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National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week resources

National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June

This year’s theme is Grounded in truth. Walk together with courage.

‘At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds. Today, 80 per cent of Australians (and 90% of indigenous Australians) believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.’ (Reconciliation.org.au)

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Unpacking the 2019 NRW poster: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/tot-rationale.pdf

NRW 2019 guide (includes race relations and truth telling; respectful conversations): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ra-nrw-2019-guide_v8.pdf

Reconciliation timeline 1770-2018: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/reconciliation-timeline-3.pdf

Resources and news: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/resources/

Excellent book list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-reading-1.pdf

Excellent film and TV list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-viewing.pdf

 

NAIDOC Week 7 July – 14 July

This year’s theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.

The theme highlights 3 key elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.This theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy. Our sovereignty has never been ceded – not in 1788, not in 1967, not with the Native Title Act, not with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It coexists with the sovereignty of the Crown and should never be extinguished. Australia is one of the few liberal democracies around the world which still does not have a treaty or treaties or some other kind of formal acknowledgement or arrangement with its Indigenous minorities…The true story of colonisation must be told, must be heard, must be acknowledged…Then we can move forward together.’

https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2019-theme

https://www.naidoc.org.au/

Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017):

https://www.referendumcouncil.org.au/sites/default/files/2017-05/Uluru_Statement_From_The_Heart_0.PDF

NAIDOC Week poster designer – Charmaine Mumbulla:

https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/charmaine-mumbulla-winner-naidoc-2019-poster-competition

 

 

Reconciliation Australia: What we are asking of the next Federal Parliament (May 2019)

3 key actions are required: 1. Address the unresolved issues of national reconciliation (eg. support issues raised in the Uluru Statement from the Heart; meet Closing the Gap targets) 2. Support truth telling initiatives at a local, regional and national level (eg. establish a healing centre and reform the school curriculum to better encompass indigenous culture and history) 3. Support work across the breadth of reconciliation issues.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-federal-election-key-asks.pdf

 

Final report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Released in November 2018, the report recommends a bipartisan approach, including support for the establishment of a Voice to be co-designed between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, a clear timeframe is needed to ensure the Voice is realised in the next parliamentary term, maintaining momentum towards a referendum on constitutional recognition. The report did not, however, make a recommendation in relation to a treaty.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/report-a-good-step-now-parliament-must-deliver-reform/

 

Indigenous Knowledge

This project from the University of Melbourne helps teachers integrate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching. Resources are grouped around the 3 themes of Astronomy, Fire and Water. They are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are for Years 3 to 10 but can be adapted. Resources include Fire in song; Geometry of water sources and landforms; Indigenous astronomy, geography and star maps.

https://indigenousknowledge.research.unimelb.edu.au/

 

UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages

In 2016 the UN reported that 40% of the estimated 6 700 languages in the world were in danger of disappearing, with the majority of these being indigenous languages – putting at risk the cultures and knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. In Australia today, only 13 traditional Indigenous languages are still acquired by children (with over 250 spoken in 1788), with about 100 spoken to various degrees by older generations.

https://aiatsis.gov.au/IYIL2019

https://en.iyil2019.org/

Indigenous Australian languages: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia (languages and groups): https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/aiatsis-map-indigenous-australia

Gambay – map of Australia’s first languages (over 780): https://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/features/gambay-languages-map/

Word up – shares the diverse languages of Aboriginal Australia, one word at a time: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/wordup/

 

 

Right wrongs

An excellent resource. Short videos and informative text explore developments since the 1967 referendum which changed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the constitution. Sections include: Controlled but not counted; Fighting for change; An extraordinary vote; The legacy; Where to now?

http://www.abc.net.au/rightwrongs/

 

ABC Education

Many resources – search under Topics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Includes History of Indigenous rights in Australia (video 14 min.); Dust echoes (animations of Dreaming stories); History of the Tent Embassy.

http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/topic/494038/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

 

 

Aboriginal agriculture, technology and ingenuity
Excellent new ABC Education resource. In short videos, renowned author Bruce Pascoe reflects on Aboriginal people’s relationship with plants, animals and technologies and celebrates the ingenuity of the First Australians. Journals of early explorers and other research shows evidence of vast agricultural fields, aquaculture systems, sophisticated use of fire and successful industries that existed in Australia prior to colonisation.

https://ab.co/2VLGOH2

 

ABC Indigenous

Access the latest Indigenous stories and features from ABC Radio, news & current affairs, TV and iview.

http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/default.htm

 

Awaye

Diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from indigenous radio broadcasters around the world. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or ABC Listen app.

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/

 

Creative Spirits

“Learn about contemporary Aboriginal culture without agenda”. Many resources in many areas including history, arts, people, economy, law and justice, politics and media, spirituality. “Creative Spirits is an amazing collection of history and an inspiring representation of Aboriginal culture”—Michele Hetherington, Aboriginal woman from NSW. www.creativespirits.info/

 

Reconciliation Film Club

Developed by Reconciliation Australia, NITV and SBS. This online platform supports organisations to host screenings of compelling documentaries from our leading indigenous filmmakers. Also includes links to other resources dealing with indigenous themes and issues.

https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/reconciliationfilmclub

 

Top end wedding

Romantic comedy starring and co-written by Miranda Tapsell. Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires). A celebration of love, family and belonging set in the far north of Australia and Tiwi Islands. Great film!

https://theconversation.com/top-end-wedding-a-new-australian-romantic-comedy-with-a-sincere-sense-of-place-114914

 

NITV – National Indigenous Television

Informs, educates and entertains its indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. Great documentaries, news, personal accounts and perspectives.

