Educational Model

Geo-Ed aims to provide teachers and students with an Educational Package which is curriculum focussed, student relevant and within the theme of work currently being taught in the classroom. Geo-Ed aims to supplement and extend the range of resources and presentations available to the classroom teacher. Teachers can chose from one of the Geo-Ed Existing Presentations or we would encourage teachers to assess our Curriculum Links to determine if Geo-Ed can develop a personal presentation to suit their needs. Teachers are encouraged to contact Geo-Ed for in-depth discussions relevant to their learning program.

During 2009, Geo-Ed conducted in-school trialling to determine the best approach for presenting the Geo-Ed topics. The following presentation format was the format suggested as providing the best educational opportunity for students and their teachers as it provides a balance between discussion and the hands on interaction with the rock collection that is the underpinning of the Geo-Ed Educational Experience.

Each Geo-Ed presentation has a duration of 80 minutes. Each presentation will usually be conducted in four parts. Each Geo-Ed presentation commences with a short focussing discussion conducted by the Geo-Ed presenter, a session lasting 50-60 minutes in which the students will interact with the Geological Resources and a reflective concluding session. The final component of the presentation is the Ask a Geologist segment.

All of the students who have interacted with the Geo-Ed collection have commented that they enjoyed the hands on component far beyond any other component of the presentations. During trialling we found that session lengths of less than 80 minutes duration left the students and teachers feeling as if they wanted further time interacting with the rocks.

To ensure cost effectiveness Geo-Ed is unable to prepare a presentation for an individual class at a school. Geo-Ed needs to present to at least four groups during the day with each group consisting of 45-65 students of a similar level. Each group's presentation during a single day can be on different topics and learning areas so that Geo-Ed can cater to the different learning areas and themes being taught across the various classes and year groups throughout the school. If a school makes a two day booking with Geo-Ed, then on the second morning Geo-Ed will be happy to be available to parents who wish to see the display or interact with the Geo-Ed presenter.

During trialling, Geo-Ed utilised a buddy system that was well received by the students and teachers. Geo-Ed found that junior classes that were buddied with several senior students for the duration of the presentation gained and enhanced experience from interaction with the Geo-Ed teaching collection. Schools booking Geo-Ed are encouraged to adopt this learning model. Please contact Geo-Ed for discussion on this initiative during our presentations in your school.

A couple of weeks before Geo-Ed arrives in school each class group that is interacting with Geo-Ed will be provided with a tailored Pre Visit Activity outline specific to the topic being presented by Geo-Ed. The Content of the Pre Visit Activity outline will be written, drawing from a variety of sources and experiences, by the Geo-Ed Educational team - our Geo-Ed Presenter and our Geo-Ed Educational Consultant. An example of the Pre Visit Activity Outline can be seen here.

All classes participating in the Geo-Ed experience are also provided with a post visit activity and suggestions and lists of resources that can be utilised in the further exploration of the geological topic. Examples of Post Visit Activities outlines can be seen here.