A special thank you to those who helped record the day for others to share - writers, presenters, photographer, sound and video recordists, video streaming co-ordinator and our video host.

The Learning Powerhouse successfully brought together over 460 delegates (exceeding initial expectations of approximately 400 registrants). 84% were from TAFE NSW, others coming from the Department of Education and Training, with co-presenters from other NSW departments, sponsors and invited presenters from a small number of interstate units. All TAFE NSW Institutes were well represented and over 40% of delegates were practicing classroom teachers.

The Learning Powerhouse was the inaugural TAFE NSW International Centre for Vocational Education and Training (ICVET) Conference and was held on 16 September at Australian Technology Park, Redfern NSW with a networking reception on the evening of 15 September. The conference canvassed a broad range of issues in teaching and learning in TAFE NSW, while primarily focussing on practice, and showcasing excellence and innovation.

a conference for teachers by teachers, about teaching…

Teaching and learning practitioners came together to talk about their practice and made the most of the focus on networking, flexibility, choice and conversation.

The conference program was innovative and exciting, highlighting current practice in TAFE NSW, creating an energetic atmosphere and providing wide ranging learning opportunities for delegates. The rolling-all-day design enabled delegates to select from a wide range of learning experiences including seminars, workshops, showcases, conversations and informal networking. In his opening address, Institute Director Barry Peddle, of TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, asked teachers to critically examine their practice. He was followed by the keynote address challenging teachers, Don’t Blame the Student when challenged with student feedback. The keynote was delivered by a practitioner from her perspective as teacher and head teacher of stone masonry and brick laying.

Audience enjoying The Learning Powerhouse Practitioners led sessions ranging from discussions on the importance of teaching students how to think, through to workshops using the latest in educational technology. Issues included learning styles, personalised learning, research in practice, industry partnerships, leadership, teaching excellence, employability skills, skills ecosystems, learner support, appreciative inquiry, innovation, assessment, online learning, supporting teachers and mobile and wireless technologies. The showcase displayed TAFE NSW excellence and provided an alternative learning space for delegates. Promoted as interactive learning spaces, the showcase area included booths on mlearning, remote education, web technologies, online mentoring, teaching technologies and digital storytelling, amongst others.

Debate moderated by Adam Spencer There was a real buzz of energy and possibilities amongst delegates on the day with a great deal of positive feedback volunteered to the organising team. With the extensive choice and range of activities while nobody could go to everything, there was the opportunity for everyone to make the most of the day.

The debate finale, moderated by Adam Spencer, was a highlight at the end of the day, enjoyed universally by participants, providing an energetic and positive conclusion to a day filled with new possibilities, connections, ideas, solutions, and challenges.