The COP26 meeting has sharpened the world’s focus on climate change. To adapt and thrive in a world of reduced emissions, Australian businesses and communities need access to the technologies and innovation made possible by the nation’s researchers. But most Australian research is locked behind publisher paywalls. Open access to research has become an important […] … learn more→
What can we gain from open access to Australian research? Climate action for a start
School shootings are at a record high this year – but they can be prevented
Whenever a school shooting takes place like the one at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit on November 30, 2021, it is typically followed by a familiar chorus of questions. How could such a thing happen? Why doesn’t the government do more to stop these shootings from occurring? Those questions are even more urgent in light of […] … learn more→
Protecting mental health in childhood is urgent: what role do schools have?
In the early stages of life, children and adolescents must cope with various stressors. The beginning of compulsory schooling is one of them. It requires a change of routines in the child and the beginning of a stage with greater autonomy, without the continued support of the parents. In addition to the usual stressors, atypical situations may […] … learn more→
How children at urban schools can benefit from learning in nature
Children flourish when they learn in nature. It can improve their health, attention capacity and social skills. The enriching experience of outdoor learning can also lead to significant improvements in children’s mood and wellbeing, which last through the academic year. However, teachers are not leading outdoor learning as much as they would like. In a 2018 survey conducted by Semble (formerly Project Dirt), […] … learn more→
Small-group learning can mitigate the effects of school closures – but only if teachers use it well
Schools aren’t just where kids go to learn reading, math, science and history. The social skills they learn – like how to build and maintain relationships with peers – are also critical. This is particularly true as schools grapple with the aftereffects of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an education researcher, I have dedicated my career to understanding […] … learn more→
You actually can teach an old dog new tricks, which is why many of us keep learning after retirement
Lorna Prendergast was 90 years old when she graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2019. She said her message to others was, “You’re never too old to dream.” Nor, obviously, too old to learn. In the same year 94-year-old David Bottomley became the oldest person in Australia to graduate with a PhD from […] … learn more→
Writing as an imaginary conversation with your reader
It’s the end of #acwrimo!! Did you take part in Academic Writing Month this year? I certainly did. It was lockdown, so this year we made a big deal of it at ANU. Not to put too fine a point on it, I taught my ass off. You can see some of the workshops I ran on my Workshops […] … learn more→
Students who cheat don’t just have to worry about getting caught. They risk blackmail and extortion
When students use a commercial contract cheating service, getting caught by their lecturers is just one of many serious consequences that could damage them and those who trust them. They also expose themselves to blackmail and extortion. Despite these risks, one in ten students at Australian higher education institutions have used a commercial cheating service to complete […] … learn more→
What’s missing from English literature at school – emotion
Reading fiction is an emotional experience. Feeling emotions – even negative emotions such as sadness – drives reading and helps us enjoy books. Research from the National Literacy Trust, a UK charity, has found that nearly 45% of children and young people said that reading made them feel better. The emotions we feel when reading may even help us […] … learn more→
12 event planning challenges & how to overcome them
Are you planning an event? Well, then you better be prepared to face different challenges that come with organizing an event. There are numerous possible complications that could arise during the process, some of which could leave you feeling frustrated and unmotivated. However, the key to overcoming these challenges is to stay positive and determined. […] … learn more→