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Building Greater Capacity in Science Education: A partnership between a Secondary Science School and a Research-Intensive University

University Partnerships for Community and School System Development

ISBN: 978-1-78560-133-0, eISBN: 978-1-78560-132-3

Publication date: 20 November 2015

Abstract

Partnerships between universities and secondary schools are highly valued for a range of pedagogical, transition and outreach benefits to students, teachers and more broadly, society. Teachers in schools provide a rich insight into how university teaching staff can better engage students and provide them with deeper learning experiences. Universities can provide on-campus student incursions for learning activities, work experience opportunities, research projects with academics and lectures by specialist researchers. This chapter describes the range of benefits arising from a partnership, established in 2009, between the John Monash Science School (JMSS) and Monash University, co-located in outer suburban of Melbourne, Australia. The JMSS–Monash partnership has generated a number of innovative and dynamic educational programmes, which have positively impacted the learning and engagement of students across geographic divides. The partnership is rich, and has broadened and deepened as the partners have learned more about each other’s capacities, and envisioned what is possible in an educational landscape bereft of innovation and challenge to existing norms. By thinking creatively and acting bravely, the partners have shone a light on a brighter future in science for Australian students.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the vision, energy and commitment of Monash University staff, in particular Prof. Rob Norris, Prof. Dick Gunstone and Prof. Gordon Sanson, in conceiving, initiating and supporting the JMSS. The senior leadership of Monash University, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellors, Provost, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), has supported the JMSS over many years, and the authors thank them for their continued leadership and contributions to the School. The authors also acknowledge the leadership provided by the Victorian Education Department, and support from its staff in supporting and resourcing the JMSS. Finally, we would like to thank Monash Faculty leaders, the academic liaison team and many professional staff who have provided time and resources to enhance JMSS learning and teaching programmes.

Citation

Rayner, G. and Corkill, P. (2015), "Building Greater Capacity in Science Education: A partnership between a Secondary Science School and a Research-Intensive University", University Partnerships for Community and School System Development (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 5), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120150000005006

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited