Group items tagged

For assignment 1. 

NSW will apparently be the first of the states to introduce a literacy/numeracy test for pre-service teachers in 2016. Likely to see this spread over time.

I remember a course examiner a few years ago saying that this test would likely apply to USQ pre-service teachers by the time we graduate. It seems like a good idea to me because I have seen teachers make simple, embarrassing grammatical and mathematical mistakes in class. I know that we all make mistakes, however there are some things that teachers should know by the time they leave university. A test at the end might, to some extent, uphold the standards that are expected from teachers.

Video of young learners giving instructions to a bee-bot to play snakes and ladders while practicing their numeracy skills.

Hi David, This looks like something new and fun but is it? Is this technology replacing, enhancing or transforming learning? Also there are only 8 children in the video in a real prep class there would be 20 plus and they would not be as calm and well mannered when taking turns. Seems like fun for a small group all the same.

As I research reasons for ICT integration in the classroom, I came across this article. ICT is a great use of the multi-sensory approach to learning. Particularly, I can see this in regards to literacy and numeracy. Activating parts of the brain that can help with this engagement is essential for students with Special needs

That is so cool! Imagine how much harder it would have been for teachers ten years ago, they probably wouldn't even have imagined this kind of thing would be possible. It makes you wonder what technology will be like in the next ten years! In the next five years even!! Maybe special education schools and units won't be necessary anymore because technology will enable all students to be integrated!

Technology is inseparable with education including early childhood education. With the use of technology such as laptops, pre-literacy and pre-numeracy lessons are more fun, active, and engaging for the children as it creates different ambience and promotes active learning in the classroom as well as home setting.

Every State school in QLD is implementing a education plan to boost literacy and numeracy.

This website is set up for Early Childhood educators to make life easier. Its quote is "We all need to work together to make the Early Years Framework a reality". It contains links to interactive ICT websites and advice on the following topics: Being, Belonging, Becoming Reggio Emilia Learning through Play Social & Emotional Development Communication Skills Learning Literacy Learning Numeracy Equal Access for All Consistent Curriculum Smooth Transition Partnerships Quality assurance Activities for Little Kids ICT for Littlies Australian Early Years Framework Regulation Videos Other Early Years Links Recipes safe for kids

Its great to hear people say that we need to work together. I remember years ago a friend of mine (who was a Grade 6 teacher) told me of her frustration when she would encourage her students and they were alive with excitement to learn and explore and the work they handed in was exceptional from her point of view. However, six months into the next year she would be so disappointed because the grades of the Year 7 students would be declining and their attitude was one of apathy. What she wanted to do was to work with the Year 7 teacher so with a combined effort they could assist the students to continue their positive attitude throughout their time at upper primary school. The Year 7 teacher felt threatened and the sad cycle continued. When I read http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/blog-early-blog-often-the-secret-to-making-boys-write-properly-2211232.html as well as http://www.letthechildrenplay.net I was thrilled to hear what great progress is being made by teachers/schools when they collaborate. Thanks for the info.

ACARA's implementation of the Australian Curriculum will enable students an equal and enriching education throughout the nation. As a future educator and studying for the past 4 years education, it is enlightening to know that in the near future, Australia as a nation will have one type of education for all states. The Australian Curriculum will enable teachers to travel throughout Australia, be able to provide students with a consistent learning experience, and will endeavor to advance and push students in a positive direction. I am all for the Australian Curriculum and am excited to know that this is the way that education is heading. The equality of the Australian Curriculum not only for educators as well as students, but for parents, knowing that their children will benefit from equal learning opportunities. The Learning Areas for the Australian Curriculum currently include: English, Mathematics, Science and History. General capabilities, a key dimension of the Australian Curriculum, are addressed explicitly in the content of the learning areas. They play a significant role in realising the goals set out in the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (MCEETYA 2008) - that all young people in Australia should be supported to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens. The Australian Curriculum includes seven general capabilities: Literacy Numeracy Information and communication technology (ICT) capability Critical and creative thinking Personal and social capability Ethical understanding Intercultural understanding. http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/File/C26D8605-FAA2-4B40-BE10-A15500EE1EB6. Accordingly, the Australian Curriculum must be both relevant to the lives of students and address the contempor

An interesting and valuable teaching concept - extremely visual and interactive for students.

Danielle, this is fantastic! I want to locate these resources now, especially for students with special needs or literacy/numeracy learning difficulties. Thanks for sharing.

Fantastic site for ECE and Special Ed that encourages critical thinking. Has a vast range of activities from music to maths to more, that are very play-based and mostly educational. Take a look Special Ed and Early Childhood people!

Teaching resource for teaching about money and budgets

The fairly uninspiring title doesn't do justice to this useful little link to a flipchart which uses interactive material to step learners through some of the useful aspects of fractions for a Year 6/7 stage.

Good background article about the teaching of coding skills, and the importance of logic. 

Very interesting theory I had not considered or heard of. I do believe a lot of the time students are set up to fail in the "test" environment. However I need to do some more research as I'm wondering about the basics of literacy and numeracy and how this all fits together. I can see huge benefits for special needs, and like he says, we all have "special needs" in certain areas.