News
TAs often asked to perform tasks beyond their training
The tens of thousands of teaching assistants (TAs) working in Australian schools may be more of a hindrance than a help to children’s learning because many are under-qualified and poorly managed, experts warned. As of the last count in 2014, there were ...
More »Inclusive culture for gender diversity begins with awareness: expert
The most important schooling need for gender-diverse children is an accepting culture – and that is created through basic awareness, an expert argued. Dr Elizabeth Riley, Sydney-based gender counsellor, said awareness should begin with educating staff. This should then trickle-down ...
More »WA unis offer bonus to marks for students who take harder maths
A uni chief describes the bonus ATAR points scheme offered by the four West Australian public universities as a 'carrot' to incentivise senior high school students into taking harder maths subjects. The University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University, Curtin ...
More »Australia-first study examines happiness in teens with autism
Deakin University researchers are examining happiness through the eyes of adolescents with autism. Wellbeing and autism researchers from Deakin's School of Psychology – led by professor Nicole Rinehart – said they hoped the results of this study would give a ...
More »Two hours of sun a day helps keep the myopia away: research
Children need to spend two hours a day outdoors to combat the increasing risk of short-sightedness, new research has found. Short-sightedness – otherwise known as myopia or nearsightedness – is caused when light received by the eye doesn’t focus directly on the retina, but ...
More »Fieldwork shows teacher ‘what it means to be a scientist’
As well as gaining “a whole new appreciation about seaweed”, one school science teacher who went out in actual fieldwork said the experience helped her understand what it means to be a scientist – and bring that insight into her ...
More »Bringing drama in numbers: artists help teach maths
Maths teaching frequently involves chairs, desks, and an oft-frustrated teacher trying to get through to kids who might not care about the subject. But a new program throughout South Australian schools is getting major local arts organisations involved in teaching ...
More »Inclusion Matters most in app for children with disabilities
A childcare centre network has developed an app to help educators work with the upcoming National Disability Insurance Scheme to create a more inclusive environment for kids with disabilities. KU Children's Services free ‘Inclusion Matters’ app offers practical tips and tricks ...
More »Lego releases WeDo 2.0 STEM projects kit
Lego. Great to play with, a real pain when stepped on. Teachers may have to take more care underfoot, as these little plastic building blocks have been combined with a software system to teach kids more about robots. Lego Education has ...
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