New publications

In the context of the global emphasis on environmental issues, it is essential that educational institutions produce not only knowledgeable environmental scientists, but informed citizens. This report analyses the performance of 15-year-olds on the PISA science assessment. It provides information about students' scientific knowledge bases and sources of knowledge, their attitudes toward environment-related issues, and how these factors influence their performance in science. View report.

The report addresses the shortage of mathematics graduates and teachers in Australia, as well as a perceived decline in the quality of mathematics education. The report calls for a national strategy to combat these issues and their ramifications for young mathematics students. It suggests that the lack of appropriately qualified teachers be addressed, as well as problems in mathematics education at tertiary level, and that the relevance and usefulness of mathematics and statistics be emphasised. It outlines recent government actions and suggested solutions. See full text online. 

The text identifies 13 research-based learning pathways that teachers of various levels of experience can undertake to develop their teaching practices. The pathways include committing to increased subject knowledge, solving instructional problems, developing an awareness and sensitivity to context, showing passion for teaching and learning, and helping students attain higher levels of learning achievement. Adapted from publisher's description.

Contributors from diverse disciplines contribute essays to this book, which focuses on the positive ways in which sport can be used to promote positive youth development. The text looks at the way in which the structure and delivery of sporting programs, rather than simply sport itself, can influence development. Topics include youth development, using support to promote positive outcomes for disadvantaged youth, factors resulting in positive and negative sporting experiences, and teaching life skills through sport. Adapted from publisher's description.

The topic of bullying and how it can be addressed and prevented are discussed in this book, which is based on case studies of bullying situations. It looks at the reasons behind bullying, actions that can be taken, how to enhance the self-esteem of bullied children, and how to work with parents of bullies or bullied children. The book includes charts, worksheets, discussion topics and lesson plans. Adapted from publisher's description.

Cultural, historical, and international perspectives, as well as evidence relating to effective teaching and learning methods, need to be applied in order to engage appropriately with pedagogy. This book, aimed at practising and pre-service teachers, comprises seven essays on topics including the politicisation of the classroom; the effects of international comparison; pedagogical dichotomies; personal and professional elements of good teaching; and the nature and scope of pedagogy. Adapted from publisher's description.