Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Professional Development in a Cross-Cultural Setting

Christine Stores

Southern Cross University, Australia

Lynne Hill

International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea

Joan Conway

International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea has realised the need for increasing the number of citizen teachers within the International School System. In response to this The IEA of PNG together with Southern Cross University /Australia have jointly developed and implemented a Teacher Upgrading Course for recently graduated citizen teachers (up to 5 years experience). Teaching within the IEA schools is quite a different experience from teaching within the community schools of Papua New Guinea and this intensive program attempts to address the cultural, theoretical and practical implications of such a change through elements of theory and practice, together with a program of mentoring and practical experience.

This session will examine two key elements to the program (Literacy and Professional Studies/Internship). It will highlight some of the challenges faced by the teachers, the mentors and the two institutions involved.