Student teachers view forest education
From the Summer 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
L to R: Vanessa Smith and Kim Russell, student teachers who had the opportunity to participate in the education programs at Cumberland State Forest. Photo by Matt Hull.
Four student teachers from the University of Technology Sydney’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) course have recently participated in educational programs at Cumberland and Strickland State Forests.
The student teachers worked with staff from the community programs unit in running the programs for school students several times each week.
“Forests NSW has given us a fantastic opportunity to understand and experience how their education programs assist both students and teachers in developing knowledge and understanding of forest management and awareness,” student teacher, Sarah Akmens, said.
The student teachers had an opportunity to gain an understanding of how Forests NSW educational programs are integrated with NSW Board of Studies syllabus requirements, and also allowed them to build on their knowledge and educational practices in an outdoor environment.
“Our experience at Forests NSW was a positive and beneficial one. It provided us with an understanding and appreciation of the importance of teaching environmental education to children,” explained student teacher, Emma Walker.
Staff from the Community Programs group were happy to assist the pre-service teachers in their professional development, especially in learning beyond the classroom and understanding the complexities of managing State forests. It is planned that more students will undertake work experience with Forests NSW in the future.
Gerard Nolan Education officer, Sydney