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/

Explore topics and link to videos: Social issues, Arts and entertainment, Social Justice… http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/topics

NITV programs include:

NITV programs on demand: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/channels/nitv

Movies on NITV: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movies/nitv-movies

The point: Current affairs and news for all Australians, with indigenous perspectives.  https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/the-point

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-point

Family rules: Nine sisters navigate the modern world while trying to stay true to their mother’s values. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/family-rules

Grace beside me: The adventures of indigenous 13 year old Fuzzy Mac who keeps seeing ghosts. Based on the novel by Sue McPherson. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/grace-beside-me

The Dreaming: Animated stories explained by elders. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/677413443508/the-dreaming-series-1-ep-24

Little J and Big Cuz: Provides a young indigenous audience with ‘relatable’ characters and offers an insight into traditional Aboriginal culture, country and language. Includes online educational games.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/jarjums

 

SBS On Demand

A changing selection of films, documentaries and newsclips. Search for “indigenous” and “Aboriginal” programs.

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

 

Books

Catching Teller Crow (2018) – Amberlin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina (children of Sally Morgan). A suspenseful ghost story and psychological thriller, written in prose and verse. Beth Teller is a ghost who can still communicate with her detective father. Together they solve a mystery and discover a shocking story. Winner of the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Young Adult. Winner of the 2018 Best Young Adult Novel, Aurealis Awards. ‘Told in two unforgettable voices, this gripping novel interweaves themes of grief, colonial history, violence, love and family.’ Great book!

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/childrens/young-adult-fiction/Catching-Teller-Crow-Ambelin-Kwaymullina-and-Ezekiel-Kwaymullina-9781760631628

Young dark emu: a truer history (2019) – Bruce Pascoe. The highly anticipated junior version of Dark emu, showing Australia as it was before Europeans arrived.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/young-dark-emu-bruce-pascoe/prod9781925360844.html

Dark emu (2014) – Bruce Pascoe. A new perspective on indigenous history, arguing against ‘hunter gatherer’ history and providing evidence of sedentary living and crops.

Too deadly (2017) – Us Mob Writing. Diverse collection of First Nations writings from a Canberra writers group.

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (2018) – Anita Heiss (ed.). Anthology of diverse voices, experiences and stories. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

Terra nullius (2017) – Claire G. Coleman. Historical/speculative fiction with multiple perspectives. In the near future, Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. What has been learned from the past?

https://www.theguardian.com/books/australia-books-blog/2017/aug/22/speculative-fiction-is-a-powerful-political-tool-from-war-of-the-worlds-to-terra-nullius

Knowledge of life: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia (2015) – Kaye Price (ed.) Investigates history, reconciliation, law, art, enterprise, health, education, literature, sport and human rights. The authors of each chapter are indigenous and experts in their field. Each chapter begins with biographical information about the author.

 

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Apple books ebooks ed tech Facebook future Games and gaming internet iPads Mental health pedagogy popular culture robots and drones sociology

ICT news and other trends

Why technologists are limiting their families’ screen time

Michelle Simmons, physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year, does not allow her teenage children to use smartphones or social media. She sees benefits in doing something else with a spare half hour, rather than using a smartphone. In December 2018, the ACCC completed an investigation into Google and Facebook, warning of the danger of ‘filter bubbles’ in public discourse. A final report is due this year. In the UK, a parliamentary committee recommended regulation of big tech companies and making them legally liable for content shared on their websites. Sean Parker, Facebook’s first president, says the company is exploiting vulnerabilities in human minds and children’s brains.

https://www.smh.com.au/technology/why-technologists-are-limiting-their-families-screen-time-20190226-p510bh.html

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/competition-watchdog-suggests-new-ombudsman-to-handle-google-and-facebook-20181210-p50l80.html

 

Teens ‘not damaged by screen time’

An Oxford University study found there is little evidence of a link between the amount of time teenagers spend on devices and their general wellbeing. Data was used from 17,000 adolescents in the UK, US and Ireland via self-reporting and time-diary techniques.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47825826

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797619830329

 

Fortnite: Is Prince Harry right to want game banned?

Prince Harry believes the game is ‘created to addict’. He added that social media was “more addictive than alcohol and drugs”. China’s tech giant Tencent has tightened checks on the age of people playing online games – checking identities and ages against a police database. Children under 12 are only able to play for an hour a day. Older children can play for up to two hours, but not during a night-time curfew.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47813894

 

‘Major distraction’: school dumps iPads, returns to paper textbooks

Reddam House primary and lower secondary classes have used e-textbooks on iPads for 5 years, but students have consistently said that they preferred pages to screens. Teachers found that the iPads distracted students and now the school is reverting to print textbooks. Students in Year 11 and 12 always had print textbooks.

https://www.smh.com.au/education/major-distraction-school-dumps-ipads-returns-to-paper-textbooks-20190329-p5191r.html

 

Trends shaping education – Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills OECD

1.Higher expectations of education: Within the next 10 years, the majority of the world’s population will be middle class, with high expectations (China and India will make up 90% of the entrants to the middle class). 2. Digitalisation: A dilemma for education is that the kinds of things that are easy to teach and test have also become easy to digitise, automate and outsource. Students will need skills to navigate the uncertainty of the gig economy. ‘Education has won the race with technology throughout history, but there is no guarantee it will do so in the future. The future is about pairing the artificial intelligence of computers with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills and values of human beings. It will be our imagination, our awareness and our sense of responsibility that will enable us to harness digitalisation to shape the world for the better.’ (Schleicher). 3. The need for continuous learning: Students will need to think for themselves, work with empathy and also collaborate. They will need to understand other cultures and how others think. They must learn to sort fact from fiction. Longer working lives bring changing skill demands. ‘For those with the right knowledge and skills, digitalisation and globalisation have been liberating and exciting; but for those who are insufficiently prepared, they can mean vulnerable and insecure work, and a life without prospects.’ (Schleicher)

