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.

Let the children play

Children today spend much less time playing than their parents did, a decline exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. It’s time to recognise the individual and social benefits of play to our children’s development and happiness.

Too much screen time delays school readiness

Too much screen time and a penchant for computers is playing havoc with children’s school readiness, as new research from the University of South Australia shows that modern lifestyles are influencing our young generation’s prevalence of developmental delay.

COVID shines a light on Australians’ fear of the ‘other’

The COVID pandemic has brought into sharp relief the contradictory character of Australia. And it’s shone a light into Australians’ deep-seated fears of the “other”, both within our country and beyond.

Australian universities will still need Asian students

If the international education sector can find its way through this year, then its prospects are much better for 2022 and beyond.