When we use ‘either-or’, we are emphasising a choice between two alternatives. The expression is widely accepted in debates related to education. It makes it clear that the options in question cannot exist, or be achieved, at the same time.…
There’s ‘Something’ About Education
How much do you value education? This question is extremely complex, and one that raises even more questions, including a very basic one: What does ‘education’ really mean? Let’s consider this as a definition: Education is the wealth of knowledge…
The servants of hopes and dreams?
Politicians serve the community. They represent people they don’t usually know personally – faceless, nameless citizens and families – with their hopes and dreams. Public school leaders also serve the community. However, for them, it isn’t a community of the…
Can we detect a heartbeat?
Schools play a vital role in our lives. We all have recollections of the great, the good and the not-so-good experiences of our school years. And, for many, schools are considered the bedrock of childhood and the heartbeat of a…
Pedagogy to Puppetry: Who’s Pulling the Strings?
In professional circles, teaching is often better known as pedagogy. A simple definition of pedagogy is ‘the art and science of teaching’. All teachers have their own unique pedagogy or ‘professional DNA’. In other words, every teacher has an individual…
Parents: Be Aware, Be Assertive, Be The Voice
Don’t ever apologise for demanding the best for your child. We live in a democratic society that gives us a voice by virtue of our right to elect our government representatives. Schools have a similar representative system. Elections are held…
Flushing Out Failure
You can’t necessarily equate qualifications with capability. In terms of ‘trained’ teachers, this has, unfortunately, never been more true. The results of a national research project that gathered data over a 5-year period from 2012-2017, indicated the greatest frustration experienced…
Schools: Who Needs Them?
‘My children don’t attend primary school’, you might say, ‘so primary schools don’t really matter that much to me’. You could be right. But think about this. Does it really matter that, in 2019, primary schools will receive a minimum…
The Teaching of English: A Primary Concern
In 1886, a guide book for the teaching of elementary (Primary) English, was published in New York. Beginning with the basic learning symbols – the English alphabet – and ending with proofreading marks – the symbols used to edit manuscripts…
Are you smarter than a 12-year-old?
How well do you know the Australian Constitution? According to the Australian Curriculum (AC), Year 7 students (12-year-olds) who reach the Achievement Standard are able to ‘explain features of Australia’s Constitution, including the process for constitutional change’. They can also…