Alumni interviews give Teaching students the edge

Jun 06, 2006

The University of Wollongong’s Education Alumni are helping prepare current student teachers for their careers by conducting mock accreditation interviews with final year students to prepare them for the real thing.

Alumni and educators in senior positions such as school principals, deputies and educational consultants volunteer their time to help prepare the students for compulsory Department of Education and Training (DET) interviews for their teaching accreditation.

The educators from DET schools conduct one-on-one interviews where they ask the kind of questions students can expect in their DET interview and provide advice on how to best prepare for that interview.

The program, which is unique to UOW, started six years ago with 15 volunteers. It has proved so successful that around 45 volunteers were involved in this year’s interviews, conducted in early June at two locations in Wollongong as well as UOW’s Shoalhaven and Loftus campuses.

“These interviews really add value to the students’ degree,” Alumni Education Chapter Convenor and former school principal Dr Lenore Armour said. “It has become an important professional development day for the students, while the Alumni who are involved gain an understanding of our graduates and also provide valuable feedback to the Faculty of Education.”

Primary Teaching student Julie Garrett, who participated in this year’s interviews, agreed. “It was really valuable,” Julie said. “I received lots of guidance and fine-tuning for my actual interview. But just as importantly, it was very encouraging and has boosted my confidence.”

Sandy Ridewood, who is studying to be an Art teacher, said her mock interview had been very professional. “Most people don’t often get put into that formal interview situation, so (handling) it doesn’t come naturally. This was really useful, and I learned what I need to do to prepare for my DET interview and how I should structure my answers.”

One of the organisers, Illawarra Sports High School Principal Dr Peter Bailey, said the day was also beneficial for the senior teachers involved.

“It is very refreshing to see the potential of young teachers joining the profession,” he said. “A lot of older teachers are going to be retiring in the next few years, but our schools will be in good hands judging by the quality of the young teachers coming through.”

Education Lecturer Ann Baxter said feedback from DET showed that UOW graduates generally fared better in their accreditation interviews than other graduates, which demonstrated the success of the Alumni interview program.

“There’s no substitute for experiencing the real thing, and we are very grateful to Lenore and Education Alumni for making this possible for our students,” she said. “It is so professional and well structured, and is a very positive experience for our students.”

UOW Alumni Relations Officer Jocelin Kelly says the Education Chapter’s efforts are an outstanding example of the way UOW Alumni contribute to the educational experience of current students.

“This program really reinforces the way our graduates give back to the University. They’re giving their time to provide really valuable opportunities to future generations of students."

The 2006 program organising committee consisted of Dr Armour, Dr Bailey, the Education Chapter’s Patron and former Dean of Students at the original Wollongong Teachers College Hazel Holmwood, Russell Vale Public School Principal Paul Brightwell, Port Kembla Public School Principal Kevin Tucker and Education Chapter Liaison Officer Dr Kerrie Eyding.