Anne Forbes is a Senior Lecturer in STEM Education in the Department of Educational Studies at Macquarie University, where she teaches in a range of units in pre-service teacher education and conducts accredited in-service teacher professional learning to enthuse, inform and inspire learning and teaching through science education. Anne is particularly interested in ways to advance the learning and teaching of science education in schools through the development of communities of science practice. This work is currently manifested through an outreach program named MyScience@MQ, where Year 9/10 students, and mentors with science and engineering expertise from MQ staff and students, work with primary students to undertake an authentic scientific investigation, which is later presented to the school community at a Science Fair. Participating teachers undertake accredited professional learning that develops their skills and confidence in science education. Anne is also working with IBM to implement a Global Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Framework, and is the lead author on a STEM Education textbook for Australian pre-service primary teachers. She has been invited to share her research internationally as a keynote speaker, and to share her ideas about STEM education with parents, teachers and principals as an invited speaker.

CURRENT PROJECTS

MyScience@MQ: In 2006 Anne co-developed the underpinning Educational Model for MyScience www.myscience.com.au, an award-winning program that aims to stimulate interest and enhance the capacity of primary science teachers and their students in conducting authentic scientific investigations- and has been implementing the program since that time. Preliminary research http://www.myscience.com.au/research/ into the program indicates benefits across the educational spectrum: for primary students and their teachers, secondary students and their science teachers and pre-service primary and secondary science teachers, where learning occurs because of participation in a community of science practice.

STEM Education textbook: Anne is collaborating with five Australian academics to create a 'state-of-the-art' text to support understanding of STEM education for Australian pre-service primary teachers. The book is due to be published in 2020.

IBM Global Artifical Intelligence Currciulum Framework

In 2018, Macquarie University’s Department of Educational Studies (DES) was the lead organisation for developing IBM’s Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Curriculum Framework. Following consultation with key Australian education stakeholders including the Chief Scientist, ACARA and the Department of Education, DES collaborated with international stakeholders in the UK, US and India to produce the comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Framework for students and teachers in primary and secondary schools. Designed to develop future-oriented knowledge, skills and values, the framework enables participation and contribution as engaged and responsible citizens in the 21^st century economy and society.

In 2019 IBM will implement the Global AI Curriculum Framework with Anne as the 'Academic Lead' for developing a suite of continuing professional development (CPD) courses for teachers. These courses will be aligned to AITSL ‘Proficient Level’ Australian Professional Standards at AQF Level 8, as well as IBM badges, and country education requirements.

TEACHING and SCHOLARSHIP 

Anne teaches in the Early Childhood and Primary education programs, and contributes to units relating to Science and Design Technology education. She currently convenes ECH430, and participates in ECH232, ECH234, EDTE252 and EDTE455

Anne uses a learner-centred approach in her teaching to design and deliver resources and ideas, which means identifying key elements of ‘what needs to be known or understood’ and presenting them in ways that allow learners to ‘join the dots’.  She believes in, and practices the art of teaching, as being about creating inviting spaces into which learners will step and engage with presented ideas.   

TEACHING AWARDS

2003      BHP Billiton: National BHP Billiton Award for Primary Science Teaching

2000      Streamwatch, NSW: Outstanding Streamwatch Educator award for K-12 teaching

PROFESSIONAL / RESEARCH-RELATED / COMMUNITY ROLES

Anne is currently a reviewer for the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education journal.

She contributes to Educational Research in NSW through her position as Vice President on the NSW Institute for Educational Research committee.

Anne regularly presents professional development workshops about science and design technology education.

Anne was awarded the following in recognition of her contributions to a variety of Professional Teaching Associations:

2015      Professional Teachers’ Council of NSW: Exceptional Service Award 

2010      Science Teachers' Association of NSW: Distinguished Service Award

2006      Professional Teachers’ Council of NSW: Outstanding Professional Service Award