Researcher Peter Hurley, reports that about 9 million Australians, 35% of the population, live in neighbourhoods classified as childcare deserts – populated areas where there are more than three children per childcare place. In the first research of its kind in Australia, the Mitchell Institute has...
Sue Ollerhead reports why all teachers need to teach language and literacy, not just English teachers Proposed changes to the New South Wales English syllabus reinforce the misguided idea that the teaching of language and literacy skills should fall chiefly to English teachers, leaving other teachers...
One of the advantages of a STEM focus over traditional teaching methods is the suitability of problem-based learning (PBL) as a pedagogical approach. Through PBL, processes and knowledge from science, mathematics, engineering and technology are integrated to tackle real-world problems in situations that are uncertain, not...
Is there a special time when our children’s brains are more open to learning new skills like reading, writing and playing a musical instrument? And is ‘earlier’ always ‘better’?...
‘Stop measuring black kids with a white stick’ Carly Steele, Graeme Gower, Rhonda Oliver and Sender Dovchin look at how we can make assesmenS fairer for ALL. In the title we quote Michelle Martin (with her permission), who is a proud Kija woman and passionate educator. She...
To pat or not to pat? asks Petra Edwards and Susan Hazel With dog attacks in the news over recent weeks, some parents may be wondering about how to keep interactions between kids and dogs safe – and how to keep everyone happy. A review of hospitalisations...
Fewer students are choosing language electives at school, writes researcher Stephanie Clayton, but contrary to popular perception, it isn’t purely a lack of interest causing the decline. My recent study suggests students want to study a language, but can’t. Language electives continue to have the lowest enrolments...
Much of the research about including children with autism in mainstream classrooms is focused on school-aged children.Writes Kristelle Hudry and Cathy Bent Growing numbers of children with autism are diagnosed in toddlerhood, so there is increasing relevance for the early-childhood sector. Our new research shows, with...
Up to 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, report Nadia Wilson-Ali and Marianne Knaus. Early learning matters, and creates a solid foundation for future development. Philosophical underpinnings in early education matter too. They influence the interactions between teachers and children,...
Amy Peden looks at the research and suggests what is the 'best' age and way to learn. Each year in Australia, an average of 23 children under five die from unintentional drowning, usually due to factors such as a lack of adult supervision, unrestricted access to...
