Mathematics

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. 

‘Our recent and ongoing partnership … has been a really fulfilling journey.’ In this Q&A, Renee Ladner from the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV) discusses educators engaging with associations for professional development, and 2 examples of how she’s partnered with schools on maths PD. 

Last term, the 2024 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching were announced. In this episode, Alice Leung and Daniel Edwards join us to share some of their favourite learning activities to run in the classroom, discuss why STEM is for everyone, and share how they use social media to connect with experts.

In his first Teacher column Professor Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Education, discusses a worrying trend in education and PISA 2022 evidence that ‘our greatest strength in education is the professional judgement of our teachers’.

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.  

The book featured in this edition of Teacher’s Bookshelf is a practical guide that explores the mechanisms behind masterly Mathematics teaching in China. In this extract for Teacher readers, the authors share how 3 teachers are using modelling to clearly define the goals and standards for students’ independent and group work.

Previous exposure to similar mathematics tasks that appear in assessments significantly increases student mathematical self-efficacy and confidence, a new Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) report highlights.

Thinking about your own school context, is there a gender imbalance in STEM-related subjects? How do you encourage girls to consider taking STEM subjects? In this infographic, we look at gender inequality in students entering tertiary education in a STEM field. 

Brand-new resources to help staff and students prepare for this year’s Australian STEM Video Game Challenge are now available. Designed to support novice and experienced learners alike, the resources include curriculum-aligned lesson plans, links to free tutorials, tips for teachers, and more.

In our latest expert Q&A we’re joined by ACER Senior Research Fellow and lead author of the ‘TIMSS 2023 Australia Volume I’ report Nicole Wernert to discuss the main takeaways, and what the data say about year 4 and 8 student strengths and weaknesses in maths and science.