In a recent Teacher article, two schools discussed their differing policies on mobile phone use during school hours. Here, we look at a range of studies that have explored the positives and negatives of allowing mobile phones to be used in class.

Can being confused actually be a beneficial part of the learning process? And in what ways can teachers allow for more uncertainty in their classrooms? These are questions being explored by researchers at the Science of Learning Research Centre.

Many schools are beginning to think ‘vertically’ to overcome density and population pressures in urban areas. Here we speak to the architect behind two new schools in Melbourne about both the challenges and the opportunities that arise when designing a vertical school.

Feedback is an essential part of learning, especially when we want to improve our practice and attain high professional standards. And the best form of feedback is right there in front of us in our classrooms.

Teachers are often encouraged to take up opportunities to mark external exams or tests. There is extra money to be earned, but they are also often told that it is good professional development. But what do people mean when they say that, and what parts of your professional practice does marking help to develop?

In the first of a series of articles on how schools communicate student learning progress, Dr Hilary Hollingsworth and Jonathan Heard examine some of the recent history of reporting in Australian schools and highlight some of the competing forces that have influenced current practices in student reporting.

Do you use ability grouping in your classroom? New research published in the Cambridge Journal of Education suggests this approach may be hindering those in the lower attainment groups because their self-confidence is likely to suffer.

In this episode of The Research Files, we speak to Adjunct Professor of Curriculum and Pedagogy at James Cook University, Brian Lewthwaite. He's the lead author of a research project exploring the perspectives of Indigenous Australians on effective teaching practice and he joins us to talk about phase one of this study.

The importance of families having fun with one another has been highlighted in a new report which shows that family cohesion is a vital ingredient for early adolescents having a good life. Lead author Dr Petra Lietz joins Teacher to discuss the impact this has on student learning.

Today the Teacher team ventures down to Room 3 – the basement archives at the Australian Council for Educational Research – to bring you education quotes from some of our favourite historical titles.