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GTAC requires that all program participants complete an evaluation for the program they have attended. GTAC takes all feedback seriously and acts on constructive suggestions. In addition GTAC often receives unsolicited feedback and comment from many teachers and students well after the event. Such comment is highly valued for its spontaneous and reflective nature. Here are some examples that are typical of the thoughts expressed by many teachers and students.
School Groups
“I am writing to pass on several comments made by the students. Class consensus was that this was the most educationally valuable excursion they have attended since being in secondary school. They found the GTAC teacher to be engaging, interesting and, most importantly, extremely effective in delivering the information in a manner accessible to 17/18 year olds. The opportunity to work with young scientists also had an impact on several of my students, making some of them reconsider future career pathways. I have just marked their SAC and I am very pleased with the outcome (but I won’t give you all the credit!). Keep inspiring students".
Teacher, Montmorency Secondary College, May 2008
Teacher Professional Learning
"Dine with an Australian Scientific Hero"
My fellow teachers from Sacred Heart and I had a wonderful night so thank you GTAC very much. The food was divine but of course the highlight was hearing from someone as passionate and knowledgeable as Jacques Miller. I was totally enthralled with his presentation and appreciated the chance to get to say a few words to him and ask him some questions. I put together a short power point on his research and contributions which I showed to my Year 12 Biology class today. They were very interested to hear my first hand knowledge of someone who has contributed so much to the area of Science, particularly Biology. It is opportunities such as these that allow us to engage, excite and inspire the students in our classes. Thank you also for taking on board my idea of having the dinner on a Friday night so that rural teachers don’t miss out on such a rare and wonderful opportunity. It would be great for our really keen and motivated students to have the chance to experience a dinner like this. We are looking forward to the next dinner with a ‘scientific hero’.
Marika, Biology Teacher, Sacred Heart Bendigo, August 2009
"Hi Brian, I have just had one of the chemistry teachers from here, who has been terrified of the biochemistry in the chemistry course thank me for encouraging them to go to GTAC. She could not praise the whole program enough – it was the best PD she has ever been to. She said that it was so well organised and relevant and was so impressed with the level of support provided in the practical sessions and much more. It looks like GTAC has done it again! I had told her to expect all of the above but I don’t think she believed me that such a program could be delivered. Congratulations on another resounding success".
Biology Teacher, Country Victoria, December 2007
The Novice Teacher
"Just a quick note to say how very valuable and relevant GTAC has been and to send a big thank you to you and your staff. AS I said to you on Thursday, I am teaching biology for the first time and the programs offered by GTAC have assisted me so much in the development of my course material and my own professional development. I have attended both of the first time teacher seminars which have been extremely informative and have helped me get a grip on the study design. Your analogies, anecdotes and explanations have helped me to engage students and assist with the retention of concepts. You will be happy to know that after the seminar, a group of us put together a mailing list so that we can share material and support each other. The opportunity to work with other teachers in this way has been so valuable. I am the only biology teacher at my school. Thanks again so much for your guidance and support this year".
First Year Biology Teacher, Melbourne Non-government School, August 2008
The Student
"Hi GTAC, thanks for the e-mail. Lovely to know that you guys follow up on us. Definitely a good attribute. The program was really good. To be honest I didn’t really find it relevant, like during the day, but I stand corrected because it really paid off in the end. When we got into macromolecules at school it really helped me to get a greater understanding. Not only did it help in biology, but as I study chemistry I found it even paid off there too. I really want to thank you for giving up your holiday time and everything to organise it all and also for the follow up. Really lovely of you!"
Comments from a student who attended a holiday program on the molecular concepts in Unit 3 VCE Biology, January 2008
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