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/columnists/andreas-schleicher/trends-shaping-education?utm_source=CM&utm_medium=bulletin&utm_content=March5

 

A whole school approach to inquiry learning

Mother Teresa Primary in Westmead NSW use an inquiry-based approach in all areas of teaching and learning. Students work through 3 phases of learning: the Explore Phase, the Investigate Phase and the Building Phase, where students test, play and create possibilities. ‘Inquiry learning allows students to develop their skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, reflection and critical thinking.’ (AP Katherine Stennett). Staff also use the approach in their learning. The learning program itself is not written in advance, it is co-written with students as they journey through the learning. The inquiry-based approach allows teachers to understand exactly where their students are at in their learning.

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/a-whole-school-approach-to-inquiry-learning

 

Drones now delivering in Canberra

Google’s drone company Wing is launching this week in Canberra, with drones delivering coffee, bread, ice cream, pharmacy items and other things. This is a world-first permanent operation after trials across Canberra. There has been some concern about drone noise and a quieter model has been unveiled. Drone deliveries could inject up to $40 million into the ACT economy.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6011496/drone-delivery-service-gets-the-green-light/

 

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ed tech future human rights internet popular culture sociology websites

30 years of the World Wide Web

The web….where would we be without it?

The World Wide Web is 30 years old (12 March) and Tim Berners-Lee wants to help us fix it

In his open letter of 12 March 2019, he describes 3 sources of dysfunction affecting the web:

  1. ‘Deliberate, malicious intent, such as state-sponsored hacking and attacks, criminal behaviour, and online harassment.
  2. System design that creates perverse incentives where user value is sacrificed, such as ad-based revenue models that commercially reward clickbait and the viral spread of misinformation.
  3. Unintended negative consequences of benevolent design, such as the outraged and polarised tone and quality of online discourse.’

Berners-Lee believes laws and codes can be developed to minimize malicious intent and systems can be redesigned to change incentives. Existing flawed systems can also be changed.

His letter: https://webfoundation.org/2019/03/web-birthday-30/

https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/internet/2019/03/tim-berners-lee-wants-help-us-fix-internet-even-possible

 

A new Contract for the Web

Half the world is now online and the Web Foundation is working with governments, companies and citizens to build a new Contract for the Web, with clear norms, laws and standards. Results will be made available later in 2019. Berners-Lee: ‘Most important of all, citizens must hold companies and governments accountable for the commitments they make, and demand that both respect the web as a global community with citizens at its heart.’ He also stresses that the half of the world who are not online must not be left behind and that everyone should contribute to ‘a web that drives equality, opportunity and creativity.’ The Contract for the Web will not be a list of quick fixes, but a ‘journey from digital adolescence to a more mature, responsible and inclusive future.’

https://webfoundation.org/2019/03/web-birthday-30/

 

#ForTheWeb

The independent World Wide Web Foundation was set up by Tim Berners-Lee and exists to advance his vision of a web for everyone. ‘The free and open web faces real challenges. More than half the world’s population still can’t get online. For the other half, the web’s benefits come with too many risks: to our privacy, our democracy, our rights.’

https://webfoundation.org/

 

The Case for the Web Report

Examines what the web has allowed humanity to accomplish, examines current trends that threaten its future and outlines actions to ensure the web remains free and open for everyone. ‘Over half the world’s population is still offline, and the growth of people coming online is slowing dramatically. The distributed power of the web has shifted to lay in the hands of just a few, online abuse is on the rise, and the content we see is increasingly susceptible to manipulation. Over 1.2 billion internet users live in countries where net neutrality is not protected, and more than 1.5 billion people live in countries with no comprehensive law on personal data protection, leaving them particularly vulnerable to increasingly common incidents involving breaches of personal data.’

https://webfoundation.org/research/the-case-for-the-web/

 

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Good films and books

The 10th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards

The only major book awards decided by readers – 5 million votes in 21 categories. Best fiction: Still me – Jojo Moyes; Best mystery and thriller: The outsider – Stephen King; Best science fiction: Vengeful  – V.E. Schwab; Best fantasy: Circe – Madeline Miller; Best historical fiction: The great alone – Kristin Hannah…

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2018

 

Author interviews on ABC One plus one

Always an interesting program. Tune in after xmas for a week of author interviews from throughout 2018 with Jane Hutcheon……or check the archive. Includes Morris Gleitzman, Clementine Ford, Marcus Zusak, Liane Moriarty, Jeff Kinney, Michael Robotham, Tim Winton

https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/one-plus-one/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/one-plus-one/archive/

 

The dry – Jane Harper

Winner of the 2017 ABIA Book of the Year; 2017 Indie Awards Book of the Year; 2017 Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the Year and many more. Federal Agent Falk returns to his old hometown to uncover the truth about the death of his childhood friend and face the demons of his past. I have just started reading this and I’m hooked!

‘Something mythic and valiant … a quintessential Australian story beautifully told’ (SMH)

http://janeharper.com.au/Books/The-Dry

 

Film version The dry

Eric Bana will star as Aaron Falk in the film version, to be directed by Robert Connolly. Filming begins February.

https://www.eonline.com/au/news/991937/eric-bana-to-star-in-movie-adaptation-of-aussie-bestseller-the-dry

Harpers other books: Force of nature (2017) – Agent Falk returns to investigate a missing bushwalker at a corporate retreat.

