Children are more than just a return on investment

Early childhood programs and related funding are often justified on the cost-benefit analysis of what children could contribute to the economy when they grow up, but the true value of these schemes lies in enriching children’s lives.

Broader education would benefit uni students

Despite the government’s quest for “job-readiness”, Australian universities would do well to look at creative ways to develop a more holistic educational experience for all their students.

G20 education ministers urged to back climate education

Education Ministers from across the globe are being urged to prioritise quality climate education as a major outcome at the next UN Climate Conference when they meet in Italy as part of the G20 meetings.

Education for global citizenship and sustainability

The ethical decisions that we make in the next few years will be critical for the future of our species, our communities, and the ecosystems we inhabit. To successfully address the challenges we’re facing, we’ll need to collaborate both within our communities and on a global scale.

Active children may achieve more at school

A new study of children in the U.K. suggests that physical activity is linked to emotional regulation in early childhood, which in turn predicts academic achievement. 

Arvanitakis on education: Confronting vaccine hesitancy and building trust

The only long-term solution for vaccine hesitancy is the rebuilding of trust. To do this, we must take a view that we as educators are also to blame for the rise of mistrust – and we must take ownership and respond accordingly.

A welcome boost for pre-school funding

The 2021-22 budget includes funding for 15 hours per week of free preschool education for all children in the year before school.

Rethinking NAPLAN

Schools survived without NAPLAN in 2020. They taught, they assessed, they reported, and – most importantly – they supported. From that lesson, we should reimagine the testing regime so that schools and students can be helped to thrive.

More exercise, fewer screens: New Australian guidelines for kids in OSHC

Research from the University of South Australia has delivered world-first national-level guidelines to better inform children’s physical activity and screen time in Outside School Hours Care.

The joy of real books

As we emerge from a pandemic that has accelerated digital progress, we can’t let these developments obscure the place of real books in real — as opposed to virtual — lives.

Banning phones in school might boost performance

The effects of mobiles phones and other technology at school is a hotly debated topic in many countries, but new Australian research favours a ban to improve children’s attention.

Mental health pilot program expands to more primary schools

A pilot trial of a primary school-based mental health program will be expanded to an additional 16 Victorian schools in 2021 following a successful first year of operation.