Australia Day and Training

I hope that everyone had a great Australia Day celebration. I spent a few hours riding my bike around observing the many and varied ways that people were gathering together to celebrate the day and enjoy each others company. What has this got to do with training and teaching? Maybe not that much but as I watched a multitude of different personalities, individuals and cultural groups enjoying a beautiful sunny day and the incredible freedom and choice that we all enjoy it reminded me of how lucky we are in respect to many other countries and that as teachers and trainers it is part of our job to ensure that our continued prosperity, good fortune and wonderful lifestyle is reflected in in how we teach, what we teach and the behaviours and attitudes we demonstrate, acknowledge and reward.  With that in mind here are my thoughts on what is great about Australian teaching and training.

1. We still have a great deal of freedom in what and how we teach (there are some rules).
2. We have a large number of fantastic teachers and trainers who despite the bloated, antiquated system continue to do the very best for their students.
3. We encourage and enforce multi-cultural values, attitudes and points of view.
4. We encourage a set of values that overall equals respect for all, everything and our environment.
5. We encourage innovation,  creativity and freedom of choice and thought.

What should we be wary of in our training rooms and classes?

1. There are still pockets of racism and cultural intolerance which should never enter our classrooms. It shouldn’t be tolerated.
2. Despite the politics involved, do the job. Our only interest and motivation should be the maximum achievement that each student can reach.
3. Technology is the way of the future. Don’t ignore it or dismiss it. You may feel very uncomfortable but it is part of our jobs to maintain our competence in an ever changing world.
4. Censorship is required but when does it become CONTROL.
5. The right to quality education and training is based on how much money you have.

If I had more time I could probably think of more points (positive and negative) but I am feeling a little bit tired. What would you like to add to this list. Please comment.