The lost man (2018) – What really happened to the third brother in the isolation of the outback?

The Lost Man is Jane Harper’s third consecutive marvel…and her most marvellous yet…. What an extraordinary novel: part family drama, part indelible ode to the Outback – a thriller as forceful and atmospheric as a brewing storm. Harper works miracles. We’re lucky to witness them.’ (A.J. Finn)

 

La belle sauvage (The book of dust part 1) – Philip Pullman

I have just finished this prequel to the Northern Lights series and loved it! Pullman’s concept of human souls manifested as animal daemons is unique and special. I want one! There will now be 2 series made, with HBO now co-producing with the BBC series; series 1 will air in 2019.  Stars Dafne Keen as Lyra, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby; directed by Tom Hooper. Northern Lights won the Carnegie Medal and  later named as the finest Carnegie winner of them all. It’s an awesome series that deals with many philosophical issues. Can’t wait for The testaments, the sequel to the novel The handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood – due Sept 2019 (series 3 of the excellent TV series due 2019).

https://www.cnet.com/news/his-dark-materials-fantasy-tv-series-release-date-cast-plot-bbc-hbo/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6168651/His-Dark-Materials-TV-series-LOOK.html

https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/28/18116012/handmaids-tale-sequel-margaret-atwood-the-testaments

 

Mortal engines film

In a dystopian future, remnants of humanity form mobile predator cities, where larger cities hunt and absorb smaller settlements. Based on the popular book series by Phillip Reeve, the film has received mixed reviews, but the author states: ‘Christian Rivers has done a fantastic job – a huge, visually awesome action movie with perfect pace and a genuine emotional core…There are many changes to the characters, world, and story, but it’s still fundamentally the same thing.’

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571234/

https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/box-office/lotr-directors-new-film-an-epic-flop/news-story/fd223c75c58072effe5c836dafcfb9f9

 

Mary Queen of Scots and The favourite

Stars Margot Robbie as Elizabeth I and Saoirse Ronan as Mary; directed by Josie Rourke. Explores the battle for power between the 2 women.

‘A darkly compelling, if factually questionable, retelling’ (The Guardian). The film The favourite, starring Emma Stone and Olivia Colman, also looks excellent – an historical comedy-drama about 2 cousins jockeying to be the court favourites of Queen Anne in the early 1700s.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/nov/16/mary-queen-of-scots-review-saoirse-ronan-josie-rourke

https://www.indiewire.com/2018/11/mary-queen-of-scots-review-saoirse-ronan-margot-robbie-1202021017/

https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-favourite-movie-emma-stone-yorgos-lanthimos

 

Top Google searches 2018

Australian and global. Most searched person: Barnaby Joyce; What is?…bitcoin; How to…opt out of My Health Record…..

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-14/google-top-searches-for-2018/10616794

https://www.smh.com.au/technology/the-year-in-google-what-aussies-searched-for-in-2018-20181214-p50m82.html

Categories
Mental health sociology

Mental health news and resources

Be You – new mental health program for schools

Julia Gillard and Johanna Griggs are teaming up to launch ‘Be You’, a mental health support initiative for every Australian school. The program will be delivered by Beyondblue in partnership with Headspace and Early Childhood Australia, beginning 2019. It will provide teachers with the skills and resources to teach students how to manage their mental health and wellbeing, build resilience and support the mental wellbeing of other students. Minister for Health Greg Hunt: ‘Be You will teach educators to identify any students who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, and to work with the families and local services to get the right help early on. It will also help educators look after their own mental health. As half of all mental health disorders in Australia emerge before the age of 14, schools and early learning services in Australia represent one of the best opportunities for mental health issues to be detected early and managed. ’

https://au.news.yahoo.com/julia-gillard-joh-griggs-join-221232135.html

https://www.miragenews.com/new-school-based-program-to-support-children-s-mental-health/

 

Anxiety Disorders in Young People

Free webcast led by Professor Jennie Hudson. Tues 20 November – different time choices for different states, including evening. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders and emerge the earliest. This presentation explores the development of anxiety, treatment options and how to best support young people.

https://mailchi.mp/generationnext/2bq3pk7od2-1550149?e=f830c84692

 

Infographic: Personal concerns of young Australians

Based on the 2017 Youth Survey by Mission Australia. The biggest concern was coping with stress, followed by school or study problems, body image and depression. This year’s results are due next month.

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/infographic-personal-concerns-of-young-australians

https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/what-we-do/research-evaluation/youth-survey

 

Talking to someone you’re worried about

Ask, listen, support. Practical suggestions for conversations.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/have-the-conversation/talking-to-someone-you-are-worried-about

Useful phrases people who have experienced anxiety or depression say are most helpful to hear during difficult times:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/have-the-conversation/what-to-say-and-why

 

5 lifestyle changes to enhance mental health

Nature, sleep, exercise….

http://theconversation.com/five-lifestyle-changes-to-enhance-your-mood-and-mental-health-102650

 

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books censorship ed tech future Games and gaming Google human rights internet literature Mental health mobile phones popular culture Science resources sociology websites

Social credit in China, ICT and book news

Social credit in China

You may have seen the intriguing Foreign Correspondent program on ABC 18 Sept. China is undertaking the most ambitious social engineering program the world has ever seen. Their ‘social credit’ system is designed to engineer better individual behaviour. By 2020 China’s 1.4 billion citizens will get a personal digital scorecard, with good behaviour rewarded and bad behaviour punished. Some say it is the world’s first digital dictatorship.

