Public Talks
Presentations
Purnima helps a range of audiences including writers, artist-educators, schools, teachers and students understand the impact of her specialist areas of research in the form of customised talks, masterclasses, keynotes, conference lectures, and professional and personal development workshops to suit particular audiences.
KEYNOTES, LECTURES, MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Areas of expertise
Purnima writes, researches and speaks in public about her passion for creative writing, developing a community of teacher practitioners, interdisciplinarity in education, and the relationship between art and literacy.
Performing The Role Of Teacher-As-Practitioner and Its Impact on Performance and Well-Being
Based on a longitudinal study conducted at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, the ‘Teacher as Practitioner’ research project and its associated curated exhibition of artistic work by teachers, explores the role of educators as practitioners, delving into its profound impact on both individual educators’ performance, wellbeing and the educational institutions they serve. The recommendations from this study are applied in the context of individual schools, with practical strategies for teachers and schools to adopt.
Nurturing Teacher-Artist Identities
Participants explore teacher-artist identities, address the challenges, and engage with workable solutions to strengthen a sense of artistic identity amongst educators, fostering a community of teacher-practitioners. Among many impactful outcomes, this dynamic encourages creative approaches to teaching and a deeper connection with students’ own processes and the subjects being taught.
Inspired By Art: Develop Creative Writing, Critical Thinking, and Literacy In The English Classroom
Based on the ‘Inspired English’ project-based learning series by Macmillan Education that uses visual thinking techniques to ignite imaginative writing processes across a range of text types, resulting in enriched expression and analytical thinking.
Writing Poetry Inspired by Paintings
Engage in hands-on activities from Purnima’s forthcoming teacher resource book focused on inspiring Secondary students in years 7-9, of all abilities and learning styles, to engage creatively with reading and writing poetry through learning activities that support learners to generate an appreciation of writing poetry through engagement with art.
These professional development sessions are for Secondary English teachers and adaptable for student-based workshops.
Visual Thinking Strategies
This session focuses on honing critical and creative thinking skills through the application of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). Participants will learn to use visual stimuli to encourage thoughtful analysis, interpretation, problem-solving and more profound engagement with the subject matter.
Artful English: Teaching the Curriculum Through Visual Art
Explore diverse artworks spanning cultures, continents and global issues to enhance Language and Literature studies and visual literacy skills in various international curricula (e.g., UK National Curriculum, (I)GCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma, and Australian Curriculum Priorities).
The professional development sessions are for English Language, Literature and Literacy teachers and adaptable for student-based workshops.
Project-based Learning: Spoken Word Poetry in Education
Uncover the transformative power of poetry in driving activism, empowering young voices and effecting change. This session provides practical tools and insights for developing a spoken word poetry programme or showcase in schools, focused on a school’s core values while exploring the impact of performance poetry on social change and personal growth.
Spoken Word Poetry Showcase
Workshops can be facilitated for students, equipping them to prepare and deliver a compelling spoken word poetry showcase, offering a platform for their voices to resonate and inspire change. Students are encouraged to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, using them as a source of inspiration for their poems. They will have the opportunity to analyse works by other poets and explore topical global issues.
Interdisciplinarity in Museum Education Programming
Focusing on the intersection of disciplines, with an emphasis on utilising art as a stimulus for developing English language skills, participants will gain insights into innovative strategies for incorporating visual arts into educational programs, fostering wide audience engagement.
Inclusive Museum Education Programming: Engaging Multicultural and English as a Second Language students in Art museums
This topic emphasises inclusive museum education, specifically targeting multicultural and English as a Second Language students. Participants will learn effective strategies for engaging these diverse groups within art museum settings, promoting cultural awareness and language development through immersive educational experiences.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Public Talks Highlights
Explore a compilation of Purnima’s public talks and speaking engagements with diverse audiences both nationally and internationally. Her expertise is grounded upon a body of research, publications, and involvement in educational and arts projects.
A CELEBRATION OF ARTISTIC PRACTICE AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Talk delivered at the inaugural ‘Teachers as Practitioners’ Exhibition’, Bangkok Patana School
2025
As TAPs Project Lead, Exhibition Curator and Researcher, Purnima highlighted the transformative impact of staff creativity, sharing research and reflections from ‘Patana Canvases’ – an exhibition of works by academic and business staff exploring the balance between artistic practice and professional roles. The talk examined how creativity fosters innovation, well-being and belonging across the school community.
