Long reads

If your students don’t ask questions or seek clarification in class, does it mean they understand, or that they’re not comfortable speaking up when they’re unsure about something being taught? The latest PISA 2022 international insights report explores student use of learning strategies, motivation for learning and self-confidence.

Aspect runs autism-specific education programs in New South Wales and South Australia. In this Leadership Q&A, we speak to Joanne Tisdell – Principal of Aspect South East Sydney School – about supporting students on the autism spectrum, including curriculum content, collaborative partnerships and the design of teaching and learning spaces.

The latest Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report from UNESCO is out. This year, the focus is leadership in education. In today’s article, we look at some of the report’s key findings exploring the role and responsibilities of a school leader, and how this differs around the world.

Our Fostering Strong School-Community Partnerships award winner for 2024 is ENABLE – a coalition of 14 state secondary schools in Logan, Queensland. In this article, we learn more about their partnership with local council, businesses, and more, to address youth unemployment in the community.

The first ever PISA assessment on creative thinking revealed Australia’s 15-year-olds were among the world’s top performers. Now, new analysis offers insights into student performance and attitudes, and how teachers are fostering creative thinking. Find out the results from your state and territory in this article.

In this Q&A, we speak to Kirsten Hodgson and Bryan Kilkenny from St Monica’s College about their approach to explicit instruction, how they use professional learning to support staff in shifting their practice, and what they’ve learned from visiting other schools that have undertaken a similar journey.

‘Creative expertise can and should be developed alongside the acquisition of knowledge and skills.’ In this reader submission, Michelle Lucas and Dr Geraldine Townend from the University of New South Wales share how creativity can be nurtured across English, Creative Arts and Science and Technology.

In the latest PISA test cycle, one of the topics explored in the questionnaire was the disciplinary climate of classrooms. In today’s article we take a look at one of the drivers of Australia’s less than favourable index score – digital distractions.

As a teacher or school leader, what are the mental health needs of your students? How do you promote mental health and wellbeing? What would a whole-school approach look like in your own context? Educational and Developmental Psychologist Dr Jane Kirkham shares details of an organisational tool called the ‘Wellbeing Tree’.

After noticing their secondary English students were stressed by oral presentations (and coming up with ways to avoid them all together), Ontario educators Dr Sunaina Sharma and Wendy Lang gathered their feedback to find out more, then set about adjusting their teaching, based on a trauma-informed approach.