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As our world is constantly changing and increasing in complexity the need for us to be able to work and learn in many settings throughout our lives necessitates professional learning to become not only lifelong but also life-wide (ACDE, 2004).
Traditionally professional development has been a very one-way flow of information with the expert or supervisor lecturing to the individual all be it in the group situation about a new methodology, piece of equipment etc. The ‘new’ thinking embraces a peer or co-operative partnership approach.
As teachers of the 21st century we need to be proficient and skilled in many areas to be both reflective and learning practitioners. Within our classrooms exist a huge diversity in learning styles, additional and diverse needs, cultural and racial differences, developmentally appropriate differences, differing teaching methodologies and styles coupled with the personality differences of children, colleagues, parents, administrations and the community at large. This environment requires the need for teachers to be highly competent and able to operate in many collaborative partnerships (Landerholm, Gehrie & Hao, 2004).
The MAC will endevour to provide opportunities for lifelong and life-wide learning.
Australian Council of Deans of Education. (2004). New Teaching, new learning: a vision for Australian education. Canberra, 1-3, 5-11, 21-2, 39-43, 83-4.
Landerholm, E., Gehrie, C., & Hao, Y. (2004). Educating early childhood teachers for the global world. Early Childhood Development and Care, 174(7-8), 593-606.
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Professionals 
