Research news

For teachers introducing students to the periodic table for the first time, Dr Gregory Watson and Dr Jolanta Watson from the University of the Sunshine Coast recommend you begin with a series of 3 pre-periodic tables. In today’s article, they explain what the introductory non-chemistry tables are, and how they can be used at a primary, secondary and even tertiary level.

It’s well known that physical activity can positively impact students’ health and wellbeing. But what do students enjoy about PE lessons? How could certain aspects of PE lessons be improved? New research explores student views on PE and sports days. In this article, we find out more from the lead researcher. 

The Walton Family Foundation partnered with Gallup to find out how US teachers are using AI tools in the classroom and the potential for it to save time. Over 2,200 K-12 teachers responded to a survey in April 2025. Here’s a snapshot of some of the findings on how frequently teachers use AI for 9 different tasks, and how many save time by doing so.

The past few years have been a challenging time for school leaders around the world. In this episode of The Research Files, Dominique Russell is joined by Michelle Striepe to discuss her and her colleagues’ research into what school leaders have learned from leading during crises – including a 3-prong approach they utilised – and how they can be more resilient for future crises. 

Each cycle of the global Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) includes a student questionnaire. One questionnaire topic – effort and persistence in mathematics – is essential for students’ success and skill development. The data provide useful prompts for teachers when considering their own students.

Schools across Australia are marking Children’s Book Week this week, and library spaces are at the heart of the celebrations. They’re a hub of expertise throughout the year, supporting teaching and learning. In this article, we share new research findings about their evolving role.

To encourage students to read, it’s important they have access to books that appeal to their interests. This infographic shares the most popular fiction and non-fiction genres of ebooks borrowed by students in primary, secondary and upper secondary. 

Transitioning to formal schooling, and from primary to secondary school, is a big change for students. New research shines a light on the impact of student absenteeism during these transition years, and recommends primary and secondary schools work together to support attendance. We’re joined by the study’s lead author to find out more.

If you've been keeping up with the latest coverage at Teacher, you'll know we've been sharing plenty of content on the topic of careers education. In this edition of Researching education: Five further readings, we’re sharing 5 resources on careers education.

As a teacher, you’ll likely remember your first few years in the profession and the support that made a difference to you. But what does the research say about how schools can best support early career teachers? Ebony Malzek from Monash University joins Dominique Russell in this podcast to discuss new research in this area.