Student engagement

Principal Mike O'Connor makes attendance data a 'big deal' at Brisbane's Browns Plains State High School and is only too happy to shine a spotlight on student absence.

Michelle Waller looks at the relationship between a consistent involvement in music and the development of the Habits of Mind identified by Art Costa and Bena Kallick.

The positive or negative things we say and do as teachers in the classroom have a great influence on student learning – which is a good reason, says Rob McEwan, to plan for positive attitudes.

By stepping back and letting your students have some control of their learning, you can step forward in your own practice, as Stephen Keast and Rebecca Cooper explain.

Most secondary school students have a mobile phone, and most mobile phones have a camera, MP3 player, video camera and a stopwatch. Jarrod Robinson explains why schools should stop confiscating these amazing pieces of technology, and how phones can be used to engage students in learning.

Catherine Scott reports on research that shows people from any ability range or age group can increase their capacity to learn.