eVALBEC 
October 2015 | VALBEC | Web version
In this Issue
Resources
2. Certificates in Initial Adult Literacy and Numeracy (CIALN)
Professional development
4. Numeracy workshop: Engaging all Students in Maths and Numeracy
5. Research Forum: VET's role in re-skilling displaced workers
New book
6. 'Dinner with the Devil' by Helen Macrae
Resources
1. Let there be Light!
The International Year of Light - lesson ideas
VALBEC is observing 2015 as the International Year of Light (and light based technologies). Each month a VALBEC committee member will provide some resources, inspired by the Year of Light, for the classroom or of general interest to students to use as a springboard for thinking, researching, talking or writing.
In this issue Rhonda Pelletier offers some ideas about cultural aspects of light.
2. Certificates in Initial Adult Literacy and Numeracy (CIALN)
The funding level for the new DET State accredited and nationally recognised Certificates in Initial Adult Literacy and Numeracy (CIALN) courses has now been raised to the same level as the Certificate I in Transition Education which will make the CIALN courses more accessible. The CIALN has been specifically designed to support for people with an intellectual disability.
A full set of CIALN resources to support RTOs wanting to add these courses to their Scope of accredited courses has now been developed by MEM.
Professional development
3. Fine Print VOX POPS
Seeking LLN teachers' input for a VOX POPS Practical Matters section to showcase and share good teaching practice.
What has worked for you this term?
Describe an activity that you completed successfully with your students and the benefits or progress you observed. (100 words)
Send with your name and organisation to fineprint@valbec.org.au by Friday, October 9, 2015.
4. Numeracy workshop: Engaging all Students in Maths and Numeracy
Friday, October 16th Camberwell
In order to engage most students successfully in mathematics and numeracy classes in the middle years and in the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), mathematics teaching needs to move beyond the textbook, worksheets and 'chalk and talk' to offer an alternative approach and a chance for all students to succeed in and enjoy mathematics learning. The hands-on activities in this workshop will focus on the development and practice of core mathematics skills through a wide range of approaches such as games, whole-group and other cooperative group work, as well as on enjoyment and having fun with mathematics. The workshop will be run by Dave Tout.
5. Research Forum: VET's role in re-skilling displaced workers
Wednesday 18 November, 10.00am - 4.00pm, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Don't miss the National Centre for Vocational Education Research's one-day research forum 'When one door closes: VET's role in re-skilling displaced workers'. This forum will discuss the role vocational education and training plays now and into the future in assisting occupational transferability, and how policy in this area can help workers transition. Speakers include Associate Professor John Spoehr, Executive Director, Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research Centre, University of Adelaide and Dr Andrew Scott, Associate Professor of Politics and Policy, Deakin University.
New book
6. 'Dinner with the Devil' by Helen Macrae
Helen Macrae was nominated by VALBEC to the Victorian Women's Honour Roll in 2008. She is known as a leader for her role in adult literacy for several decades, as well as for her voluntary work as a member of Queen Vic Women's Centre Inc. She is a former senior policy officer in the Victorian Department of Education, and has written many books, essays and articles on feminism, adult education, community development and the governance of incorporated organisations.
Helen Macrae's new book, 'Dinner with the Devil', uncovers the stories of the women who founded the Queen Victoria Women's hospital and later staffed it as surgeons, nurses, radiologists, volunteers. Using material from extensive interviews she tells moving stories about women whose own lives and those of their children were saved at Queen Vic.'Dinner with the Devil' concludes with an evaluation of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre's work over the past 20 years.