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Articles 31 - 60 of 154
Full-Text Articles in Education
Driving One’S Own Learning – Full Speed Ahead! Motivationally Anchored Instruction, Alison Davis
Driving One’S Own Learning – Full Speed Ahead! Motivationally Anchored Instruction, Alison Davis
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
This paper explores the concept of motivationally anchored instruction, how it is practised in classrooms and the structure for teacher professional learning that supports its implementation. Participants will examine how teachers enact pedagogical practices that deliberately develop and grow students’ inner desire to want to learn. Content will draw on the analogy of learners driving their own learning by describing and examining deliberate acts of teaching that grow and develop the intrinsic motivation dispositions of our students. Research and practices that support a learning environment where intrinsic motivation creates internal drive and desire to do well are examined, and such …
Communicating Student Learning Progress: What Does That Mean And Can It Make A Difference?, Hilary Hollingsworth, Jonathan Heard
Communicating Student Learning Progress: What Does That Mean And Can It Make A Difference?, Hilary Hollingsworth, Jonathan Heard
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Traditionally in schools, the main method of communicating students’ academic performance has been the summative end-of-semester report, and the focus of much of this communication has centred on reporting achievement against year-level standards. While semester reporting largely remains established practice, the advent of new school management systems has seen schools embrace a practice known as ‘continuous reporting’. Though well-intended, early analysis would suggest that the potential benefits of this relatively new process are inconsistently understood, and reveal a confusion between progressive instalments of feedback versus feedback on student progress. Such confusion may be indicative of other gaps in the organisational …
Making A Difference Through Quality Teaching Rounds: Evidence From A Sustained Program Of Research, Jennifer Gore
Making A Difference Through Quality Teaching Rounds: Evidence From A Sustained Program Of Research, Jennifer Gore
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Through rigorous forms of research, including a randomised controlled trial, Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR) has been shown to make a positive difference to the quality of teaching, teacher morale and school culture. This presentation will draw on both quantitative and qualitative evidence to demonstrate the impact of QTR, outlining its effects across a range of NSW primary and secondary schools and for teachers at very different stages of their careers. The essential components of QTR will be elaborated with analysis of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of this form of professional development in improving teaching practice. As …
The Role Of Evidence In Teaching And Learning, Geoff N. Masters Ao
The Role Of Evidence In Teaching And Learning, Geoff N. Masters Ao
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Highly-effective teaching requires evidence-informed decision making at crucial points in the teaching process. First, effective teachers use quality evidence to establish the points individual learners have reached in their learning. This enables teachers to identify starting points for further teaching and learning and to ensure that each student is given learning opportunities at an appropriate level of challenge. In contrast, much teaching instead assumes all students will be appropriately challenged by common year-level curricula. The process of establishing and understanding where students are in their learning often requires detailed diagnostic evidence of individual misunderstandings and obstacles to learning progress. Second, …
Evidence-Based Approaches To School Improvement: The Kimberley Schools Project, Bill Louden
Evidence-Based Approaches To School Improvement: The Kimberley Schools Project, Bill Louden
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Despite a great deal of goodwill, effort and funding, student achievement in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has shown little improvement in the last decade. Governments have intervened in a range of ways: tying funding to evidence that schools are closing the gap; improving conditions for teachers and principals working with remote communities; funding a bewildering range of attendance and engagement strategies; and supporting cultural relevance though a range of short-term skill and enrichment programs. This paper describes the Kimberley Schools Project, which is an alternative approach funded by the Western Australian Government through the Royalties for Regions program. …
Making A Difference In Learning Through Arts-Rich Pedagogy, Robyn Ewing Am
Making A Difference In Learning Through Arts-Rich Pedagogy, Robyn Ewing Am
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
There is unequivocal evidence that arts-rich pedagogies enhance student social and emotional wellbeing and, consequently, academic learning outcomes across the curriculum. Yet many primary teachers report they lack the expertise and/or confidence to embed quality arts processes and experiences in what is increasingly described as an overcrowded curriculum. This presentation reviews the research findings about the impact and sustainability of School Drama, an initiative developed through a partnership between the Sydney Theatre Company and The University of Sydney. An innovative co-mentoring teacher professional learning program and drama-based intervention, the program aims to develop primary teachers’ professional knowledge of and expertise …
