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Curriculum & Leadership Journal
An electronic journal for leaders in education
ISSN: 1448-0743
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New publications

Quality of Structured Workplace Learning Report

Department of Education Science and Training

This report outlines six essential criteria for a positive Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) experience, and will inform national approaches to SWL for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools project. These are a well resourced and efficient internal organisation; strong relationships with clients and stakeholders; effective management of demand; sufficient student readiness and workplace preparation; reliable outcomes and additional support for culturally diverse, Indigenous and disabled students; as well as those at-risk of early departure from school. These outcomes have been established on the basis of research and 13 best practice case studies, which are also detailed. Available online, the report has been prepared for the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) by PhillipsKPA Pty Ltd.

KLA

Subject Headings

Secondary education
Vocational guidance
Vocational education and training

Learning to Work in Information and Communication Technology: a Guide to Structured Workplace Learning

Department of Education Science and Training
This resource has been created to support students, teachers/coordinators, and employers in Structure Workplace Learning (SWL) placements in the field of Information and Communication Technology. For students, the guide includes background information, a five-day calendar of student activities and case studies of SWL. A tick box test for employers, background information and confidentiality agreement are also included. Available online, the guide has been created for the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) by the IT Skills Hub.
KLA

Subject Headings

Secondary education
Vocational guidance
VET (Vocational Education and Training)

Excellent Web Edventures: an Introduction to Online Learning

Renee Hoareau

Written for teachers of the middle years, this book outlines a series of 'web edventures' involving the use of ICT skills. Communication, research, technical and presentation skills are covered, with activities designed to appeal to different learning styles. The book also promotes collaborative learning and the formation of online networks. The first chapter focuses on creating resources and developing ICT skills. A second chapter outlines how students can utilise online and collaborative learning tools such as email and chat within their studies. Sample activities from Australian teachers feature in the last section of the book, with relative ICT skills, syllabuses, learning outcomes and technical tips detailed. Mini tutorials on web publishing, web graphics, uploading web pages and using web-based multimedia are included throughout. A website features sample and supporting material. (Adapted from review SCAN vol 24 no 3, August 2005 and publisher's description)

Key Learning Areas

Technology

Subject Headings

Middle schooling
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Case studies

Setting the Pace

Michael Long
Written by a member of Monash University's Centre for the Economics of Education and Training (CEET), this paper offers an independent analysis on developments in education, training and youth transition in Victoria since 1999. According to the study, Victoria leads the nation in educational attainment for youth and successful transition from school, with statistical evidence to support the case. Current challenges are also highlighted, along with recommendations to encourage youth participation in learning and work in Victoria. The report is jointly commissioned by the Business Council of Australia (BCA), the Education Foundation (EFL) and the Dusseldorp Skills Forum (DSF), and may interest workers in youth training, education and employment sectors in Victoria and beyond. For further information see publisher's description.
KLA

Subject Headings

Victoria
Transitions in schooling
Retention rates in schools

Total Fitness for Children: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

James H. Humphrey
The book provides information on total fitness and how it can be cultivated in children. It describes studies showing that the average American preschooler watches 30 hours of television a week and will have watched nine years of television by the time he or she is 65 years old. Links are made between the time spent watching television and levels of physical fitness and body fat. Further studies show that parents’ physical activity tends to be significantly related to their child’s body composition, and that the more active the parents are, the more active their child will be. Aside from providing statistics and information on fitness issues, this book suggests efforts that can be made to improve overall fitness in children. (Adapted from publisher's description)

Key Learning Areas

Health and Physical Education

Subject Headings

Physical Fitness
Body image

Socratic Circles: Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking in Middle and High School

Matt Copeland

'Socratic' seminars can encourage student ownership of text-related discussions, and can be implemented in the classroom to enhance reading comprehension, listening and speaking skills. Shown to encourage independence and motivation, a Socractic approach can also help build the classroom community and improve conflict resolution skills. This guide provides many examples of student dialogue and work samples, as well as ready-to-copy text suggestions from major literary works, preparation and follow-up activities. Socratic Circles is likely to be of interest to secondary teachers, particularly those involved in literacy-related subjects or seeking an alternative approach to classroom discussion. (Available from Curriculum Corporation).

Key Learning Areas

English

Subject Headings

Literacy
Thought and thinking