Research Developments

The science of learning

Geoff Masters — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:45 PST

Geoff Masters explains how an emerging field of research called the science of learning is improving our understanding of how students learn.

A new era in early years learning

Bridie Raban — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:44 PST

Bridie Raban explains the impact of changes to Australian early childhood education legislation that come into effect in 2012, for which ACER has conducted an evaluation.

Addressing educational disadvantage

Adrian Beavis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:44 PST

ACER was commissioned by the Review of Funding for Schooling Panel to assess the way school funding is targeted to disadvantaged students. Adrian Beavis discusses the findings of the report.

Indigenous primary school experiences

Kate Reid — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:43 PST

Kate Reid discusses the findings of a seven-year study of the literacy and numeracy achievement of Indigenous students as they progress through primary school.

Research Developments (No. 26) -- Summer 2011-2012

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:41 PST

Table of contents for this issue: (a) Indigenous primary school experiences; (b) A new era in early years learning; (c) Addressing educational disadvantage; (d) The science of learning.

Examining the use of ICT in mathematics and science teaching

John Ainley — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:20 PDT

Australian science and mathematics teachers are leaders in the use
of ICT in school education according to an international comparative
study, and ACER is set to lead further research in this area.
John Ainley explains.

Maximising the impact of philanthropy in education

Michelle Anderson — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:19 PDT

New research is investigating the impact of philanthropy in education. Michelle Anderson explains the Leading Learning in Education and Philanthropy (LLEAP) project.

School-community partnerships benefit all

Michele Lonsdale — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:18 PDT

New research into the NAB Schools First program shows that school–community partnerships are having a positive effect on student outcomes.

Challenges for Australian education

Sue Thomson — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:17 PDT

Sue Thompson asks if Australia’s above average but declining performance in an international study of reading, mathematics and scientific literacy should be cause for concern.

Research Developments (No.25) Winter 2011

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:15 PDT

Table of contents for this issue: (a) Challenges for Australian education; (b) School-community partnerships benefit all; (c) Maximising the impact of philanthropy in education; (d) Examining the use of ICT in mathematics and science teaching.

New secondary diploma to meet students' workplace needs

Deirdre Jackson — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:40:35 PST

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has recently developed the National Diploma of Education for students in the final years of secondary school. It has been designed to provide learning experiences that integrate personal development and academic skills with an extended practical workplace experience in order to develop the attributes necessary for effective workforce participation. ACER developed the diploma in association with Wesley College in Melbourne, the first school to implement the diploma. ACER is now making the diploma available to be offered at other schools and institutions.

Getting students moving

Catherine Underwood — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:40:34 PST

A current evaluation of the Streets Ahead program uses children’s artwork to study physical activity and neighbourhood awareness. Catherine Underwood explains this innovative approach.

Success against the odds

Kylie Hillman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:40:33 PST

Kylie Hillman presents a research project that found low performance in mathematics did not hinder some students' post-school success as much as may have been expected.

Exploring mathematical competencies

Ross Turner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:40:32 PST

The author describes a set of competencies that are fundamental to the development of ‘mathematical literacy’, or a person’s ability to apply their mathematical knowledge to practical situations.

Research Developments (No.24) Summer 2010

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:40:31 PST

Table of Contents for this issue: (a) Exploring mathematical competencies; (b) Success against the odds;(c) Getting students involved; (d) New secondary diploma to meet students' workplace needs.

Moving from learning to reading to reading to learn

Sue Thomson — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:34:51 PDT

In 2010 a specially selected group of Australian Grade 4 students will be the first to represent their country and state in one of the world’s largest reading assessments. This article outlines the first Australian administration of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

One Laptop Per Child in remote Indigenous communities

Gina Milgate — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:18:51 PDT

This article describes her visit to a remote Aboriginal community as part of ACER’s review of the One Laptop Per Child program.

On Track : school completers who defer tertiary studies

Sheldon Rothman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:15:45 PDT

A recent survey of Victoria’s school leavers has revealed a third of those living in regional areas put off university study and enter the workforce to qualify for Youth Allowance.

What can Australian students do with computers?

John Ainley — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:02:41 PDT

This article describes the latest findings of the National Assessment Program- ICT Literacy, conducted by ACER for the Australian government, which show some mixed results in Australian students’ proficiency with computers.

Research Developments (No. 23) -- Winter 2010

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:40:19 PDT

Table of contents for this issue: (a) What can Australian students do with computers?; (b) On Track – School completers who defer tertiary study; (c) One Laptop Per Child in remote Indigenous communities; (d) Moving from learning to read to reading to learn.