EKPHRASTIC POETRY: HOW TO USE VISUAL ART TO INSPIRE POETRY WRITING
Workshop presented at Secondary English JAWS FOBISIA Conference hosted at Bangkok Patana School
2024
The workshop demonstrated creative ways to make poetry engaging for Key Stage 3 students, using famous artworks to teach literary devices like simile, metaphor and personification. Participants explored writing exercises, art discussions and visual thinking techniques, plus practical demonstrations of Purnima’s new resources being developed to help teachers make poetry more accessible.
International Women's Day: Embrace Equity
Talk presented at IWD event hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce, Thailand
2023
Delivery of an introductory talk about the difference between equality and equity, the importance of embracing DEIJ in educational institutions, followed by the performance of Purnima’s poem ‘Embrace Equity,’ written specifically in dedication to IWD. The BCCT Women in Business Group, in collaboration with AustCham Thailand Women in Leadership and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, celebrates IWD.
THE ART OF ENGLISH: HOW TO USE VISUAL ART TO INSPIRE CREATIVE WRITING
Workshop presented at Bangkok Patana School
2022
Professional development workshop for English, Languages, and EAL teachers. Explore how art sparks creativity in writing using works by Rothko, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Delve into literary devices, enhance student writing in various text types, and foster multicultural perspectives. Develop vocabulary, visual literacy, and literary skills through writing exercises and art analysis. Harness the power of visual thinking to empower your students.
EKPHRASTIC POETRY: WRITING INSPIRED BY ART
Workshop presented at Red Room Poetry Sydney (digital event)
2021
A workshop that explores how visual art can ignite the imagination through the power of imagery and serve as a potent stimulus for inspiring poetry. Create poems inspired by famous artworks, learn how to adopt different perspectives, and explore new ways of looking deeply while making personal connections. The workshop is delivered in celebration of Poetry Month Australia.
HOW TO USE VISUAL ART TO INSPIRE YOUR CREATIVE WRITING
Masterclass presented at Bangkok Patana School
2018
In the first instalment of the new Patana Masterclass Series, explore how visual art can ignite the imagination through the power of imagery. In this Masterclass, Secondary English Teacher, Purnima Ghogar, guides viewers through the utilisation of visual art as a powerful stimulus to inspire ideas for writing in various formats. Watch now on the Patana Masterclass YouTube Channel
WHO AM I? ARTIST, TEACHER OR BOTH?
TEDx Talk presented at Bangkok Patana School
2018
‘Doing’ as well as ‘teaching’: Challenging the myth that ‘those who can’t do, teach.’ I’m an English teacher, a published author, a professional artist/curator, an academic, a writer, and an educational researcher. Often, school communities are unaware of the hidden talents of their teachers. I’ve experienced the challenges that many talented teachers face in balancing their creative pursuits while teaching full-time. My talk offers solutions and aims to inspire change on this issue. Watch now on TED.
DEVELOPING CREATIVE WRITING, CRITICAL THINKING AND LITERACY THROUGH ART
Workshop presented at Bangkok Patana School
2017
At this teacher professional learning session during the school’s Global Citizenship Conference, English teachers participated in writing exercises and lively discussions about works of art, learning new ways to look deeply at artworks with the intention that they would then be able to apply visual thinking techniques with their own students to improve skills in vocabulary development, visual literacy, creative thinking, and confident experimentation with literary techniques.
TEACHERS AS ‘PRACTITIONERS’: RESEARCHING SOME MYTHS ABOUT ‘STAYING ACTIVE’ DURING EARLY-CAREER TEACHING
Conference paper presented at World Congress of Education, Dublin
2015
This paper explores the impact of ‘staying active’ in our teaching discipline during early careers on teaching quality and long-term satisfaction, particularly among early career visual art teachers. It challenges three myths: the necessity of a private art practice for success, its impact on teaching quality, and the assumption that teacher-artist conflicts lead to career exits. Findings from the Australian Teacher as Art-maker Project (TAP) are presented. View extended abstract.
TRENDS IN TEACHER-ARTMAKER-PROJECT LONGITUDINAL DATA
Lecture presented at the International Society for Education Through Art Conference, Melbourne
2014
At the ‘Diversity through Art: Change, Continuity, Context’ conference, Dr. Wes Imms and Purnima presented longitudinal data regarding early-career art teachers’ art-making, including its impact on production, teaching quality, and employment retention.
