Inaugural SW Professional Learning Day

Committee member Simona Carniello reports:

Last weekend, nearly 30 language educators gathered for the inaugural LTWA South West Languages Professional Learning Day at St Mary MacKillop in Busselton.

The event was held on Saturday, featuring eight dynamic workshops, led by experienced language educators, showcasing innovative teaching approaches across diverse areas. The sessions emphasised creative engagement strategies, designed to bring fresh energy into the classroom. The featured workshops included:

LEGO® for Languages, 

Gamifying Revision without Tech, 

Storytelling in Language Learning, and 

Practical Strategies for Learner Engagement 

Teachers also explored more structured approaches with 

Establishing Learning Targets for Standards-based Grading in the Language Classroom 

KSP Approach to Languages and 

Conti’s EPI Method, and

Teaching Beyond Borders: Empowering Non-Native Language Educators This workshop focussed on recognising the unique strengths and challenges faced by multilingual teachers.

Together, these workshops provided a comprehensive blend of practical tools, assessment strategies, and pedagogical insights.

The afternoon started with an update from SCSA Languages Consultants on the Adopt and Adapt Process of the Languages Curriculum  and a call to action to provide feedback by October 15 on the proposed changes.
The professional learning day concluded with a Teach Meet plenary session, where participants shared quick-fire presentations of their favourite teaching techniques and classroom innovations.

An evening dinner was held on the foreshore by the jetty, where participants enjoyed the sunset over Geographe Bay. Teachers who had travelled down from Perth were especially awed by the relaxed atmosphere and a dolphin visit.
On Sunday, some participants stopped by the South West Japanese Festival in Bunbury, adding an extra cultural dimension to their weekend.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the state, including teachers who had travelled from as far as Broome and Denmark! Delegates appreciated the discussions, sharing of resources, networking, professional learning and relaxed atmosphere.

Special thanks go to Colleen Barclay, President of LTWA, for initiating and organising the event, her husband Andrew for the support behind the scenes, the school staff at St Mary MacKillop College, all workshop presenters and participants who made the day such a success. We look forward to the next edition and hope a Regional Professional Learning Day will become a regular feature in the LTWA calendar!