Excellent article with video. Looks at a young woman with a good social credit score and a journalist who lost his social credit and had his access to various services disabled: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-18/china-social-credit-a-model-citizen-in-a-digital-dictatorship/10200278

Foreign Correspondent ABC 18 Sept: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/foreign-correspondent

Black Mirror in China?: https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2018/04/no-china-isn-t-black-mirror-social-credit-scores-are-more-complex-and-sinister

 

Women in physics

The new HSC physics syllabus for NSW will contain no mention of the contributions of female physicists to the field. The syllabus has 25 scientists mentioned 56 times and focuses completely on male physicists and their work. It is also believed that the gender gap in the science workforce will persist for generations, particularly in surgery, computer science, physics and maths. The gender gap was measured using data on 36 million authors of 10 million articles in 6000 scientific journals published since 2003. Globally in science and medicine, women make up 40% of the workforce, but some fields will take many years before the gender gap disappears.

https://theconversation.com/year-11-and-12-students-in-nsw-will-no-longer-learn-about-womens-contributions-to-physics-102988

https://theconversation.com/new-study-says-the-gender-gap-in-science-could-take-generations-to-fix-95150

 

URLs – is it time for something new?

Internet pioneer Tim Berners-Lee regrets developing the double slash after ‘http’. A growing group now think the URL is increasingly complicated and too easily compromised. Google said they are rethinking URLs as they are hard to read and hard to know if they can be trusted. Even the ‘https with a padlock symbol’ doesn’t mean much as both good and bad sites can be encrypted.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-09-16/google-time-to-reinvent-the-url-web-browser/10238296

 

Phenomenal success of Fortnite

Launched in Sept 2017, the online video game Fortnite now has over 125 million players and has made $1.6 billion for Epic Games. It has also been linked to 200 divorces. Fortnite’s success is due to 3 principles: accessibility (it’s free with in-app purchases, on all platforms and simple to play); sociality (players can express themselves and play with others) and spectacle (failure is fun and a spectator sport). Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins, a gamer on YouTube and Twitch, has made up to $500 000 a month streaming Fortnite sessions from his bedroom.

https://theconversation.com/stay-alive-and-if-something-moves-shoot-it-one-year-of-phenomenal-success-for-fortnite-103528

Could playing Fortnite lead to ‘gaming disorder’ (video game addiction)? The World Health Organisation says yes, others disagree.

https://theconversation.com/could-playing-fortnite-lead-to-video-game-addiction-the-world-health-organisation-says-yes-but-others-disagree-98458

 

3 things we can learn from people who don’t use smartphones or social media

They spent more face-to-face time with others – connecting, talking, touching and supporting. They know that switching off is not missing out – it is exhausting to sustain numerous online connections, endless exchanges of trivial information and keep up with the overwhelming flow of information and tasks. They enjoyed new-found vitality because they connected with the world around them, helping them to reset and relax. They also had more free time.

https://theconversation.com/three-things-we-can-all-learn-from-people-who-dont-use-smartphones-or-social-media-103468

 

Man Booker Prize Shortlist 2018

Winner announced 16 Oct 2018. Includes previous winners.

https://www.bookdepository.com/Man-Booker-Prize?utm_source=NL-Body&utm_medium=email-Newsletter&utm_term=button&utm_content=MANBOOKER&utm_campaign=20180920_MANBOOKER_SHORTLIST

 

Man Booker Prize – best of the rest

The bestselling shortlisted titles that didn’t win from 50 years of the Booker Prize. Includes The handmaid’s tale; A fine balance; Cloud atlas; The secret river; Atonement; Empire of the sun; Dirt music; Notes on a scandal….

https://www.bookdepository.com/dealsAndOffers/promo/id/1876

Categories
films music popular culture sociology

Good films out now or coming up

Ladies in Black

The movie has received great reviews. Based on the book by Madeleine St John. Directed by Bruce Beresford. Stars Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Shane Jacobson. A young school-leaver joins the sales staff of a fashionable store in the late 1950s and is befriended by the people there, changing her life forever. A musical version with songs by Tim Finn toured in 2017 and was excellent! Out now.

https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/ladies-in-black/

 

First man

Directed by Damien Chazelle. Stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Biographical drama about Neil Armstrong and the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission. Opens 11 Oct 2018.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180829-film-review-five-stars-for-first-man?ocid=global_culture_rss

 

The house with a clock in its walls

Based on the book by John Bellairs. Directed by Eli Roth. Stars Cate Blanchett and Jack Black. A young orphan aids his magical uncle in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world. Out now.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/house-a-clock-walls-review-1143515

 

Storm Boy

Aww Mr Percival again…such a great story. In this retelling, Storm Boy has grown up to be a retired businessman who begins to see images from his past and tells his granddaughter about his life. Directed by Shawn Seet (Peter Allen; The code). Stars Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Trevor Jamieson, Finn Little and Mr Percival. Gulpilil has a cameo as Fingerbone Bill’s father. A video game is also being made. Opens Jan 2019.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-15/storm-boy-remake-trailer-and-poster-released/10123090

 

Mortal engines

Based on the novel by Philip Reeve. Directed by Christian Rivers. Stars Hugo Weaving and Hera Hilmar. Screenplay by Peter Jackson and wife Fran Walsh. Many years after the Sixty Minute War, cities survive on desolate Earth by moving around on giant wheels, attacking and devouring smaller towns to replenish their resources. Opens Dec 2018.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/mortal-engines-trailer-release-date-uk-peter-jackson-christian-rivers-a8384641.html

