Celebrating ACER graduates at Research Conference 2019

Students of ACER’s Graduate Certificate in Education: Assessment of Student Learning (GCEASL) course were celebrated in a graduation ceremony at Research Conference 2019 in Melbourne last week.

In a special ceremony at ACER’s annual Research Conference, Professor Geoff Masters AO – ACER Chief Executive and Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory course lead – introduced and congratulated graduands before ACER Board Chair Anthony Mackay AM presented their awards.

Adam Wardell of Ipswich Grammar School (pictured second from left) was awarded the prestigious Academic Medal for his performance in his GCEASL studies, and said he was thrilled to accept the honour.

“It was a great privilege to be able to accept the academic medal,” Mr Wardell said. “I actually had no idea who the recipient would be until it was announced, so it was a very pleasant surprise.”

ACER Professional Learning Course Coordinator Dr Anne-Marie Chase said Adam’s performance was exceptional, even in a year of excellence.

“The cohort graduating in 2019 really took things to a new level, with several students achieving high distinctions,” Dr Chase said. “However, Adam displayed a level of analysis, critical thinking and application that educators like myself wish for.”

Students came from all over Australia to attend the graduation ceremony. They were:

• Janine Conolly, Manager – Data Informed Learning, Catholic Education Services, Qld
• Nathan Cook, Teacher, Ayr State High School, Qld
• Tarli Dowling, Manager, Assessment Operations, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Vic
• David Edwards, Principal, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish School, SA
• Gregory Esposito, Deputy Principal, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish School, SA
• Vincent McDeed, Teacher, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish School, SA
• Rosslyn Mattner, SACE Coordinator/10–12 Learning & Accountability, St Francis de Sales College, SA
• Raelene Maxworthy, Teaching & Learning Coordinator, McCarthy Catholic College, NSW
• Abigail Twyman, Assistant Head of Mathematics, Brisbane Grammar School, QLD
• Adam Wardell, Ipswich Grammar School, QLD

Students graduating in absentia:

• Sharleen Casement, Teacher, Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School, Canada
• Vaughan Cleary, Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching, Assumption College Kilmore, Vic
• Judith Geeves, Teacher, Radford College Junior School, ACT
• Julie Hepburn, Peer Coach, Emmaus College, Vic
• Elise O'Connor, Teacher, St Paul's College, SA

Dr Chase said feedback from graduates had been extremely positive.

“Our graduates tell us they thought they understood assessment until they studied with us,” Dr Chase said. “Really understanding the purpose of assessment has transformed how they see education and their students' learning.”

The achievements of students who completed another ACER online course, Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory, were also celebrated in the ceremony.

Research Conference 2019 brought together education experts from around the world to discuss the evidence on how best to prepare students for the 21^st century. Download proceedings and conference papers. In 2020, Research Conference goes to Sydney and will examine how to promote and monitor growth in student learning. Register to receive early bird pricing and program details as they’re released.

Find out more about the Graduate Certificate in Education: Assessment of Student Learning and Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory courses, or the full range of ACER Professional Learning options.