Long reads

Principal Mike O'Connor makes attendance data a 'big deal' at Brisbane's Browns Plains State High School and is only too happy to shine a spotlight on student absence.

Giving students time to think, and changing the way you respond to their thoughts, allows you to withhold judgement, as Stephen Keast and Rebecca Cooper explain.

Michelle Waller looks at the relationship between a consistent involvement in music and the development of the Habits of Mind identified by Art Costa and Bena Kallick.

The positive or negative things we say and do as teachers in the classroom have a great influence on student learning – which is a good reason, says Rob McEwan, to plan for positive attitudes.

In this competitive world, it’s vital that you establish and maintain a positive reputation for your school with careful communications planning. Sam Elam and Katrina Byers explain how.

By stepping back and letting your students have some control of their learning, you can step forward in your own practice, as Stephen Keast and Rebecca Cooper explain.

Most secondary school students have a mobile phone, and most mobile phones have a camera, MP3 player, video camera and a stopwatch. Jarrod Robinson explains why schools should stop confiscating these amazing pieces of technology, and how phones can be used to engage students in learning.

Students of all ages are encouraged to learn by the same favourable classroom conditions, as Stephen Keast and Rebecca Cooper explain.

A school can live or die on the strength of its response to a crisis, so it pays to be prepared, as Katrina Byers explains.

Postgraduate study is a great way for teachers to develop new skills to improve their classroom practice and further their careers. Rebecca Leech spoke with educators who have returned to study.