Melbournians are being encouraged to join the city’s Adult Migrant English Program Volunteer Tutoring Scheme, after government reforms and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen an uptick in demand for the services from new migrants and refugees. Funded by the Commonwealth ...
More »In The Classroom
Poor sleep destroying student behaviour ambitions – opinion
The phone on my Principal’s desk rang and I didn’t even get the opportunity to say “Hello”. “Get down here now!” shrieked my panicked Year 5 teacher, an educator usually calm and highly competent. In the background I could hear ...
More »Unpacking the importance of phonics for early readers – podcast
EducationReview · Unpacking the importance of phonics for early readers The teaching of phonics in the early years of reading has been a contested issue for decades now. While all teachers believe an understanding of the area provides a critical ...
More »More stress, unclear gains: are selective schools really worth it?
Thousands of primary and secondary students in Sydney and Melbourne are preparing for selective entrance exams. If successful, students will gain entry into a selective secondary school, with other high-achievers, or an “opportunity class”, which is an academic stream for years 5 and ...
More »NSW education department is failing on key indicators: 2020 Annual Report
An analysis of the NSW Department of Education’s Annual Report for 2020 has found that the state is not meeting standards it set for itself, and is falling short in areas including HSC results, the proportion of graduating students, wellbeing, ...
More »New experimental game shows why punishment doesn’t always work
Neuroscientists and psychologists from UNSW Sydney have developed a video game that provides insights into punishment and why some individuals will try almost anything to avoid it, while others are undaunted by it. For a long time it has been ...
More »Australia needs an education reboot to counter an ‘engagement epidemic’
An “engagement epidemic” must be addressed in contemporary schools that extends far beyond a couple of curriculum tweaks. What is needed is a complete reboot, argues Australian learning strategist and experienced educator and leader Louka Parry, who will urge school ...
More »Five ways to avoid plagiarism and academic misconduct in 2021 – opinion
What a difference a year makes. Around Australia, ‘normal service’ has largely resumed in schools and places of higher learning. This time in 2020, it was a very different story. COVID shutdowns saw institutions racing to implement remote learning models, ...
More »New farm program aims to inspire young people to take up a career in agriculture
This year Velisha Farms, a Weribee horticulture business, has started up a program for local primary school students to learn the “tricks of the agriculture trade”. The program is described as “hands-on” and covers the full gamut of the agricultural ...
More »Self-determination theory and other associated academic considerations: part 3
Research informs that feelings of social connectedness, attachment, belonging, self-efficacy and self-confidence also help to develop and advance a student’s physical, mental, psychological, social and emotional security, and their overall wellbeing. All of this helps to develop and provide further ...
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