Education Commons^™

Collaboration In East Africa: A Contextualised Approach To Defining The Construct, Claire Scoular, David Alelah Otieno

Assessment and Reporting

Collaboration has been highlighted internationally as a key skill for learning, working, and living in the twenty-first century. However, to teach it well, enhance its performance, and measure its growth, it is essential to have a clear and consistent definition of the skill. There are a number of frameworks that describe collaboration in a way that is meaningful to learning and growth. Despite some differences across frameworks, it is clear there is a common core set of contributing subskills. This suggests that collaboration is of global interest, and that there are components that transcend national or cultural specificities. Notwithstanding, definitions …

Australia Awards Alumni Global Tracer Survey 2022, Michelle Hsien, Daniel Edwards

Australia Awards Global Tracer Facility

This report details the findings of the Global Tracer Survey 2022 of alumni from the Australia Awards and predecessor development scholarships. The research was undertaken by the Australia Awards Global Tracer Facility (GTF), which is managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The survey was administered online between November 2022 and January 2023 to alumni from 114 countries who had studied in Australia as part of a scholarship or fellowship. In total, 5116 alumni participated in the survey (a 24% response rate globally). Among this group were alumni who completed their award during the 1980s through to alumni …

How Might We Identify And Measure Learning Progression In History?, Louise Zarmati

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

In this session, Dr Zarmati will share her research on efforts to map and describe progress in the learning area of History.

Learning progression is a continuum that measures advances in learning by tracking development from early learning to more sophisticated levels of mastery. Mathematics relies on an understanding of empirical knowledge and concepts in a hierarchical sequence; students need to understand (or master) one mathematical concept before they can proceed to the next. In comparison, progress of understanding in history is not necessarily hierarchical because it is based on mastery of concepts and skills rather than historical knowledge, which …

Infographic: Parents’ Views On The Role Of Education, Jo Earp

Teacher infographics

What should and should not be the responsibility of schools? A nationwide poll by the Australian National University asked parents and carers to consider this question in relation to 15 statements. Today’s infographic takes a look at the results.

Mitigating The Impacts Of Covid-19: Lessons From Australia In Remote Education, Anna Dabrowski, Yung Nietschke, Pauline Taylor-Guy, Anne-Marie Chase

Student learning processes

This literature review provides an overview of past and present responses to remote schooling in Australia, drawing on international research. The paper begins by discussing historical responses to emergency and extended schooling, including during the COVID-19 crisis. The discussion then focuses on effective teaching and learning practices and different learning design models. The review considers the available evidence on technology-based interventions and their use during remote schooling periods. Although this research is emergent, it offers insights into the availability and suitability of different mechanisms that can be used in remote learning contexts. Noting that the local empirical research base is …

Remote Learning Rapid Literature Review, Gill Cowden, Pru Mitchell, Pauline Taylor-Guy

Student learning processes

This rapid literature review identifies effective practice in remote learning and synthesises key evidence relevant to education in Australia during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. It draws upon bodies of literature about education in emergencies, access and equity, distance education, blended learning, and quality teaching and learning using technology. The focus is primarily on Kindergarten to Year 12 schooling in Australia. The literature firstly examines education in emergencies, as this underpins the initial crisis approaches and preparedness for the shift to remote learning. The research in this area has a strong focus on implications for wellbeing. The review is then organised …

Ministerial Briefing Paper On Evidence Of The Likely Impact On Educational Outcomes Of Vulnerable Children Learning At Home During Covid-19, Geoff N. Masters, Pauline Taylor-Guy, Julian Fraillon, Anne-Marie Chase

Student learning processes

The purpose of this briefing paper is to provide evidence of the likely impact on educational outcomes for vulnerable children learning at home as a result of the COVID-19 response measures, and the merits of a range of delivery models. The paper is structured in four sections. Section 1 reports data from three international research programs and from the Australian National Assessment Program ICT Literacy. The purpose of this section is to use data collected in large-scale assessment programs that have representative national samples of participants to describe the profile of disadvantaged students in Australia. Section 2 discusses themes emerging …

Revision Or Re-Vision: Exploring Approaches To The Differentiation Of Qualification Types In The Australian Qualifications Framework, Kate Perkins, Justin Brown, Paul R. Weldon, Louise Wignall

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

In March 2019, the Department of Education commissioned the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to conduct a conceptual analysis of the most appropriate way to develop and present a taxonomy of learning outcomes within a qualifications framework; and a technical analysis and revision of the Knowledge, Skills and Application of Knowledge and Skills descriptors used in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Later this was extended to development of two alternative models that: (a) reflect the new conceptual base developed in Part I; (b) comprise a set of revised domain definitions (along with a new typology for each domain); and …

Measures Of Characteristics And Skills Associated With Learning Through Play: Findings From The Literature, Rachel Parker, Lisa Van Beeck, Janine Callanan

Monitoring Learning

This literature review was commissioned by the LEGO Foundation to inform the revision of the Learning through Play (LtP) Experience Tool, which was developed for use at LEGO House to observe and measure the quality of children’s play experiences. This review aims to determine the extent to which the LEGO Foundation’s tool reflects good practice regarding instrument design and administration, and whether tools that measure similar characteristics using similar methods already exist

