The MAA National Conference

an article by Jenny & Bernie published in Northside News July28, 2002

The MAA Conference was held this year in Geelong, Victoria from the 18th to 20th July.  We had an enjoyable 3 days which was yet another enriching and invigorating exercise for the Montessori Community in Australia.  Even though the majority of delegates were from Victoria it was well attended by teachers, parents and students from WA, NSW and QLD. The workshop was titled “Smarter Not Harder”, and presented by Andrew Fuller (Clinical Psychologist, author, social advocate and lecturer in child adolescent and family psychology). We really enjoyed this segment, which was a self-assessment exercise on your own personality type.  The end result after much shared discussion was that it takes different personality types to really work effectively.

The following two days also gave us the opportunity to gather some great ideas that we could use in our classrooms. The Montessori concept of “structure and freedom” was discussed at length.  We will soon give out copies of suggested ways for parents to support self-confidence and independence at home.  Copies of the Montessori Papers and a book by Andrew Fuller will be available too.

The workshops on True Stories as well as Science and Music were also particularly good.  There were opportunities for professionals to share different ideas and have hands-on experience with some activities.  There were many activities which enhanced group dynamics and everyone felt like old friends when they parted.  The Conference ended with a summing up on the theme by Shannon and the WAMA Representative closed the conference with an invitation to the next national conference to be held in Perth in 2003.

We wish to thank Deirdre and the School Council for making it possible for us to attend.

Just a bit of friendly advice to those who would visit Geelong in the future – if you ask the locals for instructions make sure you double the time specified !!!