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 ...
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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 »Southern Cross, Liverpool FC pitch in for soccer academy
Southern Cross University has partnered with English Premier League club Liverpool FC to score a goal for local school-aged soccer fans. The football club has opened its Australian International Academy; extending its global reach. Similar centres operate all around the world, teaching local children ...
More »Fear drives school choices, Caro says
Fear drives parents’ school choices – Jane Caro, novelist and public school advocate, has argued. School choice is a purchasing decision like any other, Caro said. This is driven by two emotions – hope and fear – which compete to ...
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 ...
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