Professional learning

The IEA’s Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a global assessment measuring student achievement in years 4 and 8. Teachers from participating schools also complete a questionnaire. Today’s infographic looks at the topics that mathematics teachers reported needing professional development on in the future.

‘There is no shortage of professional commitment in schools, just hours in the day. So, what might it look like to craft professional learning in a way that tries to respect both time constraints and hunger for quality?’ In this reader contribution, Lia Sharma – Head of Professional Growth at Roseville College, NSW – shares a differentiated model.

In this expert Q&A Amy Ayres – President of the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales – discusses integrating technology into science instruction and improving students’ critical thinking or inquiry skills. These were 2 areas of future PD need highlighted in the latest Australian TIMSS teacher questionnaire findings.

‘I wanted to make a meaningful change in how our kids see themselves as mathematicians.’ Mathematics teacher Holly Wedd has been making a significant difference to the way students at her school succeed in maths by boosting their confidence and reducing mathematics anxiety. 

Education has the potential to foster curiosity and empower future scientists through engaging hands-on learning, proven to positively impact students and teachers. In this Q&A, Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of Education Impact at LEGO Education explores the vision, development, and potential of LEGO® Education Science.

Earlier this month, Australia’s results from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (or TALIS) were released. Here at Teacher, we covered the results in several different formats. In this episode I’ll run you through the highlights, including an overview article of key findings, a podcast episode with the report’s lead author, and an infographic that shares teacher views on the use of AI. 

Teacher editor Jo Earp finds out how the Aspect Learning Improvement Collaborative is using a mainstream learning framework developed by Dr Lyn Sharratt, adapted to suit an autism-specific education setting. We’ll hear from Lyn, Aspect Education's Deputy National Director Karilyn Gumley and principals Kaye Perry, Joanne Tisdell, and Michelle Zikmundovsky.

Joy Russell, a teacher at Scotch Oakburn College in Tasmania, organised a professional learning event all about financial literacy earlier this year. In today’s Q&A, she explains how it helped participants to build a strong support network, share practical ideas through connections with local business leaders, and take valuable lessons back to their own classrooms.

Australia’s results from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) have just been released. The survey captures the firsthand knowledge and experiences of school educators. Here we explore some of the key findings on staff wellbeing, collegiality, mentoring support, and use of AI.

More than 7,000 Australian school educators have enrolled in the free, online Micro-credentials for Classroom Confidence since their launch in July 2024. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and delivered by the University of Adelaide, the 3 micro-credentials have been designed by experts in direct response to teacher needs, offering strategies that can be applied immediately in the classroom.