Philosophy in schools. Philosophy is about asking childlike questions - how do we know the world exists? How do we know it hasn't just started existing? Why can't we go back in time? So why not teach philosophy in schools? It doesn't happen much in this country (it doesn't much happen anywhere) but it does go on in Queensland, and this week we talk to a Queensland teacher who's teaching philosophy to high school children [Radio National - Philosophers Zone]
8:44:12 PM    

What young people are thinking: Newspoll youth report. This Newspoll Youth Report reveals quite a positive picture concerning young Australian's current general life satisfaction, and also in relation to their optimism about their personal future. Based on a poll of 803 young Australians: 95% are satisfied with their life overall, 88% are confident that everything will "work out okay" for them in their working life and career in the years ahead, and 86% are confident they will be financially secure in the future. [Creative Economy : Topic Articles]
8:09:15 PM    

New Global Alliance to catalyse education reform announced.

The private sector, governments, international organizations and donors have joined forces in an unprecedented partnership to accelerate progress towards Education for All (EFA). The new Partnerships for Education (PfE) was announced by the World Economic Forum and UNESCO, yesterday "Keeping Our Promises on Educationâo? conference in Brussels.

[eGov monitor - Education]
7:56:26 PM    

39 new service providers for POEM outreach education initiative. Thirty-nine new service providers will deliver an innovative Australian Government education programme that will benefit up to 3,000 young people annually. The Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) is designed to help young people, aged 13 to 19 years old, who are not in mainstream schooling by giving them other ways to continue their learning. POEM provides a fulltime education and personal development programme to help participants work through personal problems and get back on track with their education. [edna education news]
6:07:19 PM    

Social Behavior Differs In Children With Family History Of Autism. The baby brothers and sisters of autistic children do not seek emotional cues from adults, or respond to them, as often as other toddlers do, suggests new research. [ScienceDaily Headlines]
6:05:33 PM    

HECS for TAFE: the case for extending income contingent loans. In this paper, a case is argued for introducing an income contingent loan to the VET sector. The economic underpinning is similar to the Higher Education Scheme (HECS) which is identified as a useful guide. It is established that there is significant returns from a VET qualification. For example, diplomas and associated diplomas are associated with rates of return of around 8-10 per cent per annum for men, and about 10-14 per cent per annum for women. These statistics are comparable to those investments that are usually cited for undergraduate higher education degrees. [edna education news]
3:44:41 PM    

Spur on IT whiz-kids and reclaim the clever country. Alan Noble, Engineering Director of Google Australia and NZ, outlines issues facing the IT sector in Australia, stating that there is a need to encourage IT careers and retain Australia's brightest IT professionals. Earlier this month it was revealed that the Australian annual IT deficit had reached $21 billion, with hardware and software imports of $26 billion. Enrolments in IT courses at universities have declined. Those IT students who do graduate are highly skilled and coveted. But many are relocating overseas to pursue lucrative careers and opportunities. The Australian, 4 May 2007. [edna education news]
3:34:46 PM    

New school leaving age for South Australia. Plans to lift the school leaving age from 16 to 17 in 2009 and open the first of 10 new Trade Schools for the Future are part of wide ranging measures to ensure all young South Australians are in school, training or work. A 'school day' for students could include traditional lessons, TAFE courses, part-time work, school-based apprenticeships, university studies, alternative education programs and community volunteer work. [Government Education Portal News Headlines]
3:32:22 PM