ACER eNews
Research Conference 2004 special edition
The following articles are based on papers presented at the ACER Research Conference 2004 that was held in Adelaide on 25-26 October on the theme Supporting student wellbeing.
Student goals and interest important for university success
Developing interest is critical to long-term success in university studies, according to a visiting US psychologist. Professor Judith M. Harackiewicz is researching why some students become involved and interested in their studies, and why they continue in a particular academic discipline. She also raised the issue of whether highly motivated students learn more and obtain higher grades in their courses. The research involved survey studies with college psychology students in the United States. Read More
Understanding values education
Teachers and students need to think more about the frameworks underpinning their values education, according to Emeritus Professor Brian Hill of Murdoch University. Referring to the values education packages adopted in schools, Professor Hill said busy teachers understandably welcome ready-made products, and many have been drawn to packages developed outside our school systems, and even outside Australia. "But what makes values hang together are larger world-views. No package is neutral. Many people using such materials are unaware of their ideological origins." Read More
Literacy, behaviour and auditory processing
Just one hour of professional development training for teachers in communicating with children with auditory processing difficulties can have 'significant positive effects' on their literacy achievement progress and attentive behaviours, according to Drs Kathy and Ken Rowe, and audiologist collaborator Jan Pollard. Read More
The mental health and wellbeing of young people in Australia
A leading authority on adolescent mental health warned delegates at Research Conference 2004 that a combination of falling birth rates and increasing rates of adolescent mental health problems has the potential to adversely affect Australia's growth and development. Read More
Yelling at students does not improve behaviour
Teacher aggression and, to a lesser extent punishment are ineffective in fostering student responsibility, whereas hinting, discussion, recognition, and involvement may be helpful in this regard. Dr Ramon Lewis of La Trobe University examined the relationship between Australian students' responsibility in classrooms and their teachers' discipline strategies. Read More
ACER UPDATE
Conference proceedings
The conference papers by each speaker are included in the Conference Proceedings.
Download Full Conference Proceedings (PDF: 2.23MB)
A school system perspective on strengthening student wellbeing
The conference paper by Peter Hamilton of the Department of Education and Training, Western Australia is now available for download from the ACER website in PDF format. Read Full Report
Opening and closing addresses
ACER's chief executive Professor Geoff Masters delivered opening and closing addresses to the conference. Both are available for download in PDF format from the ACER website. Download the opening address including a range of facts about young people in Australia. Download the closing address including observations from the conference and factors influencing student wellbeing.
Research Conference 2005
Research Conference 2005 will take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne on 7-9 August 2005 on the theme of Using data to support learning. Further details of the conference can be found at Research Conferences section.
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