Dr. Christine Durham 2014 Senior Australian of the Year

Dr. Christine Durham 2014 Senior Australian of the Year

Dr. Christine Durham has just been announced as the 2014 Senior Australian of the Year. The life of gifted teacher Dr Christine Durham was turned upside down after she sustained a severe brain injury in a horrific car accident. Christine was determined to return to teaching – a decision that took enormous courage and perseverance. She employed her experience of acquiring a brain injury to inspire her students to think, and her pioneering approach and book, Chasing Ideas, led her to gain an international reputation as a professional learning presenter. Christine's autobiography, Doing Up Buttons, is a deeply personal yet practical account of acquired brain injury, and has had a profound effect not only on those who share her experience, but also on professionals working in health care. At age 67, Christine completed a Doctor of Philosophy at RMIT University, examining ways to empower people with acquired brain injury. Christine is currently completing a book and learning resource from her PhD findings, which will have a significant impact on both the medical and caring staff and patients themselves.

Chasing Ideas is a stimulating resource of ideas for parents of children of all ages. Christine Durham has compiled a treasure trove of techniques and tips to help parents with the delightful process of unleashing children's curiosity about the world.

Chasing Ideas encourages parents and teachers to see how discussing ideas with their children can be an enjoyable and creative activity for everyone. It is a fascinating mixture of thinking skills and techniques to help parents unlock their children's minds and give them confidence. 'The most important thing parents can do for their parents is to encourage them to think.

Children really enjoy thinking, and this builds on that enjoyment.' Edward de Bono. 'Nothing is more important than helping your children think for themselves. And nothing is likely to be more effective than practical, hand-in-hand discovery, and your encouragement of thinking together. Start small, in easy steps, think and wonder till you "reach the moon together.' Christine Durham

Source: www.australianoftheyear.org.au/