This article reports on the qualitative findings of a mixed methods study that investigated primary school teachers' beliefs, practices and choices of resources for teaching written grammar. Qualitative data were collected from Primary teachers in Western Australia through semi-structured interviews (n = 10) and analysed thematically. Although all…

Arts education in Western Australian primary schools consist of learning opportunities outlined by mandated curriculum. However, assumptions underlying this curriculum involving access, resources and support impact schools' capacity to implement the curriculum without them being adequately addressed by the written curriculum. Drawing on the policy…

Mt. Lawley College in Australia initiated a project to develop curriculum extension project packs (CEPPS) for elementary grade students who demonstrate outstanding ability in one or more subject areas. (Author/MC)

Lists some materials from Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and the United States appropriate for elementary-aged students and provides comments on the usefulness of these materials. (GS)

The understanding of instructions and the role of diagrams were explored in the context of cognitive load theory in 3 experiments involving 102 Australian fifth and sixth graders. Results suggest that understanding depends on interaction between elements of the information, and that diagrams can reduce cognitive load and enhance understanding.…

Outlines how a group of primary teachers developed a range of design briefs using textiles, and describes how students were taught explicit skills which enabled them to successfully solve the design tasks. (WRM)

Discusses the use of games in the classroom. Describes two games involving the identification of Australian animals including complete instructions and rules for each game. (DS)

Because of geographical isolation, a number of Queensland children cannot attend regular primary schools, and their education must be based at home. In 1979, 1,528 children were enrolled in the Primary Correspondence School. Children in the program receive lesson papers, textbooks and audio-visual items in the major subject areas of language arts,…

This resource review provides information on a wide range of mathematical aids currently available to teachers in Queensland (Australia) primary schools, and is arranged in the form of a report about each aid. The aids are classified as general aids, specific aids, or games. Each report contains details regarding suppliers and costs, a photograph…

A first report on an attempt to introduce a second language, specifically German, in four state schools in Australia. The rationale, details about the program, a summary of the teaching, the relationship between FLES, bilingual education and general language programs, and the question of continuity are discussed. (AMH)

Investigates changing teacher roles associated with two teachers' use of innovative mathematics materials at Grade Six. Findings indicate that one teacher demonstrated little change in either espoused beliefs or observed practice while the other teacher demonstrated increasing comfort in posing non-routine problems to students and allowing them to…

This paper discusses issues in instructional material development for rural gifted children in Australia. Issues include who should develop curriculum materials, what form should enrichment materials take, which theoretical frameworks are appropriate, and how should content be selected. Interdisciplinary materials used in developing a unit in…

Describes a curriculum enrichment project for gifted children. Using the subject matter of the history of settlement patterns in Western Australia, factual learning is enhanced by the use of projective role playing. Emphasizes the mutual enhancement of rational knowing and imaginative identification. Identifies issues in developing curriculum…

Australian elementary school teachers were surveyed to ascertain knowledge about use of social studies curriculum material. Case studies and representative interviews were used to formulate a questionnaire, the results of which indicated that teachers were not actively involved in material selection and analysis. (Author/DF)

Presents ideas for teaching elementary school children about scientific inquiry methods. Recommends a Planning Board to scaffold students' thinking as they plan and conduct scientific investigations. (WRM)