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Kiribati : Country Report, Prabir Majumdar, Teweiariki Teaero

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This report provides a detailed analysis of the financing of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Kiribati. The Kiribati report forms part of the study Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific that was launched through Australia’s aid program in April 2012. Kiribati is one of seven countries taking part in the research. The study aims to produce, in conjunction with host country governments and TVET stakeholders, a comprehensive empirical analysis of the existing systems for financing TVET in each of the participating countries, identify key financing issues within the region, and the policy implications they …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Vanuatu : Country Report, Acer

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This report provides a detailed analysis of the financing of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Vanuatu. It forms part of the study Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific initiated through Australia’s aid program in consultation with governments in the Pacific region. Vanuatu was one of seven countries taking part in the research. (The other participating countries are Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga.) The study is intended to provide a detailed empirical analysis of TVET financing in each country, identify key TVET financing issues, and discuss directions through which future …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Tonga : Country Report, Andrea Bateman, Justin Brown, Meleoni Uera

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This report provides a detailed analysis of the financing of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Tonga. The report forms part of the study Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific initiated through Australia’s aid program in 2012. The study aims to produce, in conjunction with host country governments and TVET stakeholders, a comprehensive empirical analysis of the existing systems for financing TVET in seven Pacific countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu), identify key financing issues within the region, and identify directions through which future financing for TVET could be …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Samoa : Country Report, Leo Maglen, Justin Brown, Sala Perive T. Lene

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

The Samoa Country Study Report into the Financing of TVET forms part of a regionwide program Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific initiated by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) in 2011. The study team for Samoa commenced its field investigations in July 2012 and completed them in September 2012. 2. The aims of the program, as identified by its Research Brief, are to produce, in conjunction with host country governments and TVET stakeholders, a comprehensive empirical analysis of the existing systems for financing TVET in seven Pacific countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Solomon Islands : Country Report, Andrea Bateman, Elizabeth Cassity, Judy Fangalasuu

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This report provides a detailed analysis of the financing of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Solomon Islands. The report forms part of the study Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific initiated through Australia’s aid program in 2012. The study aims to produce, in conjunction with host country governments and TVET stakeholders, a comprehensive empirical analysis of the systems for financing TVET in seven Pacific countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu), identify key financing issues, and identify directions through which future financing for TVET could be made more efficient …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Fiji : Country Report, Leo Maglen, Mark Weston Wall, Manaini Rokovunisei

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This study provides a detailed analysis of the financing of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Fiji. The study team commenced its field investigations in August 2013 and completed them in October 2013. The Fijian Country Study Report into the Financing of TVET forms part of a region-wide program Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific, initiated under Australia’s international development assistance program in 2011. The aims of the program, as identified by its Research Brief, are to produce, in conjunction with host country governments and TVET stakeholders, a comprehensive empirical analysis of the existing …

Research Into The Financing Of Technical And Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In The Pacific : Papua New Guinea : Country Report, Robert Horne, Ken Ngangan, Simaima Tavil-Melachon, Justin Brown

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

This report provides a detailed analysis of the financing of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The report is part of the study Research into the Financing of TVET in the Pacific initiated through Australia’s aid program in 2012. As well as PNG, the overall study involves six other Pacific countries; Fiji; Kiribati; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Tonga; and Vanuatu. The overall study team developed a general framework and set of data collection instruments to guide the work. Individual country teams adapted the general framework and instruments to meet national circumstances. PNG is by far …

Digital Fluency : Skills Necessary For Learning In The Digital Age, Gerald K. White

Digital learning research

This article examines the skills that will be required for the 21st century that will need to be embedded in educational curricula in order achieve them. It begins by considering how communicating between people has changed and current educational responses. A view of 21st century skills follows with an argument for some core subjects that will be necessary. Learning and teaching are then discussed leading to a view about what is needed in order to develop digital fluency in education, for now and the future.

A Study Into The Assessment And Reporting Of Employability Skills Of Senior Secondary Students, Gabrielle Matters, David D. Curtis

Assessment and Reporting

In order to investigate the most effective ways of assessing and reporting on the employability skills of senior secondary students, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) commissioned this report. The main activity was to evaluate options for assessing and reporting on eight employability skills against five criteria—validity, reliability, objectivity, feasibility, and usability—and to recommend a preferred approach. This work was undertaken by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in the period July 2007 to January 2008, during which time the (new) Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) became responsible for the initiative. The starting …

Research On The Progressive Achievement Tests And Academic Achievement In Schools, Gerard Fogarty

Assessment and Reporting

This report presents three studies examining research conducted in Queensland on Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) published by Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). In study 1 ‘Predictive Validity of the Progressive Achievement Tests for Boys’, a battery of tests was used to assess vocabulary, comprehension, and numeracy skill levels of students commencing study at a regional high school. The tests were used as a screening tool to identify students who might benefit from additional instruction and also to select high achieving students for participation in extension work, maths competitions, and the like. Test results were later correlated with performance in …