Rebecca Vukovic

Research shows that spending time in a garden improves a person’s overall wellbeing. In today’s article, we explore the physical and mental health benefits of gardening and why spending time in the garden is proven to relieve stress.

Australian students have performed significantly better in the latest cycle of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in Year 8 mathematics and Year 4 and Year 8 science – but not in Year 4 mathematics – than they did in 2015. Here, we take a closer look at the results.

In today’s article, we speak to Dr Clare Collins, a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Director of Research in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle. We discuss the relationship between food and mental health, and she outlines some key things you could incorporate into your diet to help with the fuelling and functioning of your brain.

Walking has a multitude of health benefits. In today’s article Dr Megan Teychenne from Deakin University explains how to get the most out of your walking routine, and why you should mix up your regimen with different types of walking to maximise physical, mental and emotional health benefits.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Feeling anxious is one way our bodies keep us safe from danger – it is an emotion that we feel when we’re under pressure or threat. In today’s article Dr Jill Newby from the Black Dog Institute and UNSW discusses how to recognise physical signs and symptoms of anxiety, and where to get the support you need to manage it.

It is widely acknowledged that teaching is a stressful job, and the global events of this year have added an enormous amount of extra pressure on those working in education. In today’s article, we take a look at the research into the prevalence of stress and burnout for teachers and school leaders, and explore some of the protective factors.

It is important that teachers are empowered to develop strategies and resources to support the emotional, cognitive and psychological development of students experiencing trauma. In today’s article, we speak to a principal about why she participated in a trauma-informed workshop, and how it has helped her staff to better support students in their learning.

In this episode of Teacher Staffroom, we discuss the contributions we’ve published on Teacher this month, including a piece on collaborative reflective practice, and another on developmental rubrics improving student learning. We also share some highlights from our latest podcast episodes.

The emerging definition of ‘student voice’ involves young people in a true partnership with adults, so they can influence what happens to them in school, and become meaningfully involved in their own learning. In today’s article Roger Holdsworth from the Youth Research Centre at The University of Melbourne discusses how the definition has evolved since it first emerged in the 1980s.

New data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) show Australian students report having high levels of self-efficacy and competence, particularly in the face of adversity. In today’s article we take a close look at the new report that explores students’ experiences at school and how they relate to student performance.