Dr Veronica Gardiner, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) from Murdoch University on ‘Preparing for WIL in Teacher Education.’ This recording is from our 2022 Perth, Australia MiniBash community event.
Dr. Veronica Gardiner, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) at Murdoch University, shares how Murdoch embeds PebblePad workbooks into teacher‑education programs to prepare students for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and future professional practice.
Recorded at our 2022 Perth MiniBash, this session highlights how PebblePad acts as an anchor—connecting theory, practice, simulation, reflection and professional standards across the Bachelor of Education. Dr. Gardiner showcases a purposeful, scaffolded design approach that builds pre‑service teachers’ confidence, professionalism and employability year‑on‑year.
In this presentation, Dr. Gardiner explains how Murdoch University:
- Integrates PebblePad workbooks across all course levels, not just placement units
- Uses design thinking principles to ensure activities are authentic, meaningful and learner‑centred
- Scaffolds reflection, professional identity development and capability building from Year 1 through Year 4
- Connects content, microteaching simulations, lesson planning and theory through a coherent, anchored learning journey – Prepares students for WIL through structured pre‑placement tasks, goal setting and reflective prompts – Incorporates SimLab—a simulated microteaching environment with trained actors and real‑time avatar interaction—to support safe, realistic skill development
- Uses PebblePad to support feedback, professional growth and the development of evidence for teaching standards
- Helps pre‑service teachers rehearse authentic classroom scenarios, including managing diverse learners and engaging with parents
From resilience‑building tasks to inclusive‑education simulations, Dr. Gardiner demonstrates how PebblePad enables students to cycle through reflection, practice and feedback—supporting both WIL readiness and long‑term employability.