Well, the end of the year has come around, over the past two days I have been taking part in the End of Year Sharing Workshop. Each current FLL has presented in 10 minutes a summary of their key learnings from this year, and also past FLLs have provided updates on their activities since completing their project years. It has been interesting to hear about the achievements and challenges, and the diversions!
Coming to this workshop has prompted a review of the year - summing up what I have learnt and also setting some directions for next year in terms of my work plan. Themes for me from this workshop have been change management using strategic approaches, engagement with the learner, and approaches to professsional development for teaching staff. Yesterday Rebecca Cross from DEST spoke about future directions for vocational education and training, which include increased responsiveness to individuals participation in work and society and valuing VET as a valid pathway for young Australians. Leanne Isaacson reminded us to be prepared to act on what you thought was a knock on the door, as you may not hear it again.
Which is where my thinking now turns more so - into taking the ideas I have synthesized this year fowards into action next year and beyond..
A panel session on the final afternoon dealt with the concept 'from ideas to action'.
From Josie Rose: keep the passion burning
From Lyn Ambrose: make a list for the next twelve months, develop a communication plan for your strategy and 'feed them and they will come (to pd sessions)'
From Damon Wallace: use the information that you have gathered. Get involved in policy or strategy development.
From Steve Matheson: Hold tight to your vision.