SPICE Program
The SPICE program, a secondary science teachers’ enrichment program, is an exciting partnership between the WA Department for Education and Training and the University of Western Australia. The SPICE program has three interconnected components:
· development of teaching and learning resources;
· professional learning (including a Teachers in Residence program); and
· enrichment and interaction with UWA scientists.
SPICE aims to ensure that teachers in WA Government schools have an increased enthusiasm for science and for their roles in teaching science to their students; have increased knowledge and understanding of the latest science in their specialist area and of the associated investigative skills; can select and utilise a range of modern learning technologies in their classrooms; and have the knowledge and confidence to implement teaching, learning and assessment approaches that will enhance their students’ learning.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Through the SPICE program, all DET science teachers are able to enhance their skills and their knowledge of advancements in science and related technology through participation in purpose-designed formal and informal professional learning at UWA. It is anticipated that heightened engagement and interaction between teachers and tertiary scientists will have a significant impact upon the enthusiasm of teachers for science that will positively influence their students’ attitudes to science and tertiary science courses.
TEACHERS IN RESIDENCE
The Teacher in Residence (TIR) program is a major component of the SPICE program that will enable selected secondary science teachers to work with the SPICE team to develop teaching and learning resources and a professional learning program for their peers.
Each Teacher in Residence will be immersed at UWA for a school term in an environment of scientific research, multimedia development and curriculum design and will develop as a systemic leader (mentor) in science education for DET.
Teachers in residence :
· Work with UWA scientists and SPICE Instructional Designers to design curriculum resources, including interactive learning resources;
· Assist in the development and implementation of SPICE professional learning programs to be offered to all WA science teachers;
· Participate in activities in UWA science faculties that expose them to the latest science and its technological applications;
· Take new skills and understandings back to their schools and become agents of change; and
· Participate in the development and implementation of an action research program that will evaluate the SPICE initiative against its stated targets and outcomes.
