International literacy project
A co-curricular opportunity for student teachers to connect with schools (internationally) in an experiential learning that promotes literacy through storytelling.
Context
- Faculty/School: Melbourne Graduate School of Education (will be listed as a part of the Melbourne Plus)
- Number of students: 50-100
- Year level: Graduate
- Curricular/or co-curricular: Co-curricular
Description
The Literacy Project is a co-curricular opportunity for student teachers at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) in which they connect with schools (internationally) in an experiential learning that promotes literacy through storytelling.
The project started within a global mobility subject in which students travel to an international school. In 2020 due to Covid travel restrictions students engaged in international experiences virtually. From this online engagement an initiative was conceived in 2020 and led to conceptualisation of the Project with a group of committed students. In 2021, a small group of students interacted with two Maldivian island schools to facilitate sessions and create 29 books based on the school students’ work during the sessions.
The following year the Project was expanded beyond the classroom as an enrichment activity for students at the MGSE and was awarded a Chancellery Student Life Grant which allowed the hiring of four student and alumni volunteers (from 2021). With this expansion, 79 students across the MGSE applied to participate in the Project. Based on their availability, students can attend the virtual classes, prepare materials for the sessions and or assist creating eBooks.
The focus of the Project is promoting literacy through story making while at the same time developing structures that support local input and develop capacity within the community to support the roll out of the project in the school. Five pillars of the Project are:
- Building connections and partnerships
- Leveraging local input
- Storymaking
- Building English literacy aligned with local curriculum requirements
How does this program support IoC aims?
The Project provides experiential learning experiences for students without a need of traveling overseas. It also re-imagines professional practice providing students an opportunity to engage in teaching activities in a structured low risk environment to increase their learning and confidence and a point of reflection with Victorian formal school placements. Distribution of tasks allows students to find a part of the Project that they are more comfortable taking on while maintaining their sense of purpose and belonging.
What have students said about this program?
Feedback from a student: “We got to connect with students from different cohorts. To really value the insights of international students. To meet up with alumni who are further along the path we’re all walking.”
Students also reported that participating in the Project helped them stand out during the interview for a teaching position and secure the job.
Considerations for implementation
- Engaging enthusiastic students and previous participants as volunteers. This can also enhance their leadership skills.
- Using personal connections (or connections of those around) to engage schools to participate