The COVID pandemic stimulated an irreversible shift in where, when and how we work. This 21st-century model of working – dubbed the “new normal” – is characterised by increased flexibility and productivity gains. Yet this reshaping of work, underpinned by technology, has also eroded our work-life boundaries – and persisting 20th-century attitudes are preventing us from successfully managing […] … learn more→

The agonised cry of a researcher worried that they are going to be scooped. Pipped at the post. Someone else is going to get in and do what they are doing and publish beforehand. OK. It’s alarming at first. But someone doing what you’re doing is not necessarily A Bad Thing. Even in blue skies […] … learn more→

Australia’s teaching workforce does not reflect the diversity of the Australian community, a situation that has far-reaching implications for our education system. As we outline in our new research, published today, teachers are predominantly Australian-born, female, and non-Indigenous. Most hail from middle-class backgrounds with urban upbringings, and are less likely to have disabilities. So why is […] … learn more→

Imagine driving heavily-loaded trucks, not on well-demarcated highways but on frozen lakes and rivers. Sounds like a scene straight out of an action-packed blockbuster? Well, welcome to the life of an Ice Road Trucker! These daring professionals conquer unforgiving terrains in remote northern regions, such as Alaska and Canada–where (more often than not) access to conventional […] … learn more→

Taking students’ bodies into account is too often neglected in French schools, as shown, among other things, by the state of school toilets, regularly questioned for decades, as well as the excessive weight of school bags in middle school. At the start of the 2023 school year, we were able to hear once again this double […] … learn more→

In 2020, Oxford-based philosopher Toby Ord published a book called The Precipice about the risk of human extinction. He put the chances of “existential catastrophe” for our species during the next century at one in six. It’s quite a specific number, and an alarming one. The claim drew headlines at the time, and has been influential since – most […] … learn more→

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced plans to scrap A-levels and the recently introduced T-levels. He unveiled proposals for young people to instead study the new Advanced British Standard (ABS) at the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The proposed changes represent a major shake-up of post-16 education in England. Sunak intends to replace existing post-GCSE qualifications, such as […] … learn more→

With the blockbuster success of the Barbie movie and the related expansion of Barbie branding and merchandising, educators and parents may find themselves wondering about Barbie’s original purpose: as a child’s toy. Barbie has become an icon since her introduction in 1959. On the positive side, dolls like Barbie can serve as a canvas for imaginative storytelling and role-playing. Children […] … learn more→

Every year around the world, major natural and technological phenomena (floods, forest fires, cyclones, technological accidents, etc.) cause disasters that cause considerable damage to human life and property. There is broad consensus on the importance of raising public awareness and preparing through effective risk communication. This is a global issue, supported by the United Nations in […] … learn more→

Teachers wear many hats. They are expected to be subject matter experts, leaders, administrators, managers, lifelong learners – and not just in the classroom, but in their wider communities. It is crucial to cultivate teachers who are socially aware and critical, especially in today’s unequal society. This helps them to successfully prepare their learners to […] … learn more→