Racism reason for indigenous underachievement?
Pervasive, strong opinions about indigenous students and their inability to engage and learn effect their performance at all levels of education and in later life, still.
  Writing in a review to be presented government and its agencies researchers said; “The research demonstrates that both students and parents have high expectations for achievement, but exposure to persistent and repeated negative representations of indigeneity or indigenous academic ability from teachers and the media leads to disengagement, de-identification and reduced wellness.” Read more

Student smartphone use should be monitored not banned
Bandwagons are a great thing and the latest is the anti-smartphones in schools one, but the question is whether we’re throwing the baby out with the bathwater; smartphones are an essential part of modern life and children should know how to use them appropriately.
   Following news of the NSW review into smartphone use in schools, a leading expert on technology and learning says that student smartphone use needs to be controlled, but a blanket ban is not the best solution. Read more

Specificity for better results
Teachers who teach within an area of expertise are more likely to produce students who graduate university.
   High school students taught by a succession of teachers who specialised in teaching a subject, instead of holding a general teaching degree consistently did better. While it is ideal, the practicalities of attracting staff that fits the profile is another problem altogether. Read more

“What do you want to be?” Ummm
One of the first things we’re asked as children is “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Most have a pretty clear idea; doctor, nurse, fireman, the dog.
   But that clarity fades as we get older and by the time we’re adolescents many don’t have a clue. This is a bad thing as those with a vague idea of their calling tend to earn less across their lifetime. Read more