Dr Susan Plowright - ethical creative critical thinking

Cultivating thoughtful democracy

To think with the enlarged mentality – that means you train your imagination to go visiting... Hannah Arendt

I work with anyone interested in thinking critically, creatively, and acting with what I call an 'encompassing ethic'. That is, a commitment to considering perspectives well beyond our own self interests and taking action based on such careful thought. I am an educator of 35 years experience in schools, community settings, vocational education and universities and have effectively managed large and complex projects. I hold a Master of Education, completed a doctoral thesis in democracy, governance and quality in 2013, and have continued my own research to develop a pedagogy (teaching approach) I call 'going visiting'. Please see below for projects I'm currently involved in and please don't hesitate to make contact if I can be of any assistance!

Gen G on the go

Gen G on the go is a new 2 year project encompassing all six shires of Gippsland for youth (12-17). I was a key member of the tender writing team and we achieved $900,000 funding through the Federal Government Safer Communities program.

The project uses my Going Visiting methodology as well as building on the very successful Gippsport street games program, among other elements. We designed the project to be very inclusive. We will have at least two young people on the steering committee who will receive an honorarium, and we have a strong multi-cultural and diversity commitment.

I'm helping run the project at Toora in 2023.

Policy consultant

Dignity and governance in aged care:

I have just finished working on a major refresh of policies and procedures for a large Victorian aged care provider. In particular, I developed a Dignity Framework with associated policies and implementation plan. The principles and ideas in this framework are applicable in any human service provider context.

Community House policy revamp:

I am also working for a rural community house to revamp, revitalise and streamline their policies.

If I can help with your policy refresh, revamp or revitalisation, please call 0413085736.

Community Houses

As a president of a rural community house, and a member of the regional neighborhood houses network, I have a particular soft spot for, and interest in, rural community houses. If your house could do with a bit of help with strategy planning, policy work, or other governance and management priorities, I can be a sympathetic but independent coach, mentor and facilitator.

Click here for more information.

PhD companion

Doing a PhD can be tough going. Not many people understand.

There are few people who have the time or interest to listen and understand how hard it can be to keep going.

If you need an ear, I can lend you mine for around 10 hours a month for several months to help you get through to the finish line.

I can also edit your final draft if you'd like (although I'm not a professional editor).

Don't hesitate to call me on 0413085736.

Going Visiting

'Going Visiting', is a teaching approach I've developed that helps people to take into account multiple perspectives when forming important judgements they intend to act upon. I use it in many different settings and circumstances, not just classrooms and formal learning environments. For example, I use it when writing policies or developing a proposal for an ethically sound course of action.

Visit the Going Visiting page for more info...

For example:

Classroom Council is a 12 month upper primary program Sue has taught in two primary schools for 3 + years. It is based on Going Visiting and integrates the following curriculum areas:

Speaking and Listening (English)
Civics & Citizenship (Humanities)
Ethical Capabilities
Critical and Creative Thinking