Leigh Disney
Faculty of Education
Students forming deep connections is a critical element of success
For Leigh, being valued for who you are is critical.
What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?
By viewing children as competent learners, we empower preservice teachers with the knowledge and understanding that young children can indeed change the world. However, we need to support them, and this can be achieved through wise and considered teaching approaches. So, our agents of change are the young children we empower to become the future generation, armed with knowledge of the world and how they can create change.
How do you help students build confidence, not just knowledge?
By forming deep connections with each other within the unit and knowing students at a personal level, so they feel valued and willing to learn and contribute ideas.
What do you hope your students take away from their time with you?
Firstly, a sense of belonging. That they are valued for who they are and what they will become. I had a student who, after graduating from Monash, returned home to China to teach. She sent me a detailed description of how she implemented much of what she had learned into her teaching of science in an early childhood context in China. Explaining how she adapted what she learnt and applied it to her context, I was very proud.
You can feel the sense of community and social connection, it leaves you feeling part of something bigger than yourself. ”
What legacy or ripple effect do you hope to leave behind?
That we can role model good teaching practices. I've had many students tell me that they want to be the type of teacher I am when they begin their professional careers. I always reply, "Do so! Be the teacher you wished you had in your schooling journey". Teaching may not always come easily to everyone, but with sufficient time and dedication to your career, we can all become the best versions of ourselves in the classroom.
What’s something about Monash that would surprise people?
At 6 pm on any evening, the Clayton campus is still abuzz with energy and emotion! I have brought my daughters on campus at that time to experience what it feels like, and every time they have come back saying, "I want to go to Monash!"! You can feel the sense of community and social connection, it leaves you feeling part of something bigger than yourself.
What does being a 'Changemaker’ mean to you personally?
That whilst you may only share small periods with people, the ripple effect of those actions can be with people for life. That change evolves over time and in various contexts.
How would you explain your role to someone who’s never met a university educator?
My role is about care. Care for my students, my colleagues, the university and myself.
How do you tailor your teaching approach to engage and inspire today's students?
By learning what motivates them and, in turn, showing passion towards the process of communal growth.