Report: Educational technology is not improving student literacy
Despite the abundance of edtech tools, Australian students' digital literacy skills are declining, according to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
The Spotlight research report about Edtech in Australia titled 'Evaluating the evidence for educational technology: Part 2 – enabling learning' emphasises that digital safety, investigation, creation, and content management are essential.
The report also reveals that while edtech benefits diverse student groups, overuse poses risks, affecting learning and student well-being. It also suggests that teachers' confidence with edtech significantly influences student outcomes.
The report recommends that effective professional learning, particularly collaborative and practical approaches, enhance educators' understanding and underscore digital literacy's importance.
Find out more.
Schools urged to work together to improve student performance
The Grattan Institute proposes trialling multi-school organisations (MSOs) to improve student performance in Australia.
MSOs, modelled after successful examples in England and New York City, offer cohesive leadership and strategic oversight for groups of schools.
The report suggests that MSOs could address the challenges faced by schools in providing effective education and support.
However, it emphasizes the need for clear expectations, robust regulatory frameworks, and thorough public reviews to ensure the success of MSO trials.
The report recommends that each Australian school sector should consider trialling MSOs, with state and territory governments, Catholic dioceses, and independent schools encouraged to participate.
Trials should start with a high-performing ‘beacon’ school and gradually expand to include a family of 10 schools within a decade.
Australian Expert Questions Study Claiming Small Class Sizes Don't Benefit Students
A recent study published in the International Journal of Science Education challenges the notion that smaller class sizes improve the resilience and grades of children, particularly those from low-income families. Conducted in China and Japan, the study found no significant correlation between class size reduction and academic performance.
Dr. Drew Miller from the University of Newcastle raised concerns about the study's methodology and its implications. He questioned the reliability of student perceptions regarding teaching practices and highlighted the potential biases in interpreting class size data.
Miller emphasized the need for caution in drawing conclusions from cross-sectional data and urged policymakers not to overlook other factors influencing student outcomes. His remarks underscore the complexity of educational research and the importance of thorough examination before implementing policy changes.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Sparks Parent-Child Bonding, Says Expert
RMIT researcher and education expert Dr. Elise Waghorn says the lasting impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on parent-child relationships is a good model to follow.
Dr. Waghorn emphasizes the importance of positive interactions and being present with children, suggesting activities like gaming, shared courses, and fitness sessions to deepen bonds.
‘Parents should show acceptance by supporting their child’s ideas, noticing what their child likes and dislikes, and noticing what the child’s behaviour is telling them.’
She advocates for quality time and special rituals, reassuring parents that meaningful connections can endure beyond concert experiences.
‘Scheduling in special ‘date nights’ creates a great opportunity for one-on-one time’.
In brief
Positive Peer Relationships Crucial for Young People: A study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) emphasizes the importance of positive peer relationships for young people aged 8-14. These interactions shape their health, well-being, and academic performance, fostering social and cognitive skills crucial for future relationships. Access the report here.
What’s On
Nominate your school for the Deadly Science School of the Month: Win a $2,000 STEM gift pack. Email Holly at [email protected] to enter.
Thanks to Google Australia, the prize includes a $2,000 voucher for Modern Teaching Aids and a Questacon gift box worth $440.
Deadly Science is an organization focused on providing Indigenous Australian students with access to educational resources and opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Registrations are open for The Great Book Swap: celebrate reading locally, learn more about Indigenous Languages and culture, while raising funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Schools, libraries, universities, book clubs and individuals can host a Great Book Swap. The idea is to swap a favourite book in exchange for a donation. Find out more.
ACEL 8th National Inclusion and Disability Conference: Darwin, May 30-31, 2024. Explore practical strategies for fostering belonging and success in schools. Insights from experts, researchers, and practitioners. Learn more.
ACEL National Awards and New Voice Scholarships 2024: nominations open. New Voice Scholarships recognise forward thinking, contextually relevant and responsive educational leaders whose work has had an impact above and beyond their immediate context.
Find out more.
Survey: The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is evaluating the impact of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) on student progress and achievement. If you are a qualified teacher or leader, AITSL would like your professional judgments relating to the Standard Descriptors most relevant to your career stage. Find out more.