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571234/

 

Boy erased

Based on the memoir by Garrard Conley. Directed by Joel Edgerton. Stars Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. The 19 year old gay son of a Baptist pastor is given an ultimatum by his parents: attend a conversion therapy program or be shunned by his family, friends and faith. Opens 8 Nov 2018.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/boy-erased-review-1139231

 

Fantastic beasts: the crimes of Grindelwald

Sequel to Fantastic beasts and where to find them. Directed by David Yates. Screenplay by J.K.Rowling. Stars Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston. Newt Scamander and Dumbledore (Jude Law) attempt to take down the dark wizard Grindelwald, while facing new threats in a more divided wizarding world. Opens 15 Nov 2018.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4123430/

 

Mary Queen of Scots

Directed by Josie Rourke. Great cast- stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Margot Robbie as her distant cousin Queen Elizabeth I, Guy Pearce and David Tennant. Mary Stuart attempts to overthrow Elizabeth I, Queen of England, only to find herself condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution. Opens 17 Jan 2019.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-44951930

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2328900/

 

Toy story 4

Directed by Josh Cooley. Voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts. Woody and Buzz set out on a journey to find Woody’s love interest, Bo Peep, who was given away prior to the events of the third film. Opens 20 June 2019.

http://screencrush.com/toy-story-4-delays-annie-potts/

 

And movie musicals are coming back!…..

 

Mary Poppins Returns

The trailer looks amazing! Directed by Rob Marshall. Set in 1935, Emily Blunt plays Mary, who returns to help the grown-up family after a tragedy. Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) has written some of the new songs and plays Jack, a street lamplighter. Also features Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Dick Van Dyke and Meryl Streep, who plays Mary’s eccentric cousin. Opens 1 Jan 2019.

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2018/09/the-new-trailer-for-mary-poppins-returns-reveals-a-supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-emily-blunt/

 

Bohemian rhapsody

Previews look excellent. Biopic of the rise to fame of rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. Directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher. Stars Rami Malek as Freddie. Rami will do an amazing job. Opens 1 Nov 2018.

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/bohemian-rhapsody-queen-biopic-696188/

 

A star is born

Remake directed by Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays a country music star and Lady Gaga is a struggling singer. Cooper and Gaga wrote songs together and performed them live. Gaga looks excellent in the previews. Opens 18 Oct 2018.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180902-film-review-a-star-is-born

 

Cats

Directed by Tom Hooper (Les mis, The king’s speech). Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, James Corden and Taylor Swift will journey up to the Heaviside Layer….what a cast! Andrew Lloyd Webber is also writing some new songs and music for the film. Due out Dec 2019.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/cats-movie-cast-taylor-swift-james-corden-jennifer-hudson-ian-mckellen-tom-hooper-a8458631.html

 

Aladdin

Live-action remake, with additional songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La la land and The greatest showman). Directed by Guy Ritchie. Stars Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Will Smith as the Genie. Due May 2019.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aladdin-everything-know-disneys-live-action-remake-1125148

 

The lion king

Live-action remake with a new Elton John song for Beyonce and a reworked score by Hans Zimmer. Directed by Jon Favreau. Stars the voices of Donald Glover, Beyonce, James Earl Jones. Due July 2019.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lion-king-everything-know-2019-disney-remake-1123979

 

Wicked

Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot). The story of Glinda and Elphaba has yet to begin filming and may come out in 2020.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/wicked-film-will-eventually-happen/

 

West side story

Remake directed by Steven Spielberg. Casting has just begun. Due 2020.

https://screenrant.com/steven-spielberg-west-side-story-filming-start-date/

 

And in 2019 there will also be a Judy Garland biopic (Judy) with Renee Zellweger and Rocketman, the Elton John biopic.

 

Lots of great viewing!

Categories
books human rights Indigenous resources sociology

National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week

Some resources for all ages for National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week in July..….

National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June

Reconciliation is about building better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. This year’s theme is Don’t Keep History a Mystery. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/ – excellent conversation starters here – information about activists, land rights, families….

Reconciliation Week teaching resource (information linked to people on this year’s poster): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/teaching_learning_resource.pdf

 

NAIDOC Week 8 July – 15 July

This year’s theme is Because of Her, We Can, which celebrates the continuing contribution of indigenous women to communities, families, history and the nation.

http://www.naidoc.org.au/

http://www.naidoc.org.au/news/2018-national-naidoc-theme-announced

Poster artist Cheryl Moggs: http://www.naidoc.org.au/news/artwork-powers-naidoc-celebration-indigenous-women

20 inspiring black women who have changed Australia: http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv-news/article/2015/03/06/20-inspiring-black-women-who-have-changed-australia

Who we are (8 min.): Follows the lives of 6 exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who share their stories about their families and communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxPWd_0z3Ng

 

Reconciliation Australia also links to:

Narragunnawali: reconciliation in schools and early learning: Many resources for schools – all levels.

https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/

https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/curriculum-resources?page=1

Professional learning resources: https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/professional-learning

Share Our Pride –  Clearly presented information into the history, lives and cultures of Australia’s First People.

http://www.shareourpride.org.au/

 

Committee to investigate constitutional recognition

10 March 2018: The Australian Parliament appointed a joint select committee to work towards a successful referendum on constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The committee will examine the recommendations of the Referendum Council report, the Uluru Statement, the Committee on Constitutional Recognition’s report of 2015, and the 2012 final report of the Expert Panel on Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution. Interim report – 30 July; final report – 29 November.

