deal with multiple literacies – digital, financial, health, work skills, science, legal, correctional services, environmental and a whole range of civic and settlement issues.

At the 2016 conference we will connect participants in 'joining the dots' by showcasing innovative approaches and achievements in a range of literacies.

We invite you to submit a proposal for presentations and interactive workshops.

Submit a proposal

2. Something different - visual presentations

There will be the opportunity to provide a visual presentation of how you are 'joining the dots' of literacy in context at your organisation. These presentations will be set up in the morning and available for people to view all day.

More about the visual presentations

Fine Print

3. Fine Print Edition #1 2016

Edition #1 will have a selection of articles covering Indigenous education and employment policy and programs, the ACFE Communities of Practice project and the journey of a PhD candidate, as well as all the regular sections. Practical Matters will continue to have a Vox Pop section of informal snapshots that provide examples of teaching practice and springboard ideas. Send your contributions (up to 250 words). info@valbec.org.au

Here is some feedback that came from somewhere on the road near Coober Pedy:

I am in the car catching up on reading and in the middle of Fine Print Vol 38. The journal always has such interesting stories with practical applications, that sit within theory but don't necessarily labour the theory too much. It's a very valuable resource and since I find it so useful, then I feel that I should reciprocate in some way. (Ros Bauer, who will be writing for Fine Print again in 2016).

Fine Print Vol 32 #3 2009Fine Print Vol 32 #3 2009

4. Family Literacy – from the Fine Print archive

In 2009, Snoeks Desmond visited Australia for the ACAL conference and was guest speaker at a VALBEC Twilight forum. Snoeks wrote 'Strengthening Family Literacy Practices: Experiences of the Family Literacy Project, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa' (Vol32 #3 2009, page 12) in which she described ways in which women were encouraged to develop their literacy skills. At the same time, they devised ways to teach their children at home. It is a heart-warming read about the power of working in community and building family literacy practices. Some examples of tools they used to engage the women and their children may be used or adapted to the classroom today.

Lynne Matheson

Professional development

Perth, 7-11 Apri 2016 with symposia

Discount for VALBEC members

One hundred sessions, international and local keynote speakers in conjunction wth TESOL organisations

Diversity conference logo2016 ACAL-ACTA Conference

Sessions are fillling fast.

Keynotes

Conference overview

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.

In collaboration with RaPAL (Research & Practice in Adult Literacies, UK).

Please pass on this info to anyone who may appreciate the opportunity.

7. Learn Local – 'Showcasing Innovation in Teaching Practice'

Applications due: 5pm, 29th February 2016 Only one month to go, don't miss out! Do you have teachers at your Learn Local Centre doing amazing innovative teaching with their classes? Then consider recognising and sharing their great work through this Learn Local ACFE funded initiative. This is a Victoria wide search for innovations in teaching practice at Learn Locals. All applications will be put before a panel in March 2016 and the selected top eight entries will be showcased. The showcase will take the form of videos of the innovations on a dedicated YouTube channel and four regional events to take place in 2016. This is an exciting project that will not only recognise and value teacher innovations but also form as professional development for teachers in the wider adult community education field.

So whether you are from Mildura, Mallacoota or Melbourne or anywhere in between, please share the great work that you do. We have tried to make the application process as simple as possible. More: Contact Meg

Email:innovation@wyndhamcec.org.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Showcasing-Innovation-in-Teaching-Practice-1642335549354659/

Website: http://www.wyndhamcec.org.au/innovation.html

8. Developing Communities Through Learning: Evidencing Impact

Do you have good practice and wish to tell the world about it? An international book is being written and we are seeking case studies for publication. We are looking for exemplars of good practice in adult learning, work with young people, community development, health and well-being and other disciplines where learning for the individual, group, family or community is foregrounded. Often we know our work is good but find it difficult to say why. This book seeks to remedy this situation by describing good practice and showing how we know it is good. Case studies will be 2,000 to 2,500 words long. At this stage we just need a brief abstract of up to 500 words, so that we can select case studies to be developed for the book. There will be 2 or 3 case study chapters for each theme outlined below. The deadline for abstracts is 30th March 2016 and the deadline for completed chapters is 30th June 2016.

More details (PDF)