New publications

'Given the strong link between young people's goals and their longer-term education and labour market outcomes, this report sets out to determine which factors drive the educational and occupational aspirations of young people. The authors shed light on important influences that drive young people's aspirations to complete Year 12, their plans to commence university study in the first year after leaving school, and their occupational aspirations at age 15 years in relation to the kind of job they expect to have at age 30 years.' From report (available via download).

The audit 'involved reviewing behaviour management practices at a sample of schools. All had adopted the Department of Education's positive behaviour approach and a quarter of these were showing good results. We identified some common characteristics that helped schools make those improvements. The audit also involved a substantial survey of school leaders. The survey provided us with useful information about the attitudes and approaches to student behaviour that exist within WA's public schools.' From Auditor General's overview. The full report is available online.

'This third and final report in The New Zealand Initiative's series on teaching offers bold policy recommendations to lift student performance by raising the quality of teachers – the single biggest influence on student achievement and learning at school.' From Introduction, linked to the full report online.

'In 2012, the Minister for Education, the Hon. Adrian Piccoli, MP, asked the Board of Studies NSW to undertake a review into languages education in NSW. Based on the review process, a consultation paper, a reference paper and an overview for consultation were developed. These key consultation documents included six initial proposals for a broader, more inclusive languages education for NSW students. From October to December 2013, widespread consultation on the six initial proposals was undertaken. In February 2014, a consultation report was developed and presented to the BOSTES Board for noting and endorsement.' From Board of Studies description, which also links to other documentation on the Learning through Languages review.

A study has examined how the use of mobile devices is affecting teaching and learning in a school district. Researchers conducted case studies of four upper-primary classrooms at four different schools. The report describes the study and presents key findings. See executive summary and full report online. See also iPad strategies research review 3 April 2014 on DERN website.

'A growing interest in the use of games-based approaches for learning has been tempered in many sectors by budget or time constraints associated with the design and development of detailed digital simulations and other high-end approaches. However, a number of practitioners and small creative groups have used low-cost, traditional approaches to games in learning effectively – involving simple card, board or indoor/outdoor activity games. New Traditional Games for Learning brings together examples of this approach, which span continents (UK, western and eastern Europe, the US and Australia), sectors (education, training and business) and learner styles or ages (primary through to adult and work-based learning or training). Together, the chapters provide a wealth of evidence-based ideas for the teacher, tutor, or trainer interested in using games for learning.' From publisher's description.

'Using narrative inquiry, this book shares the author's transformative journey as a literacy teacher/researcher examining her experience as a White, middle-class female. The author argues that it is not enough for teachers to implement curricula and pedagogical strategies designed to foster inclusiveness. Instead, teachers must look inward, questioning their personal histories, biases, and beliefs in order to develop better self-awareness. In this book, Kuby reflects on how her self-interrogation shaped her interactions with 5- and 6-year-olds and influenced her critical literacy teaching.' From publisher's description.