Ms Trudy Smith1
1Nextsense Institute, , Australia
Biography:
Trudy Smith is Manager of Continuing Professional Education at NextSense Institute and Adjunct Lecturer at Macquarie University. Trudy held appointments as a classroom and itinerant teacher, and an appointment in executive management of educational services for children with sensory disabilities in Qld. Trudy is a LSLS CertAVT and has extensive experience in telepractice and remote services. She has also worked as a global rehabilitation manager for MED-EL, providing training and coaching for teachers, therapists and families around the world. She is a member of the Family Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) International Executive Committee, the AG Bell Academy Global Matters Committee.
Abstract
Professional discussions allow us to engage and learn with and from each other. When meeting for a new case discussion, reviewing case notes, or debriefing a challenging session, we utilise shared knowledge, concept knowledge, and subject-specific vocabulary in our interactions. It is these interactions that strengthen our collaborative relationships and work practice, and promote professional trust and cooperation.
This presentation will discuss research findings about the benefits of peer discussion on professional identity and consider the benefits of establishing set and structured discussion times with your peers. This presentation will consider how an organisation can establish safe and engaging discussion spaces and provide strategies for promoting open and honest communication. Finally, the presentation will make suggestions about how to schedule these discussions into our busy schedules.