Please contribute to the post conference forum, discussion and the exchange of ideas for the future of critical pedagogy in Australia and abroad!!
Thanks again to all the participants…
Please contribute to the post conference forum, discussion and the exchange of ideas for the future of critical pedagogy in Australia and abroad!!
Thanks again to all the participants…
December 8, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Since the conference, I am slowly processing the wealth of information that I was exposed to. I truly believe that my understanding of many of the prevalent themes has blossomed and in turn has left me both inspired and optimistic about the times ahead!!!
December 9, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I was thrilled wiht the response from the Newcastle students and their willingness to help my session out – they really were inspired and inspiring!
The conference was very effective and enhanced by the quality of the keynotes
David
December 12, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I wanted to thank you Bruce, Yana and everyone who made this conference possible by attending, presenting and organising people/things in such a warm/positive environment. It has been a struggle for me to engage in a critical approach to research and teaching- because I’ve felt that I’m alone in my concerns or interests about traditional approaches to teaching/learning (having experienced layers of student/staff resistance). Feeling alone and under threat is a nerve racking feeling.
When interactions/meetings prove to you that you need to become increasingly aware of systematic barriers and colleagues perceptions, for example, all which impact on your work, ability to work in Peace-respecting student voice and your own …etc, you can find yourself silenced. I was starting to feel that concrete resistance (‘s’ of various internal and external forms) and student resistance was a sign to ‘be careful’ and ‘rethink pedagogy’ strategically. In addition to this I’ve felt that my voice is weak by appearing in spaces on its own (challenged) -in hearing about others’ meaningful journeys while seeking transformative teaching and experiences-I was jolted into thinking and rethinking these obstacles, the struggles and tensions and an awareness of these issues, are a realistic part of the reality in engaging in your work/life critically. I was inspired to see that transformative ways go beyond the classroom, beyond publications and beyond the ’self’. Sharing my frustrations with peers at the conference and being able to explore others and my own struggles with the community at the conference helped me to understand my situation better. It now makes more sense to me to accept that struggle is central to a reality in which nothing is fixed or finalised, especially when there are so many possibilities where others may be left behind or feel strongly against taking a risk. Although I had no doubt that transformative teaching/learning is a meaningful way of teaching/learning I’ve now become more aware of the value/impact, despite the challenges. To engage in transformative being and in community work is just essential to a way of life that considers those that have been strategically given the worst hand.
Attending the conference has helped me see that I’m a member of a
Community of good, caring and thoughtful people…who also happen to
engage in caring, relevant, transformatory and intellectual debates,
social projects and work… and who instigate positive CHANGE.in many necessary and meaningful ways.
This may seem corny but knowing that I’m part of a community has made me feel that my voice matters because I’m not alone.
Thank you, Gracias
December 12, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Hi Bruce, Yana and all, hope to see you at the next conference
December 16, 2008 at 11:43 am
Thanks for the conference, it was a rich event, as a participant who came knowing no-one, I can truly say it was friendly, connective and fostered deep engagement. I hope this reflects our society at large. Connections between universities are now forged and we are creating a plan to bring critical pedagogy up-front into classes as a way of doing things, not just theory. The contact with other transformational educators opened my eyes to the great work already being generated here. It’s great to feel part of a larger vision for the future, hopefully one that puts CP & PTL into action. Let’s see it valued, let’s get political. Good on yez!!