Student Teachers Impress at University of Winnipeg Conference

Student teachers showcased their skills and insights at a conference hosted by the University of Winnipeg from February 18 to 20, 2024. This event, organized by the Western Canadian Association for Student Teaching, attracted approximately 450 attendees from Canada and the Caribbean, marking a record for research presentations.

Wayne Davies, the director of student teaching at the University of Winnipeg and chair of the conference, emphasized the goal of pushing boundaries. This year, the conference included partnerships with international institutions. Notably, for the first time, the University of Winnipeg collaborated with the University of the West Indies, allowing researchers from both regions to exchange knowledge and experiences.

The conference featured over 150 presentations covering diverse educational research topics, including strategies for addressing scientific misinformation and using podcasting to enhance inclusivity in classrooms. Kishi Anderson Leachman, an assistant professor at the University of Winnipeg and an alumnus of the University of the West Indies, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative spirit of the event. “Hearing other perspectives helps teach us to bring cultural sensitivity into the classroom,” she noted.

Participants praised the opportunity to share and learn from one another. Sarah Elvin, a 35-year-old education student at the University of Winnipeg, found the experiences shared by fellow students particularly enlightening. She highlighted a presentation focusing on teaching students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a subject not yet addressed in her coursework. “I’ve learned a lot about things I’d never even thought of. It’s really beneficial for a student teacher,” she remarked.

Another attendee, Lyn Dalit, a 23-year-old teacher-candidate currently on practicum in a Winnipeg high school, expressed her newfound understanding of discussing artificial intelligence with students. “Students use it because they are not aware of the importance of going through the process in order to get to a product,” she explained. Dalit also showcased her own research during the conference, contributing to discussions on innovative educational practices.

A significant highlight of the event was the presentation by the team behind ToyBox Manitoba, an early childhood education platform. Led by Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk, a professor of education and developmental studies at the University of Winnipeg, the initiative aims to provide free numeracy, literacy, and wellness activities for children aged two to eight. “We’re trying to create a seamless transition between early childhood, infancy, and school-aged learning,” Skwarchuk stated.

The conference not only served as a platform for sharing research but also fostered connections among educators from various backgrounds. The diverse participation underscored the importance of cultural exchange in education, as attendees learned from each other’s unique classroom contexts.

Overall, the University of Winnipeg conference highlighted the vital role of collaboration and innovation in shaping future educators, leaving participants with valuable insights and renewed enthusiasm for their teaching careers.