Two Faculty of Education researchers have recently received a highly competitive Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery grant to examine play-based approaches to teaching and learning in early childhood settings.

Dr Susan Edwards and Dr Amy Cutter-Mackenzie received one of only eight education-based research grants and the first discovery grant of its kind to explore the relationship between play-based education and children's learning about the environment and issues of sustainability.

Dr Cutter Mackenzie said they hope their findings will contribute to knowledge about how concepts of sustainability can be taught in kindergarten settings.

"Some early years educational programs can focus on play based learning and be limited in adult intervention," Dr Cutter-Mackenzie said.

"However, this pure learn-by-doing, self directed approach can undervalue children's capacity to learn with direction from adults."

The idea that children are best left to explore environments that they are most interested in as a basis for learning about sustainability, is also being tested. Dr Edwards said they're looking at three different play types.

"Open ended play, which largely involves children doing their own thing without much or any direction. Modelled play, which is teacher orientated whereby the teacher will plan activities around a topic and provide examples to the children about participation. The third type is purposefully framed play, which is a combination of open ended and modelled play," Dr Edwards said.

The researchers feel that using the environment and sustainability as the educational focus for their research is a valuable way of helping increase the topic's esteem and credibility in an early learning environment.

"We know that good habits, education and knowledge at an early age set the building blocks for life," Dr Cutter-Mackenzie said.

"Our environmental dispositions are generally formulated in the early years of life so having a focus on the environment and sustainability at a young age is vital in developing a deep bond and sense of care with and for the environment."

The team are working with 16 kindergartens in the Cities of Knox, Casey, Frankston and Melbourne.

Consul General visit to Gippsland region

1 September 2010

Consul General for the United States of America, Mr Michael Thurston, listens to a research presentation at Monash University's Gippsland campus

Consul General for the United States of America, Michael Thurston, recently visited Monash University's Gippsland campus where he spoke about the education, economic and research opportunities for the region.

Meeting with the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne and the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Gippsland campus, Professor Helen Bartlett, Consul General Thurston said that education was the single biggest factor in ensuring productive, prosperous communities and effectively responding to the challenges of our time.

Consul General Thurston said this was particularly important to regional sustainability, the environment and low carbon futures, and recognised the efforts of Monash University in shaping its teaching and research efforts accordingly.

Citing examples from the US and his experiences as a senior diplomat in posts around the world, Consul General Thurston said successful education providers needed to be not only locally responsive and relevant, but internationally engaged and connected.

During his visit, Consul General Thurston met with Monash University researchers working on clean coal, carbon sequestration and water management, before inspecting the unique training spaces of the Gippsland Medical School.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that Consul General Thurston's visit reflected the growing profile of the campus, and an increasing appreciation of the role universities played in regional Australia.

"I'm delighted that Consul General Thurston has found the time to visit the campus, and allow us to draw from his significant experience and interest in education," Professer Bartlett said.

"Consul General Thurston's visit confirms that Monash University Gippsland continues to be seen as a leading regional campus, and one that is positioned to support the community well into the future."

Outside of his professional duties, Consul General Thurston said that he and his family had enjoyed discovering Gippsland's unique environment since arriving in Australia in 2008, including several camping trips to Metung and Lakes Entrance.

International researchers welcomed

1 September 2010

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne hosted internationally renowned researchers Professor Laurie Zoloth and Dr Inon Schenker as part of a visit supported by the University's Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, the Centre for Medical Ethics and the Office of International Engagement.

Their visit to Australia was hosted by Hadassah, as part of a series of public events and workshops, including the Hadassah Australia - Monash University Workshop at the 63rd UN Department of Public Information NGO Conference that was held in Melbourne 30 August - 1 September. Hadassah also facilitates the Australia Israel Medical Research Initiative (AUSiMED), a partnership between the Hadassah Medical Organisation (Hadassah) and its Australian support arm, Hadassah Australia. Monash is an active partner and strong supporter of this scheme.

Professor Zoloth and Dr Schenker presented on the topic of 'Empty ritual or cutting edge practice? Faith, health and ethics in the male circumcision debate' and explored the ethical, medical and religious arguments around questions of HIV/AIDS prevention and male circumcision.

