Student engagement
An Australian study of the reasons given by students for their academic success and failure.
"Every honest caregiver and teacher knows that she/he has ... a relationship with at least one child now and then that includes quite a bit of conflict." This article looks at how teachers of young children can optimise their relationships with each child.
Starting school need not be traumatic, especially if schools and early childhood centres are aware of the factors most likely to cause problems for children adjusting to the new situation. Reprinted from pp. 53–56, Early Childhood Folio 3, 1997.
Not all programmes aimed at enhancing children's self-esteem have been successful. This article evaluates the impact of two programmes and offers activities which can be used in the classroom.
Civics education is currently "flavour of the month" in Australia, as schools come to grips with a new curriculum, Discovering Democracy. Can schools overcome student apathy regarding politics?
The Aboriginal concept of shame was found to be a significant classroom factor affecting Koori students' classroom responses.
By identifying issues that impact on student achievement in low decile schools with high ratios of Pacific Island and Maori students schools can improve the learning opportunities for these students.
An Australian view about appropriate middle schooling principles and practices.
One group of students continues to puzzle educators, parents, and themselves. They are both academically gifted and specifically learning-disabled, yet they are rarely noticed for either their abilities or their disabilities since one often masks the other. They may be the most under-served students in our schools, yet they hold so much potential.
A fascinating insight into how children learn "to do school". This study identifies the ways in which children make use of peer modelling and assistance as they first adjust to the classroom climate, and then contribute to it as new 5-year-olds join the class.