Transforming Learning With Information And Communication Technologies: Insights From Three Decades Of Research, Romina Jamieson-Proctor
Transforming Learning With Information And Communication Technologies: Insights From Three Decades Of Research, Romina Jamieson-Proctor
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Since computers first appeared in classrooms, educators have sought to integrate information communication technologies (ICT) into teaching and learning. In Australia, as elsewhere, ICT are widely regarded as critical facilitators of student learning. The ability to use ICT effectively is specified in Australia’s national curriculum as a required general capability. However, despite the educational environment being replete with ICT related programs, our understanding of how students use ICT for learning is still limited. This paper presents insights from the past 30 years of research, which suggest that even though the current ‘climate’ in Australian schools is favourable, teacher confidence and …
Acer Research Conference Proceedings (2018), Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)
Acer Research Conference Proceedings (2018), Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
There is no shortage of opinion about more and less effective ways of teaching. Schools are continually presented with strategies, programs and approaches that claim to be ‘research-based’, ‘evidence-based’ or even ‘brainbased’. Vocal advocates of particular teaching methods promote their proposed solutions in the media. But how many of these programs and methods have solid foundations in research? And how can teachers and school leaders distinguish exaggerated marketing claims from teaching strategies shown through research to be effective in improving student outcomes? Research Conference 2018 examines research evidence around teaching practices that make a difference. It brings together leading international …
Karmel Oration: Leading Schools And School Systems In Times Of Change: A Paradox And A Quest, Toby Greany
Karmel Oration: Leading Schools And School Systems In Times Of Change: A Paradox And A Quest, Toby Greany
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
The ‘paradox’ in this title refers to a set of contradictions that sit at the heart of education policy in many school systems. Policymakers in these systems want things that, if not inherently at odds, are nevertheless in tension— such as a tightly defined set of national standards and a broad and balanced curriculum; academic stretch for the most able and a closing of the gap between high and low performers; choice and diversity and equity; and so on. The ‘quest’ is for leaders and leadership to resolve these tensions in practice. School autonomy policies have placed huge power in …
Looking For The X-Factors: Contextualised Learning And Young Indigenous Australian Children, Karen L. Martin, Stuart Fuller
Looking For The X-Factors: Contextualised Learning And Young Indigenous Australian Children, Karen L. Martin, Stuart Fuller
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
This presentation outlines a research project into early childhood education funded by Queensland Department of Education and Training’s Education Horizon research grant scheme. The project will run from July 2016 to June 2017. This project involved two main research activities: an online survey of early childhood educators of young Indigenous Australians and a small case study of early childhood and early years education programs in Logan, Darling Downs and Far North Queensland regions. The pilot case study sought to identify ‘X-factors’ regarding the contextualisation of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for young Indigenous Australian learners. This presentation will outline the case …
Leadership That Transforms Schools And School Systems, Brian Caldwell
Leadership That Transforms Schools And School Systems, Brian Caldwell
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
This paper will report on the findings of four international research projects on leadership in high-performing school systems around the world. The paper will focus on building the capacity of school leaders to exercise professional autonomy and how different levels of government achieve strategic alignment among policies in their efforts to lift performance. The paper will summarise findings reported in The Autonomy Premium published in 2016 by ACER Press, along with the findings of a national survey of principals in Australia. The major part of this presentation is devoted to comparing Australia on 15 benchmarks derived from international studies in …
Science Of Learning Network Of Schools: The Science Of Communities Of Practice, Andrew Jones, Frank Vetere
Science Of Learning Network Of Schools: The Science Of Communities Of Practice, Andrew Jones, Frank Vetere
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Frameworks referencing synthesised bodies of prominent research adorn education improvement policy like curiously named pieces of Ikea furniture—peculiar in their assemblage, ostensibly contemporary, and striking in their modular convenience. Amid this, most pundits still agree that we have an education advancement issue in this country. Despite significant increases in funding from successive federal and state governments, we simply haven’t been able to shift the needle. What we can ascertain is that compliance-based improvement approaches don’t work. They are unable to influence the cognitive maps, beliefs and understandings of the educator to the extent necessary to effectively improve outcomes for students …
