This article examines the current music preferences of grade 6 children (12-13-year-olds) in an Australian primary school and the way these children engage with music. Data were collected in three phases, comprising a written questionnaire administered to all 86 students, focus group interviews with 12 of these children, and observation of…

This paper describes a project undertaken by the school outreach team at the School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Australia, to attract girls to science, engineering and technology (SET). The project was a pilot program designed to engage female students from upper primary to senior secondary in the teaching of physical sciences. A…

This research effort examined current mechanical engineering educational programmes in America and Australia to determine the degree of holistic, systems thinking of each programme. Faculty from ten American universities and ten Australian universities participated in online surveys and interviews. Resulting data analysis and interpretation…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify potential determinants of objectively measured physical activity in the "Learning to Enjoy Activity with Friends" (LEAF) study. Design: This study involved a quasi-experimental design and students (N = 116) were assigned to an intervention group (n = 50) or a comparison group (n = 66)…

In this review, we scope the role of interpersonal relationships in students' academic motivation, engagement, and achievement. We argue that achievement motivation theory, current issues, and educational practice can be conceptualized in relational terms. Influential theorizing, including attribution theory, expectancy-value theory, goal theory,…

This exploratory-descriptive research focuses on whether children can connect school-based experiences to future jobs that interest them. A cross-national sample of 497 South African and 365 Australian upper primary school children participated in the study. The data from one item of the Revised Career Awareness Survey were analysed using…

The Faulkes Telescope Project and its educational aims are briefly summarised. Research to evaluate its impact in inspiring excitement and interest among students is described. The Faulkes Telescope in Hawaii was used to provide images for assessed coursework based on two of the Faulkes "education/research" projects on galaxies.…

Thirty-seven Australian families with a child with Down's syndrome and 20 comparison families recorded the expenses involved in rearing their children. Results showed that families with a Down's syndrome child incurred additional expenses and participated less in activities such as dance, music, gymnastics, and sports. (Author/JDD)

We welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2014, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 of June, 2014. Education, as an important right in our contemporary world, began since we exist. Knowledge and skills were passed by adults to the young, and cultures began to extend their experiences through various…

The contradictions between school and community and between education for work and for leisure, have produced a decline in the extracurriculum and the integration of many erstwhile extracurricular activities with the formal curriculum in an effort to achieve social and ideological integration of school and community. (Author)

Defends student councils as effective vehicles for teaching democratic literacy. Presents guidelines for effective council activities as well as suggestions for integrating a student council into an already crowded school program. (NH)

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?…

The academic achievement over three years of students attending two institutions was related to their use in the first year of extracurricular activities provided on campus. The study suggests that recreational facilities that allow students to demonstrate personal qualities of organizational and leadership ability is a worthwhile investment. (LBH)

Investigated child care usage and factors behind parental choices for four-year olds prior to formal education. Parent interviews revealed that many children spent time in a range of early care and educational services, and many also participated in extracurricular and recreational activities. Revealed the complexity parents face in balancing work…