Professor Laurie Zoloth is a world-renowned ethicist, particularly in the area of stem cell and genetic medicine. She is Director of Northwestern's Center for Bioethics, Science and Society, Chicago where she is Professor of Medical Ethics and Humanities.

Uniquely, she is also Professor of religion and a member of the Jewish Studies faculty at Northwestern University. Professor Zoloth is visiting as part of the Hadassah Australia Conference and Public Forum on infant male circumcision.

Her current research projects include work on the emerging issues in medical and research genetics, nanotechnology, neuroscience, and the ethical issues in stem cell research, and her research interest in distributive justice in health care continues.

Dr Inon Schenker is a widely-regarded researcher and academic in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention in Israel. He is Director of Operation Abraham, a program examining male circumcision and HIV/AIDS prevention.

He is also the founding chair of the Jerusalem AIDS Project, an international not-for-profit organisation, specializing in HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

Professor Zoloth and Dr Schenker were guests at the dinner hosted by the Vice-Chancellor and attended by Mrs Nancy Falchuk, National President of Hadassah (USA), Dr John Zelcer, Vice-President, Hadassah Australia Inc., Dr Elane Zelcer CEO, Hadassah Australia Inc, Executive Director, Hadassah Australia Foundation, Professor Simon Adams, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International Engagement), Associate Professor Mark Baker, Director, Jewish Studies and a number of representatives from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences including the Dean, Professor Steve Wesselingh.

Monash Mural

1 September 2010

There has been many a portrait of First World War military commander, engineer and scholar Sir John Monash - the University's namesake. His face even appears on our $100 dollar bill.

The latest image of the general has been created as graffiti art in a laneway beside the Caulfield Plaza adjacent the Caulfield campus.

The project was funded by the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Rob Willis through the Caulfield student experience network and was co-ordinate by the University's Crime Prevention coordinator, who teamed up with the local Police Crime Prevention Unit and Caulfield Park Community School.

The school agreed to invite students to design a Sir John Monash mural as part of an end-of-year assessment and gave them the chance to turn it into a reality under the watchful eye of professional street artist, 'Jason'.

Monash Crime Prevention Coordinator Craig Mentiplay said until now the campus experienced ongoing issues with graffiti at the Caulfield Plaza site, which was costly to continually remove.

"The idea was to rejuvenate the area by establishing some pride and ownership by the users of the area. One way to achieve this was to encourage local artists to participate in the design of their own environment," Mr Mentiplay said.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus Director of the Clayton and Caulfield campuses Professor Rob Willis said the project had been an enormous success. "This project has involved the entire community, including local school students, law enforcement authorities and has had the backing of the University. We are very proud of this achievement as it highlight's our ability to engage with a range of stakeholders," Professor Willis said.

"It's been a great initiative and the enthusiasm of the students and their artistic ability has been appreciated. The mural has been praised by many in the community and is a contemporary acknowledgement of Sir John Monash and his contribution to society."

Professor Willis said the success of the project had led to a number of businesses in the area wanting to engage with the University to create wall art throughout the precinct.

The Faculty of Art and Design has agreed to become involved in an ongoing basis to support and encourage the mural project as part of the campus achievement program.

Hospital program rolled out in China

1 September 2010

A patient program developed in conjunction with Monash University will be rolled out in more than 10,000 hospitals across China.

The Chinese Hospital Patient Experience and Satisfaction Monitor (CHPESM) has been developed through a collaboration between Monash University, the Chinese Ministry of Health, the Chinese Hospital Association and Peking University.

Deputy Dean International and Director of Research within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Shane Thomas together with Dr Hui Yang have been appointed international panel members in the ongoing program.

The CHPESM tool is based upon work Professor Thomas and Dr Yang have led since 2006.

The CHPESM launch was held in Beijing last month.

In his keynote address the Ministry of Health Director of Medical Service Quality Improvement Dr Zhou Jun strongly complimented the developers including the Monash team on their contributions to the national program.

The Ministry announced its plans to implement the CHPESM in all Chinese public hospitals during 2011 - 2012.

