The Australasian PASS and Peer Learning Conference 2019
The Australasian PASS and Peer Learning Conference (#PPLC2019) was hosted in Wollongong on 2 – 3rd October. The event continues to offer the opportunity to bring staff and student leaders together to discuss the many factors that contribute towards successful peer programs.
Delegates represented 30 institutions from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. The program of events included 39 community-created posters, workshops and speed talks, many of which were created by student leaders. Themes related to the role of peer learning for diverse learners, innovative activity design, partnership practices, creating impact in online modes and training/ professional development for leaders. It was particularly exciting to see reflections on enhancing inclusivity and environmental awareness as peer programs continue to lead the way around the region. The organising committee wish to acknowledge all session presenters for their contribution to the conversation around PASS and Peer Learning. The event is not possible without the continuing commitment to open sharing of practice that has been a defining feature of the community since the first PASS Forum in 2005. It is amazing to see the breadth of peer programs continuing to grow across the region.
The two keynote speakers, Emeritus Associate Professor David Arendale and Associate Professor Kelly Matthews offered thought provoking insights. David shared personal anecdotes from a long and distinguished career, noting that that real learning takes place where there is collaboration – “that’s where the magic happens”. His concluding comments resonated with many, as he noted that that creating safe places for students to have conversations is key … “There is a big difference between failing and being a failure”. Kelly facilitated an interactive discussion around the intersection of Students as Partners and peer programs, asking the conference “What do students know about teaching and learning that could make teaching and learning better?” Acknowledging that peer programs are often innately partnership practice, Kelly encouraged everyone to think more deeply about how we could do more the “Five P’s” as a framework –Possibilities, Paradoxes, Permission, Power, Perceptions.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Australasian Peer Leader Awards. The winners were:
Outstanding Student Peer Leader
Rhiannon Terry, Student Learning Drop In Team, University of Tasmania
Outstanding Peer Educator Team
UOW PASS Mentor Team
Oustanding New PASS Leader
Rita Anjerkoushian, Curtin University
Narasimhan Ravi, Griffith University
Duc Vo, University of South Australia
Outstanding Senior PASS Leader
Sahar Tabbouleh, Western Sydney University
Gayani Gunasekera, University of Wollongong
PPLC2020 Announcement!
PPLC2020 will be co-hosted with the University of South Australia in Adelaide on 29th – 30th September 2020. Registrations will open in late 2019 and we look forward to welcoming submissions from peer programs staff across the region.
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