Research Projects

ACER has been commissioned to undertake the Australian component of the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) which was conducted in 23 countries. The Australian component of the project aims to produce data on Australian teachers and principals which will contribute to TALIS in the development of policy relevant indicators on teachers, teaching and learning. TALIS comprises three phases: Pilot Study, Field Trial and Main study. More specifically, it provides analysis and indicators to help countries to develop policies and practices for:

  * recognising, rewarding and evaluating teachers and their professional development so that schools can successfully retain and develop effective teachers in the teaching workforce;
  * developing effective teaching practices, attitudes and beliefs and for shaping the professional development that will support this; and
  * developing school leadership models that help create effective schools and the teaching forces within them, including the leadership’s influence on teacher recognition, reward and evaluation, teaching practices, attitudes and beliefs, professional development and the climate of the school.

The main survey was conducted in 2007 and involved 3000 teachers selected (according to sampling requirements) from all states, territories, sectors and geographic locations in Australia.

The survey questionnaires and methodology for implementation were developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with some scope for adaptation by countries participating in TALIS. ACER worked within the international management framework of TALIS, including liaison with the International Association for Evaluation of Education Achievement, an independent, international cooperative of national research institutions and governmental research agencies.  The study extends from 2007 to 2009.