The Garin College/Sealord Link
Teacher's perspective – Jo Calt
Student presentation
Final product
Jo is very enthusiastic about the link. Besides bringing the unit to life and making it engaging for the students and lifting achievement levels, having Frits on hand was a great opportunity for some personal professional development. She recommends the experience to other Technology teachers.
The main challenge in establishing and maintaining the link was timetabling, as Garin College works on a fortnightly cycle. Jo made a point of reminding her students well ahead of time of their scheduled 'appointment' with Frits, and of reminding them again, nearer the time.
Jo was very keen to show her, and the class's, appreciation at the end of the year. But how do you thank someone who selflessly gives of their time week after week? How do you thank a company that makes it possible? What's appropriate? Cash? Koha? In the end, following the final class presentations to Sealord representatives, the class hosted a morning tea for them.
At present, the relationship between Sealord and Garin College is ongoing, and, to Jo, the key to this sustainability is clear: communication and respect.
She recommends technology teachers seek out and involve people like Frits in their teaching. "The best way of initiating such a link is to simply start the conversation. You don't have to know what direction you want to go in. Things will develop and evolve naturally."
