Long reads

Public speaking is a daunting prospect for many students. Loreto Normanhurst in New South Wales has developed a Year 9 unit which supports students to research and confidently deliver a speech on a topic they are passionate about.

Research analysing data on 1.3 million students and 50,000 teachers in the United States has demonstrated a positive impact on student academic achievement and behavioural outcomes when they are taught by the same teacher twice. Dr Leigh Wedenoja shares more details with Teacher in this article.

‘One class was a notable illustration of everything we know about quality in play-based learning.’ In this article, ACER Senior Research Fellow Rachel Parker shares the details of a playful STEM class she witnessed in the United States, where students were engaged in a crime scene investigation activity.

Participation in physical activity is important for all students. However, traditional team sports at school aren’t for everyone. In this article, we speak to teacher Travis McKenzie, who has offered students the opportunity find their passion in physical activity through his program, Swords Club.

When students experience prolonged absences from school due to serious illness, it can bring up unique emotional, social and educational challenges for the student, their teacher and classmates. In this article, Year 5 teacher at Waverly College, Jennifer Hoare, shares some strategies the school uses to support students experiencing illness.

‘Changing video consumption patterns in education have inspired a growing body of research focused on measuring video’s effectiveness as a learning aid’. In our latest reader submission, Tara Walsh shares some findings from her recent literature review into the use of instructional video in K-12 education.

While teaching is a highly rewarding career, it can also be very stressful. In this Q&A, Claire Goodall, Young People and Education Manager at R U OK? shares how schools can build a positive help seeking culture, how staff can support their colleagues, and how to ask for help if you need it, in the lead up to R U OK?Day this week.

Last year, we heard about an action research project which was occurring at Queenwood School for Girls in Sydney to build a culture of reading for pleasure across the school. The research project has concluded, and in this article, we get an update on the project’s impact on student outcomes and wellbeing.

Most schools will have students who experience some level of menstrual pain during their schooling years. So, how well are teachers prepared to deliver menstrual health education, and how can they better support students whose education may be impacted by menstrual pain?

‘Ultimately, our pilot … has transformed the way we meet the needs of our students and staff, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape.’ In this reader submission, Bridget Garing shares the details of a pilot Pittwater House in New South Wales undertook earlier this year to encourage staff to work collaboratively to support students.