Archived News for Education Sector Professionals - December, 2013
An astral drive-by has provided new footage of something we all take for granted – the orbit of the moon around Earth.
Mobiles called-in for tree blight fight
One university is taking a high-tech and democratic approach to biosecurity research, with the launch of a smartphone app to let citizen-scientists help stamp out tree disease.
Stats stacked to break belief in lefties
David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Abraham Lincoln and Leonardo da Vinci would not have been any less talented if they had been born right-handed, according to new research from two Australian universities.
Survey shows range of reasons to keep kids from jail
A new study has shown the compounding risks for young people in trouble with the law.
One in five cite bullies in Victorian Education probe
A recent survey has shown a high level of workplace abuse and bullying in the Victorian Education Department.
New hospital split forming, clinical services kept public
There has been some word on the public-private arrangement planned for the new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Difficult decisions have random basis
Crossroads are common on the path of life and everyone has different motivations for the direction they choose, but a new study suggests many of our choices are made by random fluctuations in the brain.
Experts say 'bird-brained' may be a good thing
Everybody knows someone with the memory of a goldfish or the grace of a boar, but it is important to note that we are animals too – and for the most part not that much smarter than our biological neighbours.
Finding the switch to keep on trucking
Some people are capable of incredible feats of perseverance and motivations, while others give up as soon as the going looks tough – but what if a switch in the brain could be flipped, causing an individual to anticipate a challenge and possess a strong motivation to overcome it.
Program to keep lights bright at crucial time
One of the oldest challenges in the teaching profession is keeping students interested in maths and science - this is as true in Australian schools as it is in German ones, according to researchers in a new study aimed at boosting kids’ interest in the art of arithmetic.
Tablets help pupils wrap their minds around space
Schools today are quick to roll-out the tablet PCs in the hope of finding a key to unlock new levels of interest and engagement, but a new study has asked whether the push for hand-held tech in the classroom is a help or hindrance.
Hasty nuptials planned before Feds spoil party
Australia will see its first ever Government-sanctioned same-sex marriages this weekend, but they could also be the last if the Federal Government has its way.
Teachers vote for pay deal linked to performance
New South Wales teachers have voted strongly in favour of a new performance-based pay deal which will see the most prime pedagogues paid six-figure salaries.
Cave community proves the tenacity of tiny life-forms
In a world bathed in perpetual darkness, a recent study has found tiny communities bursting with vitality.
Study finds Neanderthals lived clean, neat and tidy
Most modern humans arrange their homes just the way they like them, and new research suggests Neanderthals did the same thing.
Watchdog says sunscreen claim's meaning has changed
Australia’s consumer watchdog has barked-down claims about the alleged danger of nano-materials in sunscreen.
Flinders first-years use hemp to spell help, awarded as a result
The excellent efforts of a team of first-year engineers have been rewarded, celebrating the creative solutions to real-world problems that young minds can produce.
Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.