A COMMUNITY OF ARTIST-TEACHERS
Keynote lecture presented at Methodist Ladies College, Melbourne
2014
Presentation to the school’s teachers on the importance of maintaining an art practice while teaching, in celebration of the opening of the school’s Public Hanging XVII Exhibition, featuring artworks by art teachers. Presented by invitation, with a $1,000 travel grant for delivering the opening lecture at the art exhibition, showcasing works by MLC Visual Arts Staff and Friends. View exhibition invitation.
INCLUSIVE MUSEUM EDUCATION PROGRAMMING: ENGAGING MULTICULTURAL AND ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE AUDIENCES IN ART MUSEUMS
Conference paper presented at Inter-discipline, Art Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, Melbourne
2013
Art museums are enhancing accessibility and engagement through museum education programs. This paper focuses on the role of museum educators in fostering diversity and inclusivity. It highlights strategies for engaging diverse audiences, including ESL learners, and emphasises the impact of these programs on museum visitors.
INTERDISCIPLINARITY IN ART MUSEUMS
Convenor of panel at Inter-discipline, Art Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, Melbourne
2013
This session delves into interdisciplinary thinking in art museums, spotlighting innovative approaches to enhance expertise and develop new skills. It draws examples from diverse museum departments and institutions, such as the Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne, where interdisciplinary engagement is central to teaching and learning. View conference programme.
ART EDUCATORS AS PRACTITIONERS: CONVERSATIONS AND RESEARCH INTO MAINTAINING AN ART PRACTICE WHILE TEACHING
Lecture presented at Art Education Victoria state conference, Melbourne High School
2013
This presentation at the ‘Creative Futures’ conference explores the impact of art making on teaching, highlighting Australian and international case studies. It addresses the challenges teachers face in maintaining a private art practice and how it affects their careers. The discussion extends to teachers as practitioners, offering practical strategies and insights from the Teacher as Art-maker Project research, which tracks early career art educators’ teaching and art-making experiences. View conference flyer.
CAN EARLY CAREER TEACHERS BOTH TEACH AND MAKE ART?
Lecture presented at Art Impact, Art Education Victoria state conference, Melbourne
2012
This paper explores how maintaining an ongoing art practice during early career teaching, particularly in the case of early career visual art teachers, impacts teaching quality and long-term satisfaction. It highlights the increasing need to connect the passion for teaching with professional practice. The study addresses three myths within this subset of teaching. Drawing from the Australian Teacher as Art-maker Project (TAP) since 2010, the paper presents recent analysis.
CAN EARLY CAREER TEACHERS BE ARTISTS AS WELL?
Lecture presented at First International Artist as Teacher conference, Oslo, Norway
2012
Australia’s Artist-in-Residence scheme evaluation highlighted the positive impact of practicing artists on student learning. To bring these benefits to all art classrooms, two approaches are considered: increasing practicing artists in schools and embedding arts practice into teachers’ skills. A longitudinal study tracks early career art educators to explore their artistic practice’s impact on teaching quality and retention, addressing barriers that hinder practicing artists from teaching and teachers from infusing art into their pedagogy. View conference programme
CAN EARLY CAREER TEACHERS BOTH TEACH AND MAKE ART?
Lecture presented at Art Impact, Art Education Victoria state conference, Melbourne
2012
This paper explores how maintaining an ongoing art practice during early career teaching, particularly in the case of early career visual art teachers, impacts teaching quality and long-term satisfaction. It highlights the increasing need to connect the passion for teaching with professional practice. The study addresses three myths within this subset of teaching. Drawing from the Australian Teacher as Art-maker Project (TAP) since 2010, the paper presents recent analysis.
THE ART OF ENGLISH
Workshop presented at Victorian Association of Teachers of English conference, Queenscliffe, Australia
2012
Together with Susie May, an educator at the National Gallery of Victoria, Purnima presented an interactive workshop to teachers at the ‘Testing Your Limits: English in the Middle Years’ conference. They explored strategies for teaching literary devices and various writing genres using the museum’s art collection.
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Purnima is a professional speaker with over a decade of teaching, presentation and on stage experience. Book Purnima to speak at your event and experience her high-energy, motivational, inspirational and informative talks that earn rave reviews from attendees.