Dinner with Françoys Gagné
A very pleasant evening was enjoyed by the 22 educators who attended this special event on August 30, 2010. It was the first of a series of teacher events pitched at 'expert level' for experienced GATs teachers who seek opportunity to deepen their understandings of pedagogy for gifted children.
Professor Gagne allowed us to circulate a recently published article, "Defining Academic Talent Development (2010)", as pre-reading. Each participant was invited to submit one or two questions prior to the event.
Rather than deliver a presentation, Professor Gagne responded to our questns and the conversation evolved around his responses and the ensuing comments from those present. A real professional dialogue developed around the nature of intelligence, creativity, talent development and its catalysts, gifted provisions and the needs of underachieving gifted students.
Our thanks to Abbotsleigh's Principal for hosting us and to Katherine Hoekman for her pre-event coordination. Their catering crew provided us with a beautiful meal presented with seamless hospitality.
Those who attended represented all sectors of education and wide areas of NSW. Despite it being a Monday night we were delighted to have teachers join us from Bathurst, Orange and the greater Sydney region. It was also enriching to have representatives from Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary sectors.
The organisers, Denise Wood (NSWAGTC President) and Rosemary Hammerton (NSWAGTC Teacher Support Officer), were very satisfied with the outcome of the evening, and as well as the chance to also be engaged with the conversation. In the words of one teacher the following day: "A great night! What an excellent idea. Everyone really got to ask what was important to them and get an understanding of exactly what Gagné was about. I thought the idea of drinks and dinner for a smallish number who were well versed in the topic of the evening was excellent. It also gave us a chance to network with teachers from all sectors, not just our own. I hope more can follow."
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| “Saturday’s seminar
was just great! Thankyou for organising it. These sessions are definitely
fuelling my curiosity and increasing my knowledge on G&T.” An attendee at a NSWAGTC seminar |
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