Unlike the traditional method of comparing Indigenous students with non-Indigenous students, a new approach compares Indigenous students with their Indigenous peers.
The new government needs to tread carefully as it looks to reintroduce standardised testing. A one size fits all approach to testing students can have negative consequences for everyone involved.
Two researchers independently studied Australian students’ results. These papers both reached the same conclusions: scores on the vast majority of standardised assessments are not in decline.
Our analysis reveals the participation rate is alarmingly low for some groups of students, such as First Nations kids and students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Maths anxiety is the feeling of tension and worry that interferes with a person’s ability to solve mathematical problems. It can be seen in children as young as five.
With NAPLAN moving to March and Year 11 and 12 students already in the throes of multiple assessments, exams are looming for many households with school-aged children.
Results are coming back for students in years, 3, 5, 7 and 9. It can seem like a very big deal to stressed students. In reality, it is only one indicator of how a child is progressing.
A study of thousands of students hospitalised with an injury or illness confirms they are likely to fall behind their classmates. But good management and targeted help with learning cut the risk.
A whole-school approach to literacy is far more effective for students, but few Australian schools have practical plans for building literacy across all subject areas.
Research shows the brain processes language as if it’s music, which helps explain the link between music education and gains in literacy. Unfortunately, not all states have heeded the evidence.
Motivation plays a large part in educational success. Of students who sat the PISA test in 2018, 73% indicated they would have put in more effort had the scores counted towards their school marks.
The national average in literacy and numeracy has been unaffected by 2020’s disruptions. But will have to wait until the full NAPLAN data is released to understand the affect on vulnerable students.