David Birbeck

I am passionate about teaching and learning. I agree with R.S Peters when he differentiates types of learning such as training or instruction and compares / contrasts these with education. Education according to Peters, must be about conscious learning and always incorporates a set of values. Education is never "value free" and therefore never compeltely objective. By these criteria I am proud to think of myself as an educator and aspire to be a better one.

I am particularly interested in the affective domain of teaching and learning. Particularly, how we might develop courses and programs so that we can rigorously develop and assess affective learning. One strategy that I see as potentially powerful in engaging students in bringing affective and cognitive learning together is Service Learning. This form of experienmtial learning  is firmly grounded in real world experiences that situate the learning of emerging professionals  as members in society. that is they work with communities to better understanbd tghemselves and their profession.. This is about engaging with people in ways that  traditionally may not be have been seen as academic , but which, when done thoughtfully and intentionally, lead to learning that can be powerful,confronting and meaningful.

• First name: David
• Last name: Birbeck
• Email address: David.Birbeck@unisa.edu.au
• Official website address: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/homepage.asp?Name=David.Birbeck