In the first study cohort, 11 provinces of China will commence operation of the program this month.

Professor Shane Thomas said the 44 top-ranked tertiary hospitals around China will also participate in this innovative program of hospital quality improvement.

"The use of Monash-developed tools and protocols throughout the entire Chinese public hospital network to assist in hospital quality improvement is a very pleasing result," Professor Thomas said.

"The Chinese Hospital Patient Experience and Satisfaction Monitor will be a key tool for the Chinese government in improving quality in its health system and we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to this important work with our Chinese partners."

Results of the first wave CHPESM will be reported at the end of 2010 and other waves will be conducted and reported on throughout 2011 and beyond.

Modern women, healthy choices

1 September 2010

Sunway campus has celebrated Women's Week with many high profile women sharing their knowledge and expertise with a focus on women's health.

Professor Jamiyah Hassan, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at University of Malaya Medical Centre spoke to staff and students of the Sunway campus about sexual health.

"In this era, educated women should not be afraid to discuss sexual health, which includes contraception education," she said.

Women from the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) presented an informative talk and conducted a workshop where participants were encouraged to learn about breast cancer diagnoses.

Representatives from Women's Aid Organisation also spoke about sexual harassment and highlighted the problems for Malaysian women who were afraid to lodge reports due to a lack of knowledge of laws, or the fear of not being believed, losing their jobs or that the report would be ignored.

Women's Aid wanted to convey the strong message that regardless of age, race, religion, profession, social status and culture, women were enduring harassments in various ways, be it physical, verbal, visual or psychological and that this behaviour should not be tolerated.

Advocate of "Pregnancy by choice, not by chance" Miss Malaysia 2007 Ms Deborah Henry shared the realities of unplanned pregnancies with Sunway campus staff and students.

"We know the consequences of unprotected sex and we know the contraceptive options, so there is no excuse for us to not take the responsibility to protect ourselves," Ms Henry said.

60 seconds with … Erica Tippett

1 September 2010

Name: Erica Tippett
Title: Project Officer
Dept: Office of International Engagement
Campus: Clayton

How long have you worked at Monash?

One year; I started in August 2009.

Where did you work prior to starting at the University?

I worked at Cardno Acil, a private sector international development consultancy firm based in Melbourne. I also worked on a Cardno project in Kabul, Afghanistan for more than three months across 2008 and 2009.

What do you like best about your role?

Supporting the University's international agenda and meeting all kinds of interesting people, from across Monash University and around the world.

Why did you choose your current career path?

I have always been interested in different cultures and exploring new lands. I completed a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) at RMIT University, which fuelled my interest further. Working for Cardno Acil was a way of getting involved in the international aid and development sector, which suited my strong social justice beliefs. My experience of working on the Australian Development Scholarships in Afghanistan sparked my interest in the role of education, specifically higher education, in international development. When a role came up in the international portfolio at Monash University it was a natural step for me.

What did you want to do for a career when you were young?

At a very young age I wanted to be an artist. A little later I had my heart set on becoming a dolphin trainer.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

I’m still open to suggestions.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My mum used to say that all you can do is your best.

Tell us something about yourself that your colleagues wouldn’t know?

That I wanted to be an artist and a dolphin trainer ...

Archive of 60 seconds with...

Did you know?

1 September 2010

Alice Tan, Assistant Manager, Student Administration and Systems Monash Malaysia with Cathryn Bunney, Manager Enrolments, Monash Australia. Alice was undertaking a Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program in Australia last week

Almost 110 Monash Academic and Professional staff have taken up opportunities provided by Staff Mobility at Monash since 2007.

Staff Mobility at Monash offers two programs: The Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program, available to all staff and the Travelling Fellowships, available for professional staff.

The programs aim to enhance inter-campus collaboration and encourage movement between the University's campus networks.

This year, another 21 programs will be undertaken by staff from Australia, Malaysia and South Africa campuses, bringing the total number of programs to 129.

In a survey undertaken in 2009, 92.5 per cent of respondents agreed that the program provided tangible results for their work.

For more information visit the Staff Mobility at Monash website.

Archive of Did you know?