Leading Age-Appropriate Pedagogies In The Early Years Of School, Beverley R. Fluckiger, Julie Dunn, Madonna Stinson, Elizabeth Wheeley
Leading Age-Appropriate Pedagogies In The Early Years Of School, Beverley R. Fluckiger, Julie Dunn, Madonna Stinson, Elizabeth Wheeley
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
There is increasing pressure on leaders and teachers to improve the academic achievement of children in the early years of school. Alongside this is recognition that social and emotional development are the important drivers of children’s school and lifetime success. This paper reports on the design and leadership of the pilot phase of the Age Appropriate Pedagogies program commissioned by the Queensland Department of Education and Training to refocus pedagogical practices in the early years of school. This refocus was deemed to be necessary in order to achieve strong academic outcomes while ensuring that children’s holistic development remained a key …
Teacher Leader And Teacher Leadership: A Call For Conceptual Clarity, Susan Lovett
Teacher Leader And Teacher Leadership: A Call For Conceptual Clarity, Susan Lovett
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Education systems cannot afford to lose promising teachers who could be the school leaders of tomorrow. My work shows a need to promote leadership as learning for teachers and students rather than as management and administration, heavy workloads and disconnectedness from students and their learning. Conceptions of leadership that allow teachers to see professional learning as the reason for their work make a contribution to school leadership as a whole. Schools benefit from leaders at all levels no matter their distance to classrooms. School cultures can stimulate leadership practices when professional learning exchanges among teachers are reciprocated. Professional learning is …
Opening Or Closing Doors For Students? Equity And Data-Driven Decision-Making, Amanda Datnow
Opening Or Closing Doors For Students? Equity And Data-Driven Decision-Making, Amanda Datnow
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Data-driven decision-making is key pillar of educational reform initiatives in countries across the globe. While approaches to data use vary, the theory of action underlying these efforts is often similar. The common idea is that when leaders and teachers are knowledgeable about how to use data, they will become more effective in reviewing their existing capacities, identifying weaknesses, and charting plans for improvement. In the classroom, data can inform how teachers plan lessons, identify concepts for re-teaching, and differentiate instruction. For all these reasons, data use has significant implications for teaching and leadership. Ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all …
Leading Empowered Evaluations To Develop Trust And Improve Learning: Insights From Qualitative Research, Peter Mcclenaghan, Kerrie Ikin
Leading Empowered Evaluations To Develop Trust And Improve Learning: Insights From Qualitative Research, Peter Mcclenaghan, Kerrie Ikin
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
What does ‘empowering teachers-as-evaluators’ mean in whole-school strategic planning and evaluation? Our work seeks to develop and empower teachers as whole-of-school evaluators to embrace ownership of the school’s plan and directions, build communities of practice, create transparency, openness and trust, and ultimately improve student learning outcomes. Our previous research in whole-school qualitative empowerment evaluation showed that principals who were fully engaged in their schools’ evaluations were more likely to be influenced by the evaluation process, use the evaluation results and build evaluation capacity than those who merely participated as a guest. They engaged in double-loop learning. We further found that …
Developing A Professional Certification System For School Principals: The Principals Australia Institute Certification Project, Lawrence Ingvarson
Developing A Professional Certification System For School Principals: The Principals Australia Institute Certification Project, Lawrence Ingvarson
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
In 2014, the Principals Australia Institute (PAI) decided to develop a national system for providing professional certification to accomplished school principals, based on the AITSL Australian Professional Standard for Principals (the Standard). ACER has been assisting the PAI in the development of valid and reliable methods whereby principals can demonstrate how they meet the Standard. This work has included conceptualising the system, developing an assessment and evaluation framework for certification, and developing guidelines for three portfolio initiatives linked to the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. The portfolio initiatives were field-tested in 2015 and a group of principals was trained to …
Developing Evaluative Thinking And Evidence-Based Practice: A Synthetic Case Study, Tim Wyatt
Developing Evaluative Thinking And Evidence-Based Practice: A Synthetic Case Study, Tim Wyatt
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