Reconciliation News: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/rec-news-final-web-ready-high-res.pdf

 

Frontier wars

Historians at the University of Newcastle have created an interactive map showing the location of more than 170 massacres of Aboriginal people in eastern Australia between 1788 and 1872.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-05/new-map-plots-massacres-of-aboriginal-people-in-frontier-wars/8678466

https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/introduction.php

 

AIATSIS map of indigenous Australia (languages and groups): http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/default.htm

 

Gurrumul

Wonderful film about the life of celebrated indigenous singer and musician, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, who died in 2017. Our students loved this film and found it very moving.

https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/gurrumul-documentary-review-a-breakthrough-look-at-musician-and-his-people-20180417-h0yvex.html

 

The songkeepers

This inspiring film tells the story of a Central Australian Aboriginal women’s choir who sing hymns in indigenous languages and visit Germany to perform. The story of the choirmaster and the choir was recently on Australian Story on ABC.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/apr/19/the-song-keepers-ancient-german-hymns-find-new-life-in-australian-outback

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-choirmaster/9748400

 

Right wrongs

An excellent resource. Short videos and information explore developments since the 1967 referendum which changed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the constitution. Sections include: Controlled but not counted; Fighting for change; An extraordinary vote; The legacy; Where to now?

http://www.abc.net.au/rightwrongs/

 

ABC Education

Many resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Also includes digibooks – Sorry Day, 1967 referendum and Vincent Lingiari the leader.

http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/topic/494038/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

 

ABC Indigenous

Access the latest Indigenous stories and features from ABC Radio, News & Current Affairs, TV and iview.

http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/default.htm

 

Creative Spirits

“Learn about contemporary Aboriginal culture without agenda”. Many resources in many areas including history, arts, people, economy, law and justice, politics and media, spirituality. “Creative Spirits is an amazing collection of history and an inspiring representation of Aboriginal culture”—Michele Hetherington, Aboriginal woman from NSW. www.creativespirits.info/

 

Reconciliation Film Club

Developed by Reconciliation Australia, NITV and SBS. This online platform supports organisations to host screenings of compelling documentaries from our leading indigenous filmmakers.

https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/reconciliationfilmclub

 

NITV – National Indigenous Television

Informs, educates and entertains its indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. Great documentaries, news, personal accounts and perspectives.

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/

Explore topics and link to videos: Social issues, Cultures, Arts, Social Justice… http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/topics

NITV documentaries for National Reconciliation Week 2018

Excellent films – Servant or slave (history of servitude by Aboriginal women); My survival as an Aboriginal (female black activist);  Nyoongar footy magic; Mabo: life of an island man.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2018/05/18/nitv-presents-host-critically-acclaimed-documentaries-national-reconciliation

 

NITV programs include:

NITV programs on demand: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/channels/nitv

Movies on NITV: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movies/nitv-movies

Grace beside me: New children’s series about the adventures of indigenous 13 year old Fuzzy Mac who keeps seeing ghosts. Based on the novel by Sue McPherson.  https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/grace-beside-me

The point: Current affairs and news for all Australians, with indigenous perspectives.

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-point

Custodians: 5 minute profiles of Aboriginal traditional  owners, showcasing their country. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/search/custodians

The Dreaming: Animated stories explained by elders. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/677413443508/the-dreaming-series-1-ep-24

Little J and Big Cuz: Provides a young indigenous audience with ‘relatable’ characters and offers an insight into traditional Aboriginal culture, country and language. Includes online educational games.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/jarjums

 

SBS On Demand

A changing selection of films, documentaries and newsclips. Search for “indigenous” and “Aboriginal” programs.

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

 

Books

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (2018) – Anita Heiss (ed.). Anthology of diverse voices, experiences and stories. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

Terra nullius (2017) – Claire G. Coleman. Historical/speculative fiction with multiple perspectives. In the near future, Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. What has been learned from the past?

https://www.theguardian.com/books/australia-books-blog/2017/aug/22/speculative-fiction-is-a-powerful-political-tool-from-war-of-the-worlds-to-terra-nullius

Dark emu (2014) – Bruce Pascoe. A new perspective on indigenous history, arguing against ‘hunter gatherer’ history and providing evidence of sedentary living and crops.

Knowledge of life: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia (2015) – Kaye Price (ed.) Investigates history, reconciliation, law, art, enterprise, health, education, literature, sport and human rights. The authors of each chapter are indigenous and experts in their field. Each chapter begins with biographical information about the author.

Excellent book list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/recommended-reading.pdf

Excellent film and TV list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/recommended-viewing.pdf

Categories
ed tech films Games and gaming geography and global resources internet media popular culture Science resources sociology websites

Webby Awards 2018 and AFTRS free media resources

Interesting to see what’s acclaimed on the web…..

