Curriculum planning

New research from academics at the University of the Sunshine Coast shows that maths and science educators can use visual cues in nature like animal trails and patterns to explore both simple and complex mathematical concepts with students. 

Alongside the exciting opportunities for AI to support teaching and learning, there are challenges and risks. In this special podcast Teacher editor Jo Earp talks to Dr Katie Richardson, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research.

Excursions, camps and incursions are a great way for teachers to tap into external expertise and learning experiences to support needs and complement what you’re doing in the classroom. Just like your regular lesson activities, you’ll need to plan well to get the most out of them.

In this edition of Researching education: 5 further readings, we’re sharing 5 pieces of content on the topic of outdoor and environmental education. In the below resources, you can read about the experience of one Australian school introducing a hybrid model for year 7 camp, access an open-access book offering practical advice for teaching outdoor education, and more.

The Narragunnawali Awards are held every 2 years and celebrate outstanding reconciliation initiatives. With applications open for 2025, we catch up with Kim Calabrese, Principal of Winterfold Primary School, Western Australia – winners of the 2023 Schools award.

‘By focusing on future-orientated education, we can find innovative solutions to the megatrends our planet faces.’ In his first Teacher column for 2025, OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher shares finding from the latest Trends Shaping Education report, and the implications for teachers, school leaders, students and policymakers.

In our latest reader submission Rebecca J Collie, Andrew J Martin and Dragan Gasevic share an update from their work into teachers’ use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek. They discuss the findings of a new Australian study, and the implications for schools.

‘By fostering empathy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, drama plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of global citizens ...’ Lauren Backhouse – Phase Leader, Upper Primary at the Budapest British International School in Hungary – shares how she has incorporated drama into her own classroom practice to teach Global Citizenship Education.

New PISA analysis by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) reveals the core mathematics areas where Australian students performed strongly, and where they are likely to need more help. The report also shares teachers’ views on teaching maths. Find out more in this article.  

What are the essential skills we need for learning and life, and how can teachers help students to develop them? The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has been working with more than 30 countries to identify 5 essential skills and design a suite of free educator resources. Dr Claire Scoular shares more details in this expert Q&A.