The NSW Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan, which operated from 2012 to 2016, provided $261 millon to improve literacy and numeracy learning in 448 the most disadvantaged and lowest performing schools across the three education sectors in NSW. A key objective of the Action Plan was to enhance teacher and school leader capacity, including the ability to apply evidence-based practices and evaluative thinking to planning and programming for teaching and learning at a classroom level, and to planning and decision-making at a whole-school level. The concept and terminology of ‘evidence-based practice’ is in common parlance in Australian schools; however, in …
Pre-Service And In-Service Teacher Education: A Leadership Model For Collaborative Learning, Jo-Anne Reid
Pre-Service And In-Service Teacher Education: A Leadership Model For Collaborative Learning, Jo-Anne Reid
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Innovative collaboration between schools and university can enhance teacher education. This model was developed as part of a partnership between a school principal leading a cluster of diverse primary schools, and a local university school of teacher education. The partnership established a memorandum of understanding to support targeted and standards-based professional learning for teachers and new leaders across the schools in the cluster. Novice pre-service teachers were also assigned to these schools for an extended weekly professional placement. This session outlines the model as it was designed: to respond to the strategic demands of particular school communities, as well as …
Principals As Literacy Leaders: A Strategy For Improving Reading Engagement And Achievement In Australian Schools, Tony Townsend
Principals As Literacy Leaders: A Strategy For Improving Reading Engagement And Achievement In Australian Schools, Tony Townsend
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
By the end of 2017, approximately 1500 school leaders from all states and territories in Australia will have undertaken the Principals as Literacy Leaders (PALL) program. This program was first funded in 2010 for 60 primary principals of disadvantaged schools by a Commonwealth Government grant under the Closing the Gap strategy. Since that time, additional cohorts of school leaders have been funded by state departments of education, professional associations and individual schools. Many of the programs were associated with research looking at various outcomes of the learning gained from the PALL program. To date, there have been six published studies, …
Stronger Smarter: A Sustained And Enduring Approach To Indigenous Education (Whether Education Researchers Know It Or Not!), Chris Sarra
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
In 1988, Professor Sarra commenced his career as an educator. After a very personal revelation about how he as an Aboriginal student had been ‘sold short’ by schooling, he became determined to change expectations of Aboriginal children in schools throughout Australia. It was a lofty career ambition, but one he feels he has achieved: the stronger smarter approach, which he developed and now shares with an army of hardworking and courageous educators, has had success – despite the questionable efforts of education researchers with little or no insight into the profound complexities of such an undertaking. This paper will reflect …
Courageous And Coherent Leadership Required For Excellent And Equitable Outcomes, Linda Bendikson
Courageous And Coherent Leadership Required For Excellent And Equitable Outcomes, Linda Bendikson
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
The paper illustrates the complexity of leadership work, using data on the varying perspectives of middle and senior leaders about their own goals; the seriousness of the problems that they face in reaching those goals; and the perceived effectiveness of the senior leadership team. The findings from these studies indicate that the basic leadership skills of problem analysis, focused goalsetting and close monitoring of progress towards goals are lacking in many leadership teams in secondary schools. These findings highlight the importance of a team of middle and senior leaders being aligned in their goal pursuit, being active problem-solvers and being …
Nourishing Teachers’ Leadership For Learning: Insights From Practitioner Research, Simon Clarke
Nourishing Teachers’ Leadership For Learning: Insights From Practitioner Research, Simon Clarke
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
This session contends that leadership and learning are mutually supporting and reinforcing. It is only recently that attempts have been made to describe in practice the complex connections existing between the two activities by drawing on empirical evidence. To this end, this session will depict ways in which leadership and learning are indispensable to each other in day-to-day teachers’ work, and the implications this symbiosis has for practice. Firstly, the session will consider the key foundations and principles of leadership for learning, especially as they relate to the Carpe Vitam international leadership for learning research project. Secondly, we will discuss …
Enhancing Instructional Leadership: Lessons From The Nsw Literacy And Numeracy Action Plan, Tim Wyatt
Enhancing Instructional Leadership: Lessons From The Nsw Literacy And Numeracy Action Plan, Tim Wyatt
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Over the past decade, schools, school systems and governments at all levels have invested heavily in enhancing the quality of school leadership. The Australian Government-funded National Partnerships (2012–2014) identified principal leadership as one of its explicit goals. More recently, the emphasis of leadership development has been on enhancing instructional leadership. This paper describes an approach to enhancing instructional leadership adopted as part of the NSW Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan (2012–2016), which was the particular approach of the NSW government school sector. The three school sectors in NSW each adopted different models for their implementation of the Action Plan relevant …
