Pitfalls in education policy

A succession of trendy education theories and unsolicited advice from the public and politicians have assailed the teaching profession in recent years, but the tried and true experience of teachers at the chalk face remains the greatest asset in our children’s education.

5 tips for success in your first year at university

Thousands of new students are starting their first year at university this week. Transitioning from school to university is an exciting but daunting experience so here are five tips to help new students succeed.

Why we should consider paying children to learn

Research shows small financial incentives for doing maths homework can increase maths achievement, but paying children to complete schoolwork raises some tricky ethical as well as practical questions.

Teaching for tomorrow

Students in classrooms today will enter a world very different to the one their teachers and parents have known. In light of the uncertainty that lies ahead, it is more important than ever that educators keep their finger on the pulse of technological and societal trends to help students prepare for them.

Nurturing talent in developing countries with smarter investments

A new economics study suggests more breakthrough science could be achieved by supporting exceptional talent from developing countries.

Hitting the right targets in the final year of school

The final year of high school can be one of the most fraught and stressful times in a young person’s life, but setting specific, achievable aims can help reduce anxiety and improve personal and academic results.

Rediscovering English grammar for a new generation

The structured teaching of English grammar was dropped from the Australian curriculum in the 1960s, but learning the fundamentals not only helps students learn foreign languages, but gives them more confidence when using their own.

Pressing the case for research as a public good

Publicly funded research brings social and economic benefits for all and it’s critical that the global academic community continues to champion this work.

The importance of feeling connected at school

If students feel disconnected from new schools or classes then their learning and even their health can suffer but new research shows how teachers can help.

How to help kids make friends at primary school

Making good friends in primary school is not always easy, but parents and teachers can take some positive steps to help their children make connections.

Does China herald a grim future for technology in schools?

The increasing use of technology to monitor students in schools abroad should give Australian educators pause for thought when contemplating its introduction here.

Higher education in 2018 – Culture wars and money squabbles

The continuing debate about higher education policy in 2018 saw heated arguments between academics, ministers and social commentators about funding, freedom of speech and the role of universities in buttressing – or undermining – western civilisation.