PISA Study in Science, Reading and Mathematics

Canadian 15-year-old students still are among the best in the world when it comes to science, reading and mathematics, according to new results from an international study that assesses the skill level of students nearing the end of their compulsory education. See PISA study released by Stats Can:
http://www.statscan.ca/Daily/English/071205/d071205b.htm

President Meisen

Memorial University President, Dr. Axel Meisen will complete his presidency at the end of the Fall Semester. It has been an honour to work with Dr. Meisen during the last six years. He has been very supportive of the Faculty of Education and has encouraged us in our work both in the University and in our outreach to the community.

For quick reference to the President's Annual Report, see:
http://www.mun.ca/2007report/

CEA Report: Public Education in Canada

The Canadian Education Association has released its Public Education in Canada: Facts, Trends and Attitudes report, which contains the results of our Public Attitudes Toward Education survey.

The full report and a summary of findings is available on our website at: http://www.cea-ace.ca/

This is CEA’s fourth such survey and is based on the opinions of over 2,400 Canadians collected between January and May 2007. Commentaries are also included in this report from educational leaders based on these survey results that help provide a context to issues such as student assessment, confidence in school systems, and educational change.

In addition to the survey results, this report contains a composite picture of education in Canada, with an overview of our education systems, a summary of key public school indicators and a brief outline of trends in educational reform.

We hope that this report will spark dialogue in your organization and beyond about the challenges we face in educating all students to take their place in a world of dynamic social, technological and economic change. In this regard, CEA welcomes your feedback on the questions contained at the conclusion of the report that can help us to draw people into larger conversations to think about education.

President's Awards

Congratulations to Dr. Elizabeth Murphy and Dr. Joan Oldford. This week Elizabeth received the President's Award for Outstanding Research for 2006-07 and Joan was recognized with the President's Award for Outstanding Community Service. The event was held at the Fluvarium and the awards were presented by President Meisen. For more information see: http://www.today.mun.ca/news.php?news_id=3389

Minerva Scholar in the Faculty of Education

Great news today about one of our colleagues. Dr. Dale Kirby has been named a Minerva Scholar by the Canadian Council on Learning. The Minerva Lecture Series was created to foster discussion between Canadian learning researchers and citizens from across the country. The Minerva Lecture Series is a unique opportunity to understand how research can inform and affect learning for all at different stages of life.

For more information, please see: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Events/Minerva/?Language=EN

Congratulations, Dale!

Remembrance Day

On November 11, Memorial will mark Remembrance Day in a special way. The University was built in memory of those Newfoundlanders who gave their lives during the Great Wars. The Faculty of Education as one of the three founding faculties of the University remembers and honours those who gave their lives so bravely. We cheerish our freedom and democratic ideals and we are committed to Memorial's foundation in all that we do.

November 1, 2007
New Faculty Member

It's a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Rhonda Joy to the Faculty of Education, Memorial University. Rhonda obtained a B.Sc and B.Ed from Memorial and a PhD in Counselling Psychology from OISE/UT and has had extensive expereince in the K-12 school system. She has taught preivously in the Faculty of Education. She begins a tenure-track appointment today, November 1.

It's a beautful big crisp day in St. John's. A good start for November.

October 31, 2007

Hallowe'en Celebrations in the Faculty of Education

Thanks to the Social Committee for hosting a great Hallowe'en party today in the McCann Centre. Wonderful costumes, delicious food and other treats, lovely prizes, and most of all the great fellowship of staff and faculty in Education.

Recent events:

History of Education Exhibit:
The Faculty of Education recently hosted the official launch of the History of Education in Newfoundland and Labrador Exhibit. This magnificent work is the result of the dedication of four colleagues, Dr. Phil McCann, Dr. Glenn Sheppard, Dr. Gar Fizzard and Dr. Roy Kelleher. They began this project as members of a Committee of the Faculty of Education and saw it to completion over a ten year period. The graphic artist and designer, Dougal Dunbar contributed his knowledge, skills and expertise to this work. Dr. Tim Borlase made a major contribution to the two exhibits which focus on Labrador.

Please visit this wonderful depiction of the growth and development of education in Newfoundland and Labrador proudly displayed in the G. A. Hickman Building.

Deans of Education Meetings:

I have just returned from our Fall meeting of Deans of Education (ACDE). This is a wonderful professional and social event in which Deans share the accomplishments of our faculties and set goals for our work as an organization. The Deans developed an Accord on Teacher Education and we are now working on two other Accords, one on research in Faculties of Education and the other on Aboriginal Education.

When I was in Toronto, I also had the opportunity to visit with my two daughters and my grandchildren. That was an added bonus especially when Kieran and Gwen light up when they see me or is it the other way around. No matter: it's simply joyful!

First Blog

I'm stepping into unknown and untested terrain. Here's my first attempt at a Blog. More later.

Alice