Capabilities Required For Leading Improvement: Challenges For Researchers And Developers, Viviane Robinson
Capabilities Required For Leading Improvement: Challenges For Researchers And Developers, Viviane Robinson
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
The leadership of improvement is a challenging task, requiring capability in 1) using relevant knowledge to 2) solve complex educational problems, while 3) building relationships of trust with those involved. In this keynote address, Viviane describes what she has learned from her leadership research and development program about each of these three leadership capabilities. In addressing the first of these leadership capabilities, she describes key findings about how leaders’ relevant knowledge intersect with their ability to build trust and solve the problems that stand in the way of their improvement goals. Her discussion of the second capability draws on empirical …
Acer Research Conference Proceedings (2017), Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)
Acer Research Conference Proceedings (2017), Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Educational leaders play a crucial role in setting directions for improvement and innovation. Leaders – whether or not they are in formal leadership roles – create the tone of an institution, set priorities and directions for change, build coherence and shared commitment across the community and maintain a sharp focus on measurable improvements in student outcomes. Effective leaders take a deep interest in the quality of teaching and learning. They closely monitor indicators of student achievement and wellbeing and promote institution-wide conversations and professional learning focused on improving teaching and learning processes and student outcomes. They also form partnerships with …
Activating Teachers’ Creativity And Moral Purpose In Science Education, Martin Westwell, Sonia Cooke
Activating Teachers’ Creativity And Moral Purpose In Science Education, Martin Westwell, Sonia Cooke
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Over the last three years, the Scientist in Residence program (a collaboration between the Department of Education and Child Development, and Flinders University) investigated a model of professional learning in science education that capitalised upon teachers’ moral purpose and drove their creativity. Insight into how teachers transformed their science classrooms is provided through examples of activities, work samples and clips of teachers describing how they changed their practice and how that, in turn, changed the engagement and achievement of the children. These resources will serve to illustrate some of the principles of practice that the teachers drew upon. In particular, …
Targeting All Of Stem In The Primary School : Engineering Design As A Foundational Process, Lyn English
Targeting All Of Stem In The Primary School : Engineering Design As A Foundational Process, Lyn English
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
With the increased national and international focus on advancing STEM education, it is important to ensure all of its disciplines are represented in the curriculum. To-date, the STEM acronym has been used largely in reference to science, with less emphasis on the remaining disciplines – especially engineering. Yet engineering design, a core component of engineering education, is now seen internationally as a foundational process linking the STEM disciplines, not just confined to engineering. Engineering concepts, design processes, representing, modelling, and innovative design-based problem-solving are all featured within the new Design and Technologies Curriculum. This paper will explore the nature and …
Addressing The Stem Challenge Through Targeted Teaching : What’S The Evidence?, Dianne Siemon
Addressing The Stem Challenge Through Targeted Teaching : What’S The Evidence?, Dianne Siemon
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
Numerous public reports are pointing to the critical importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to Australia’s future, but the number of students studying STEM subjects in senior years is declining, and many students in the primary and middle years of schooling do not have access to the ways of thinking and learning needed to succeed in school mathematics. Research over the past 10 years has established the critical role of multiplicative thinking in building student knowledge and confidence at this level of schooling, but there is a need for an expanded, evidence-based learning and teaching framework to support …
Coding In The Curriculum : Fad Or Foundational?, Leon Sterling
Coding In The Curriculum : Fad Or Foundational?, Leon Sterling
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
There has been an unprecedented push to revitalise interest in STEM education. Much of the discussion of the ’T’ in STEM education has been whether coding should be a central element of school education. This talk investigates the arguments for and against ‘coding in the curriculum.’ No sensible person thinks that teaching coding in the classroom will produce master programmers’, any more than teaching music in the school curriculum will produce master musicians. However the teaching of music can encourage some students to become musicians and the same would be true for coding. The issue is more what concepts are …