New publications

The Fifth Edition emphasises learning science through inquiry, implementation of the Learning Cycle, constructivism, technology and strategies for teaching diverse learners. Teaching Science for All Children employs an inquiry model throughout, especially apparent in the design of its learning cycle lesson plans. Engaging Questions, Exploration, Explanation, Expansion and Evaluation make up the 'Es' of this modern learning cycle. The text provides methods for future teachers to foster awareness and understanding among their students of the nature of science; to construct understandings of and connections between various science content; to encourage application of science inquiry processes in the classroom; and to develop their students’ understanding of the interactions between science, technology and society. The final sections of the book incorporate Life Science, Physical Science and Earth and Space Science lessons as a means to convey important pedagogical content knowledge and ideas to implement in the elementary classroom. Adapted from publisher's description. 

This report was commissioned to update and extend the report Australia’s Teachers: Australia’s Future – Advancing Innovation, Science, Technology and Mathematics. Topics covered include a comparison of science and mathematics learning in Australian schools from an international perspective; performance in science and mathematics by Australian school students; Year 12 participation in science, mathematics and technology; science, mathematics and technology studies in higher education; teacher education; and the teaching workforce. Adapted from report.

The central theme of this book is how to develop effective teaching for meaningful learning in science. The authors seek to identify how teachers interpret difficult ideas in science and, in particular, what supports their own learning in coming to a professional understanding of how to teach science concepts to young children. The book draws on a significant body of critically analysed empirical evidence, collated and documented over a five-year period. Adapted from publisher's description.

The Harnessing Technology Schools Survey is an annual, nationally representative survey intended to assess the uptake and use of ICT in schools across England. The 2008 survey included questionnaires for three target groups (school leaders, ICT coordinators and subject teachers) and data collection ran from December 2007 to January 2008. While ICT equipment for learning and teaching is to an increasing extent in place in schools, efforts to fully exploit these affordances would now be a valuable next step. Adapted from report summary.

With increased access to computers and the internet, teachers have been experimenting with technology to enhance their instructions. This book provides timely insights into how ICT can be effectively used for teaching and learning in the school context. There is a focus on strategies and evaluations or assessments for school-based integration of technologies in classrooms and their learning environments, with numerous examples. Adapted from publisher's description.

The size of a child's vocabulary is one of the best predictors of how well he or she will comprehend while listening or reading. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, researcher, scholar, author, and co-founder of the Four-Blocks Literacy Framework, Pat Cunningham offers primary teachers strategies for helping all students to develop their vocabularies. Separate chapters address building vocabulary in reference to maths, science, social studies and the arts and physical education. Adapted from publisher's description.