 

The Webby Awards

Winners were announced recently for the’ Oscars of the internet’. Lots of categories, including People’s Voice in each section – Web; Online Film & Video; Advertsing; Mobile sites & apps; Social; Podcasts; Games. Winners include:

 

Happiness (4 min. animated film – loved it!) https://vimeo.com/244405542

Dianna Cowern: physics girl (entertaining YouTube channel – physics, astronomy, science) https://www.youtube.com/physicsgirl

Time is the cosmic rhythm http://cosmic-watch.com/how-it-works/

Atlas obscura (travel site) https://www.atlasobscura.com/destinations

Exoplanet exploration: planets beyond our solar system https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/

Solar system exploration https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/

Global climate change: vital signs of the planet (nominee) https://climate.nasa.gov/

TED-ED: build a lesson around  any TED Talk or YouTube video https://ed.ted.com/

Speak a language in 10 minutes a day (nominee) https://www.busuu.com/

Storybots (songs, stories, educational for 4 to 8 yr olds) https://www.storybots.com/

Seeing theory: a visual introduction to probability and statistics http://students.brown.edu/seeing-theory/

National Geographic: pristine seas https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/pristine-seas

National Geographic Kids https://www.natgeokids.com/

Welcome to Hogwarts https://my.pottermore.com/hogwarts

Winners and nominees: https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/

 

Special Achievement: Steven Soderbergh – Film & Video Person of the Year

Most online films are available via streaming, but Soderbergh has redefined the boundaries of digital storytelling with his app Mosaic, where people choose how to interact with and follow the gripping murder mystery about a children’s book author, on their phones. Viewers can view the plot via different perspectives and access extra details such as background documents, emails and police reports.  Mosaic was also released as 6 episode TV series. Soderbergh has 2 more interactive storytelling projects underway. His recent film Unsane was shot entirely on an iPhone.

Is Mosaic the future of entertainment?: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/01/19/review-steven-soderbergh-mosaic-hbo-app-sharon-stone/1041754001/

https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/special-achievement/webby-film-video-person-of-the-year/steven-soderbergh/

 

Free resources from AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School)

Free media arts resources are now available for primary and secondary teachers and students. It is predicted that video content will account for 80% of global internet traffic by next year, so screen literacy, creativity and storytelling capabilities will be highly valued in many fields. Resources include lesson plans, worksheets, video content, filmmaking, documentary, podcasting, stop motion and screenwriting.

https://medialab.aftrs.edu.au/

 

Categories
Facebook pedagogy popular culture sociology

ICT and education news

Facebook

We know we are the product and we can stop using it if we really want to. Would we be willing to pay for added privacy options? Zuckerberg believes that regulation of Facebook is ‘inevitable’. In the meantime, why not try confusing Facebook by making posts with random words added and also liking weird things eg. We loved our holiday at Merimbula slipper spaceship oxygen teeth. Did Zuckerberg apologise enough? Some say his apology was just like saying “Sh*t happens”….and his own data was in fact shared in the current controversy.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-04-12/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-congress-regulation-inevitable/9636536

https://bit.ly/2IMf5jo

It’s 2021 and Facebook is banned: here’s how you’ll survive:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-07/how-to-survive-in-the-post-facebook-world/9626762

 

Do later school start times improve learning?

17 studies in the US and other countries examined academic outcomes, amount and quality of sleep, mental health indicators, attendance and student alertness and found starting the school day later could benefit students both academically and psychosocially. Most of the studies found that delaying a school’s start time resulted in students getting more sleep. One study found ‘significant positive associations between later start times and student maths scores and reading scores’. At Alice Miller School in Macedon, Victoria, school begins at 10am and ends at 4.30pm. Most students and staff like the late start.

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/do-later-school-start-times-improve-learning?utm_source=CM&utm_medium=bulletin&utm_content=April10

 

Teacher quality the priority for parents

The Global Parents’ Survey 2018 asked nearly 30 000 parents in 29 countries for their views. Parents in Australia say teacher quality is the most important factor when choosing a school for their child, and if their school had extra cash the majority would choose to spend it on more teachers or better pay for existing teachers, followed by more support staff. These factors were also important to Australian parents:  location or distance from home; a happy environment for children at the school; school ethos; academic record/exam results of the school and the quality of facilities. Australian parents were optimistic about the future – 68% said schooling is preparing them well for 2030 and beyond.

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/teacher-quality-the-priority-for-parents

 

Finnish educator Pasi Sahlberg in Australia

The acclaimed Finnish educator and reformer is now Professor of Education Policy at UNSW Gonski Institute for Education. Sahlberg helped implement elements of the Finnish education system, which has fewer teaching hours, no standardised tests and an emphasis on outdoor play. Formal schooling begins at age 7 and is grounded on equity, with no ability streaming, and all schools are publicly funded. Children with special needs are identified as soon as they start school and far more Finnish children receive special support than in Australia or any other country. Teachers are better prepared to deal with socially mixed classrooms and schools create learning environments and curriculum. Sahlberg hopes to investigate how to enhance equity in education in rural and remote Australia, as he believes Australia has a good education system, but lacks equity.

Interview: https://view.joomag.com/education-review-issue-2-march-2018/0853889001521066927?short

 

9 lessons from brain science

Melina Uncapher is head of the Institute for Applied Neuroscience at UCSF. There are 3 stages of learning – encoding, storage and retrieval. These 9 lessons are based on brain science research – and they are mostly things we already knew by instinct and experience:

  1. Paying undivided attention helps encode new learning into a stronger memory, making information meaningful and relevant.
  2. Making learning socially or self-relevant helps boost the signal and encodes a stronger memory.
  3. Learning at the edge of mastery provides challenge and boosts encoding.
  4. Sleep helps storage- it solidifies and consolidates memory.
  5. Blue light from our screens interferes with sleep. Avoid reading on a screen before bed.
  6. Aerobic exercise can make the brain more plastic and ready to learn.
  7. Stress and adversity can hinder the expression of executive function.
  8. Practice brings knowledge out of long-term memory, and reshapes and restores it.
  9. Activities that build agency (factors under learner control) boosts attention.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanderark/2018/04/06/nine-lessons-from-brain-science-from-dr-melina-uncapher/#146b4cb91c66