Since the release of the iPad in 2010 more than 8 million tablet devices have been sold to classrooms worldwide. Assoc Professor Matthew Riddle (Academic Development, La Trobe University) speaks about his research which looks at the impact of tablets on learning habits and education.

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Instead of all classes being held at the University, students undertaking training in Teaching Literacy attend lectures on site at participating schools. They then immediately enter a working classroom to observe the practical application of the theory.

Cindy Tassone, Associate Lecturer Education, has arranged the approach with the support of the primary teachers at Ranfurly Primary School in Mildura. She said the subject being taught on school grounds was in addition to the practicum experience students must take in order to complete their University teaching qualification.

The initiative not only prepares students for their practicum placements, but exposes them to new ideas being implemented in modern classrooms.

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Dr Lauren Johnson (Education, La Trobe University) describes how a teacher education course is using a community service-learning component for more than simply the commonly-accepted personal and professional reasons.

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Roz Ward (Youth Program Coordinator, Gay and Lesbian Health, La Trobe University) talks about her work to tackle homophobic language and particularly the issue of using gay instead of a word meaning something derogatory or negative. The language has been around a long time, and as it remains, we can't make schools safer.

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Professor Ian Chubb (Chief Scientist of Australia) on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and what it means for Australia’s future.

The 2012 Dean’s Public Lecture, presented by the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

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Professor Carmen Lawrence (Director, Centre for the Study of Social Change at University of Western Australia) gives some background on the Gonski report, which examined how schools in Australia should be funded.

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Dr Dorothy Smith (Education, La Trobe University) on transforming the science curriculum. Science is seen as a necessary part of school education for all students but Australian students are turning away from studying science, and have been for at least twenty years. Most recommendations for fixing this situation focus on teaching better, and don’t consider the substantial changes in science, society and the relationship between science and society that have happened over the past decades. We need a different type of science education in schools, one that encourages an attitude of productive social engagement with science.

Copyright 2012 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Contact for permissions.

The Hon Wendy Lovell (Victorian Minister for Early Childhood Development) visited La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus to look at the teaching facilities in the Education Faculty and to talk to staff and students involved in early childhood education.

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Professor Lorraine Ling (Education, La Trobe University)

One of the most powerful social engineering tools available in society is school curriculum. Curriculum is inevitably a selection of official and privileged knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, where what is included and, more importantly perhaps, what is excluded is the decision of the dominant group in society. The curriculum can therefore be viewed as a potential weapon in the so called ‘war on youth’. How then can educators challenge this discourse and fight back on behalf of young people?

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In February 2010, Stacey Oliver was among the first cohort of students commencing their studies in the new Master of Teaching (Primary to Year 12). Unique to the La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga campus, the course is compressed into an eighteen-month period, with the final semester focussing on a research project and extended teaching practicum.

Copyright 2011 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Contact for permissions.