Presents two perspectives on the nature of preservice TESOL teacher education. The management perspective limits professional development and promotes a status quo. The reflective perspective benefits everyone involved, allowing consideration of factors beyond the classroom. A pilot project at an Australian university is described. (SM)

Claims that English teachers have a great weapon with which to counter pre-verbal conditioning of children once they reach the age of being reasonable. Hopes to recruit teachers and their advocacy to aid minorities by fighting racism and other social injustices. (NH)

Discussion of quality assurance in Australian higher education focuses on a case study of a university sector college. Identifies an "implementation gap" between the intentions underpinning "quality policy" and actual outcomes. Argues that institutions and external quality bodies need to consider the conditions and context of…

Explores a case study on the conceptions of citizenship held by teachers, parents, and students in a school in Australia. Argues that effective citizenship education programs require teachers, students, and parents to have a shared understanding about what it means to be a "good citizen." Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

Draws on examples from Australia to illustrate ways early childhood professionals can contribute to meeting the challenges of resettling young refugee children. Describes a repatriation program to help rebuild nations, a program establishing play centers inside refugee centers, and using preschools/child care centers to support refugee families…

Background: Over the past 20 years, a number of researchers have expressed concern over the lack of confidence and qualifications of primary school teachers to teach PE. Evidently, the influence of personal school PE experiences may play an important role in the development of teachers' confidence to appropriately teach PE. Most research that has…

Despite calls for a more nuanced approach to issues of gender and equity that recognizes how broader relations of gender and power continue to produce injustices for many females, essentialized accounts expressing concern about boys' poor educational performance remain the most common refrain in dominant equity discourses across Western contexts.…

The international marketing of school education has gathered momentum in the Asia Pacific region, where an English medium education is prized by many parents. This paper investigates the responses of a group of teachers in Australia to the needs of international students in their school. The analysis of a 1 h professional discussion between four…

Research has shown that teacher involvement can stimulate and enrich children's play, with positive developmental consequences. This study examined teachers' thinking and practices in relation to the role of the teacher in children's outdoor play. Data were collected from eight preschools through teacher interviews and observations of children's…

This resource booklet focuses on the definitions, developmental stages, and the benefits of socio-dramatic play. The booklet deals with the players, shows how adults can support children's play, describes the play environment, and offers some suggestions for development of curriculum based on play. The booklet discusses children's approach to…

Intended primarily for student teachers and beginning teachers, this paper provides a base from which teachers may develop their own approach to classroom management and suggests ways of fostering a classroom climate conducive to effective management and student self-discipline. The discussion begins by considering four factors influencing…

This paper examines government policies in Australia which encourage parent participation in disadvantaged schools in order to improve student literacy, and studies that have found that this policy may, in fact, increase inequality in education. The argument presented is that there are two types of parents--enthusiastic parents and those described…

Attempts are made in this address to outline how social change in Australia affects the nurturing tasks of family life and to suggest a rethinking of how the community as a whole might assist the child development process. Changes in the Australian family context include divorce, family breakdown, one-parent families, remarriage, extended…

Intended for teachers and teacher-librarians in primary and secondary schools in South Australia, this booklet offers guidelines for organizing a literature festival. The booklet presents information in response to such questions as, What is a literature festival? How big does it have to be? What time is involved? Why have a literature festival?…

Identifies and discusses nine "pressures" that have influenced curriculum development in Australia: universal expertise, inertia, Australian rules, "Golden Past," unpreparedness, wishful thinking, inexperience, nondisposable resources, and public expectations. (HOD)