Emotional learning in socioscientific issues for enhancement of scientific literacy. This project will aim to address international concerns about waning student interest and participation in science by engaging middle school students imaginatively in socioscientific issues. Expected outcomes will enhance students' scientific literacy, and the production of positive emotional energy and the classroom emotional climate.
Small steps in science: developing young children's science understanding through playgroup incursions. This project will determine how best to structure science-related incursions into playgroups to provide quality experiences to assist children’s learning and to increase adult-child engagement in science activities. The resulting increased understanding will assist parents and early childhood educators to teach science effectively to young children.
Gauging the value of flexible learning options for disenfranchised youth and the Australian community. Investment in flexible learning options (FLOs) for young people who have disengaged from schooling requires understanding of how they work and evidence about their economic and social value. This project will provide both through innovative and integrated methods, analysing FLO sites across three Australian states and the Northern Territory.
Improving regional secondary students' learning and well-being. Given the academic under-performance and lower life opportunities of Australian regional and rural students compared to their metropolitan counterparts, this research has the potential to make a significant social, cultural and economic contribution to the community. This research will be useful in developing an evidence-based framework to guide policy and practice in implementing an effective systematic approach to regional educati ....Improving regional secondary students' learning and well-being. Given the academic under-performance and lower life opportunities of Australian regional and rural students compared to their metropolitan counterparts, this research has the potential to make a significant social, cultural and economic contribution to the community. This research will be useful in developing an evidence-based framework to guide policy and practice in implementing an effective systematic approach to regional education and, where appropriate, other contexts. The research's economic benefit centres on gains for individuals, local communities, and the nation in enhancing regional students' academic achievements, sense of well-being and aspirations; leading to more productive citizens.Read moreRead less
A RCT of an education reengagement program for at-risk youth. A RCT of an education reengagement program for at-risk youth. This project aims to determine the best and most cost-effective way to help 12–15 year olds re-engage with school when they become at-risk for dropping out, by conducting a gold-standard randomized-control trial. 20% of Australians fail to attain a Year 12 or equivalent certificate, often for preventable reasons. Dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, have psychological ....A RCT of an education reengagement program for at-risk youth. A RCT of an education reengagement program for at-risk youth. This project aims to determine the best and most cost-effective way to help 12–15 year olds re-engage with school when they become at-risk for dropping out, by conducting a gold-standard randomized-control trial. 20% of Australians fail to attain a Year 12 or equivalent certificate, often for preventable reasons. Dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, have psychological, social, and health problems, and end up in prison. This project could influence implementation of programmes and policy related to youth dropout, promote youth economic, social and physical wellbeing, and decrease their chance of committing crimes and becoming a social burden.Read moreRead less
Developmental engineering education in the primary school. Primary school students will learn about engineers and how engineering shapes our society. Students will develop important design processes in solving authentic, engineering-based problems. Their learning in the increasingly important science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) area will be enhanced, providing a foundation for addressing the increasing skills shortage in engineering.
Multiliteracy testing: a criterion-referenced tool to assess secondary students’ multiliteracy learning within a technology-rich, multimodal domain. Evidence shows that while multimodal learning in schools is occurring, a valid measurement and diagnostic tool to provide reliable scores and accurate diagnostic information does not exist. This project aims to develop a criterion-referenced tool to measure students' multiliteracy learning within technology-rich, multimodal domains.
Community-based STEM professional learning for teachers of middle years. This project aims to develop a novel community-based program that focuses on a museum-based, teacher professional development program which is based awareness and performance of middle year students in School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Improving STEM workforce readiness is critical to producing a more creative society and a leading, dynamic economy. Building STEM education capacity th ....Community-based STEM professional learning for teachers of middle years. This project aims to develop a novel community-based program that focuses on a museum-based, teacher professional development program which is based awareness and performance of middle year students in School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Improving STEM workforce readiness is critical to producing a more creative society and a leading, dynamic economy. Building STEM education capacity through access to professional learning and museum and STEM professional community resources is critically important for improving students’ proficiencies, attitudes, and interest in STEM. The project outcome will be to develop a STEM professional learning model that can be used to create a more skilled and educated STEM workforce. Read moreRead less
Personalised Online Learning Analytics by Exploring Multilayer Graph Data . Learning analytics is becoming a significant factor in reducing the drop-out rate of students in online learning. The aim of this project is to develop a reliable, robust, real-time analysis system that automatically reveals multilayered relationships, evaluates students' learning performance, and generates a personal study plan through discovery. This project includes the design of novel algorithms for multilayer graph ....Personalised Online Learning Analytics by Exploring Multilayer Graph Data . Learning analytics is becoming a significant factor in reducing the drop-out rate of students in online learning. The aim of this project is to develop a reliable, robust, real-time analysis system that automatically reveals multilayered relationships, evaluates students' learning performance, and generates a personal study plan through discovery. This project includes the design of novel algorithms for multilayer graph processing, pattern recognition in learning activities, learning performance assessment, and personalised study plan recommendations. The success of this project will significantly enhance the success of online education both in Australia and worldwide and; hence, will save time, money and resources for end users.Read moreRead less
Realising the Potential of Australia’s High Capacity Students. This project aims to investigate factors that contribute to high capacity students failing to improve in literacy, numeracy and problem solving compared with their lower capacity peers. The project aims to focus on protective factors that might mitigate against this negative association between capacity and achievement. The study and method extends previous research the influence of evidence-based decisions by collaborative teacher t ....Realising the Potential of Australia’s High Capacity Students. This project aims to investigate factors that contribute to high capacity students failing to improve in literacy, numeracy and problem solving compared with their lower capacity peers. The project aims to focus on protective factors that might mitigate against this negative association between capacity and achievement. The study and method extends previous research the influence of evidence-based decisions by collaborative teacher teams on student achievement. In partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, this project seeks to identify ways that will enable systems of education to realise the learning potential of all students.Read moreRead less