2013Career Advisers’ SeminarFriday 15 March 2013

RMIT Storey Hall

Teaching in the Cook Islands An educational journey

Michelle Low

RMIT Student

About me…

• My name is Michelle Low.

• I am a 4th year student, studying a Bachelor of Education at the Bundoora Campus.

• I am a mature age student who decided to have a career change. (best decision of my life)

• My dream was to visit an overseas country to study/do a placement.

• Had my heart set on the Cook Islands Placement, in particular.

• Feel very privileged to have had the opportunity!

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Teacher education programs at RMIT

Undergraduate

• Bachelor of Education (Primary) – Bundoora and Brunswick campuses

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

• Bachelor of Education / Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability)

Postgraduate

• Graduate Diplomas in Education (Primary, Secondary and Early Childhood)

TAFE

• Education Support (Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma)

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Why study teaching at RMIT?

Professional placement• Double the required amount for registration as a teaching in Victoria• Starts straight away, in Year 1, Semester 1. • Students will complete 8 months of placement days by graduation!

Feeling of community• Small class sizes, strong connections between students and staff

Expert academics• RMIT has been teaching education for over 50 years• Leading academics in literacy, mathematics and special education

International opportunities• Student placements in USA, South Africa, India, Nepal, Cook Islands

and more

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Atiu, Cook Islands…

• Also known as Enuamanu (Land of the birds) - has the most species of birds on it than any of the other islands in Cook Islands

• One of the 15 Cook Islands

• Has a population of approximately 450

• Divided by 5 villages

• Tourists are considered guests

• Phenomenal singers and dancers.

• Famous for coffee- Which was delicious!

• Some of the most lovely, helpful and inspiring people I have ever met in my whole life.

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6 Students chosen

across all RMIT

education courses

- None of us knew each other prior to the placement.

- We were very like minded and supportive of each other.

- Worked very well as a team!

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How the time spent in Atiu complimented my degree…

• I had full control of my classroom.

• It was so beneficial to visit a different country to compare and critique different practices.

• Learning to work with limited resources and “go back to basics”

• I was given numerous opportunities to try new teaching practices and create my own units to teach.

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Personal and professional opportunities we had access to…- We were given many opportunities to try new things, both for teaching and

personally.- Conducted an entire school sports day.- Fundraised money for an autistic student.- Obtained our motor bike licenses.- Living together and learning to be tolerant and understanding of each other- Becoming part of the community- 21st birthdays, the school cultural concert,

attending church, sporting events and taking part in some traditional practices such as umu’s (their version of the BBQ.) making our own plates with leaves and climbing coconut trees!

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Thanks to our mentor in Cook Islands, Bazza Ross, we had opportunities to experience things we probably otherwise wouldn’t have, such as: camping out overnight on the beach under a cliff cave and many other adventure… AMAZING!

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Personal and professional opportunities we had access to…

- We were featured in a newspaper article thanking us for our commitment and work done with the students.

- Attendance rates at school rose considerably whilst we were there.

- Development in the student’s English language skills.

- Sharing of our knowledge and skills to better the teachers in the school.

- Touched by the overwhelming generosity for our farewell and attendance of community members at our departure.

- I have met with an Atuian since being home.

How our work transformed the community…

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Personal transformations as a teacher…- Prior to this placement I was living an insanely busy life here, working 3

jobs, studying full time and trying to maintain a life outside of all of this.

- The way of life in Atiu and after this experience, caused me to transform my life. It became apparent my love for teaching and focusing fully on this. I have since decided to spend my last year of study doing just that, focusing on my new career and embracing this wonderful career and University.

- I have realised my capabilities and how taking yourself out of your comfort zone, can make you blossom as a teacher.

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I would certainly recommend an international experience!

We have all said that it was one of the best things we have ever been lucky enough to be apart of, this experience

honestly CHANGED OUR LIVES!

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