Budding teachers

By Bridget Brady
TWO lots of students are gaining valuable experience at Coral Park Primary School.
Pre service teachers from Monash University are visiting the school each Wednesday and putting their learning into practice by taking hands-on science classes with the primary school students.
To complement the school’s integrated unit on water, the Monash University students have been working with a small group of about three or four students to increase students’ science knowledge.
Some experiments have included creating a volcano out of bicarbonate soda and water, floating and sinking activities with boats students have made, and experiments on how plants use water.
Junior team leader at Coral Park Primary School Kellie Knox said the students at the school have been “totally enthralled” with the activities.
“Being taught in a small group enables the students to get the individual attention needed to complete more complex science experiments and ensure they understand the science concepts being taught,” Ms Knox said.
For the Monash University students, Ms Knox said it has given them more confidence when putting their university studies into practice in the early years of schooling.
Ms Knox said she hoped the school could also implement the program in maths and literacy areas.
“The extra time for students on a one-to-four ratio would be highly beneficial and really help us to target student needs.”