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2018 3 December


ET News Digest
Your Weekly Education Newsletter
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Q Project using evidence to unlock student potential 
There is a lot of talk about using evidence to improve teaching and Monash University’s Q Project will look into who is doing it best.
   The Q Project will draw upon insights from a range of different schools that are using evidence well and will drive behaviour change among educators through a national campaign that champions evidence-use in Australian education. Read more

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Get at-risk children into the bush
One in seven Australians aged 4–17 experience mental health disorders and one strategy that looks to be helpful is combining therapy with adventure in the great outdoors.
  A program based on interactive and outdoor activities has been developed combining adventure therapy with acceptance and commitment therapy. It includes themed nature walks and the use of metaphors to help children identify anger and games working with knots to develop problem solving skills. Read more

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Poverty means a lack of experiences for young Australians
When research is conducted into poverty it most often centres on the incomes and situations of adults, children are a subset. But a new study turns that around, concentrating on the children’s experience of poverty and making for a better picture of what it feels like to be poor. Read more

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Inequality has increased since NAPLAN began
Out of all the information that is generated by NAPLAN one thing is becoming increasingly clear; results match socio-economic status.
   New Macquarie University research finds a school’s location is becoming increasingly important for NAPLAN results. The study is the  first localised spatial analysis of educational differences between schools across an entire country and found results are becoming more polarised between city and bush and east vs west in the city. Read more

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Concerns around mental health rise by 10% in one year  
The number of young people reporting concerns around mental health has risen by 10% in one year according to Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2018; four in ten (43%) young people identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia today – up from 33% in 2017 and doubling since 2016. Read more

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Abandoning ‘The Age of Manufacture’ concept: How collaboration works for learners and teachers
Children all around the world are growing up in villages where the “date of their manufacture” has never been considered. Children enjoy opportunities and experiences based on their interests and their needs. However, throughout much of the developed world, this is not the case. At some point in our history, the idea of ‘schools’ was born and the industrial model was applied.
Read more

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Students shine a light on Aussie Farmers’ struggle with performance
When it comes to helping students to understand complicated issues and troubling times, there is no substitute for the arts.
   This year schools all over Australia have used the Wakakirri Story Dance Challenge as an opportunity to tell stories that reflect students’ views and educate about issues ranging from local news stories to global events through dance and drama. Wakakirri’s 2018 performance season wrapped after 240 schools performed. Read more