Standing up for women’s rights and academic freedom

Holly Lawford-Smith’s brave and principled defence of women’s rights and female identity has raised the ire of activists in Melbourne but mob action, no matter how strident and vociferous, should not be allowed to shut down rational debate and destroy academic freedom.

Primary schools and the pandemic

Despite fears the pandemic would set an entire cohort of children back in their education, a new study finds that children from schools in low-income communities did not suffer significant “learning loss” during the pandemic years of 2020-2021, and even improved in certain areas of study.

Resilience and retention in the teaching profession

Much has been written about the need to attract more people into the teaching profession, but measures to increase teacher’s resilience and ensure they stay in the profession would go a long way to address current staff shortages in the nation’s schools.

A new vision for Australian research

The future of Australian prosperity depends on the education and research undertaken within its tertiary education system. The federal government’s call for “lasting reform” in the Universities Accord offers a timely opportunity to take action.

Burn out in early education

Federal and state governments are investing heavily in early education but high rates of staff turnover and burnout makes it harder for services to find enough staff to give families a childcare place for their children.

Towards a more inclusive VET system

“Soft skills” shouldn’t be a hard sell as national VET reforms are a critical opportunity to address safety and wellbeing in the construction industry for everyone.

Visible learning

Every child is a learner, is teachable, can grow, and can be taught to love learning. Students need to be taught to take on challenges, with safety nets when they fail.

Teaching under a tree

As primary schools continue to invest in purpose-built nature play spaces, experts are encouraging teachers to deliver more of the curriculum in outdoor areas, to boost students’ wellbeing and development and to maximise the use of play spaces.

Education in the age of ChatGPT

The potential impact of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT on education is nothing short of remarkable, causing many educators to reflect on the very purpose of university education.

Maths doesn’t have to be murder

No child likes doing reams of maths homework or sitting NAPLAN tests, but parents can take some simple steps to support their children’s studies.

Effective learning depends on good teaching

Plenty of homework, small classroom sizes and a long school day are often seen as the mark of a successful school – but research shows the number one factor that impacts learning is engaging teaching.

UNSW Professor Deborah Brennan co-leads inquiry into universal child care

UNSW Professor Emerita Deborah Brennan, pictured here with Jason Clare MP, will co-lead a Productivity Commission inquiry into making early childhood education and care more accessible and affordable.