Biting our tongue

Australian universities profit from large numbers of Chinese students, but this should not inhibit the discussion of sensitive political topics, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Putting education research into practice

A new study suggest that teachers want their school leaders to guide them and involve others when using research to improve their teaching.

Academia must allow open debate on contentious issues

Political correctness tends to trump reality in modern universities, but if difficult issues can’t be discussed there, what’s the point of such institutions?

Full STEAM ahead

Efforts to break down the barriers between the ‘arts and social sciences’ and the ‘hard sciences’ and to encourage creativity can only improve student outcomes.

A healthy start

Melbourne researchers have created the first global standards to embed health and wellbeing into the education system at the request of WHO and UNESCO. The standards and benchmarking framework support the creation of ‘health promoting schools,’ which foster health and learning in all aspects of school life.

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.