NT student teachers to experience Malaysian classrooms

02-Jul-2014

Director of Professional Experience Jenny Buckworth says the grant will help fund student teacher placements overseas

Northern Territory student teachers will experience teaching in Malaysian classrooms with assistance from a Commonwealth Government grant.

Ten Charles Darwin University Bachelor of Education students will gain teaching skills during a 10-day placement in international schools in Penang and Sarawak next year.

The $13,200 grant was awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Australia Malaysia Institute advisory board.

CDU’s Director of Professional Experience Jenny Buckworth said the practicum would provide students with new opportunities in the Indo Pacific.

“Professional experience is an integral part of initial teacher education,” Ms Buckworth said.

“By experiencing the roles and responsibilities of a teacher, student teachers will gain vital skills needed to enter the teaching profession.”

Ms Buckworth said the practicum aimed to strengthen students’ interpersonal skills, along with international relationships.

She said CDU was committed to producing primary and secondary school teachers who exercised high-quality local and distance education across the country and in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Teaching practicums are as much about gaining an insight and understanding of the culture and language of that profession as gaining technical skills and experience,” she said.