Maningrida teaching experience 2007 - A student perspective

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Here is what one of the students, Bronwyn Jobbagy, had to say about her teaching experience in Maningrida (Aug 20 - Sep 7 2007).

Q: What is the highlight of this placement experience?
A: The highlight of this experience has been living within the remote community, attending the sports week and the cultural weekend activities. It was such an honour to be a part of the community, not just within the educational context, but also within the general living experiences. The students are enthusiastic to have student teachers in their classroom, and they love to interact with us outside the school hours. There are so many experiences to be had teaching at Maningrida.

Q: What have you learned from this experience?
A: There is so much that I have learnt from this placement. I have a better understanding in teaching Aboriginal students within their own community, dealing with cultural influences and the necessity to make sure they gain the essential skills to enable them to communicate with the outside world if they so desire to. I was introduced to the National Accelerated Literacy Program (NALP) and I learnt a lot about the effectiveness of this program with these students, and also the room for improvement to better develop ideas within this program. I have learnt about the different cultural perspectives on education, living, ceremonies and the respect for the land. It is truly an amazing experience.

Q: Would you recommend it and why?
A: I would definitely recommend this teaching placement. Not only did it assist me in my personal development as a teacher operating within another stream, but it also gave me a fantastic, life changing experience, living and being a part of a remote Aboriginal community. It really gives you an insight into living in remoteness, and in experiencing another culture’s way of life. I highly recommend this teaching placement and I believe it should be encouraged for future student teachers.

Q: How will it help you in your future teaching career?
A: Teaching in Maningrida has helped develop my ESL teaching skills, particularly through the National Accelerated Literacy Program (NALP). I hope to forge my career in ESL in any domain and at any destination, so this experience has broadened my opportunities, and prepared me for any future work within remote Aboriginal communities.

Q: Any other comments:
A: This has been an extraordinary experience teaching and being a part of the Maningrida community. The people are welcoming and friendly. I have had an amazing experience and would not hesitate to teach in a community like Maningrida. It has been an absolute pleasure and I am very grateful for having had this opportunity.