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• Teaching

Our research into teaching focuses on the quality of the teacher workforce, teacher training and ways to improve student outcomes through better teaching methods.

AP32 Image critical thinking
Some Critical Thoughts about Critical and Creative Thinking
John SwellerFebruary 7, 2022AP32
Developing creative and critical thinking is a major priority of educators and policymakers. This is...
Initial Teacher Education in mathematics
Failing to teach the teacher: An analysis of mathematics Initial Teacher Education
Glenn Fahey, Jordan O’Sullivan, Jared BussellNovember 25, 2021AP29

Policymakers have increasingly looked to improvements in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) as key to overcoming...

Overcoming the Educational Odds
Glenn Fahey, Katharine BirbalsinghOctober 14, 2021

High-performing schools make a difference every day in the lives of our younger generation, particularly...

Overcoming the Educational Odds
Glenn Fahey, Katharine BirbalsinghOctober 7, 2021

High-performing schools make a difference every day in the lives of our younger generation, particularly...

Why Inquiry Based Approaches Harm Students’ Learning
John SwellerAugust 11, 2021AP24

This paper outlines the evidence and scientific reasons that inquiry based learning reduces academic performance....

Writing matters: reversing a legacy of policy failure in Australian education
Deidre Clary, Fiona MuellerJuly 28, 2021AP23

Generational decline in student achievement and teacher expertise in writing skills — the poor cousin...

Knowledge is power: What do teachers believe about learning?
Trisha JhaOctober 30, 2025AP92

Executive Summary This report presents findings from literature about what teachers believe about how students...

Sex and maths success: myths and interventions
David C. GearyJuly 17, 2025AP83

Executive summary Mathematical competencies at the completion of secondary school influence later educational and occupational...

Early Numbers, Big Ideas. Fostering Number Sense in Young Children
Nancy C. Jordan, Nancy DysonJuly 10, 2025AP82

Introduction Numbers are an integral part of our daily lives, both inside and outside of...

Fractions Minus the Friction. A guide to four teaching practices
Leanne R. Ketterlin-Geller, Allison McClure, Cassandra HatfieldDecember 12, 2024AP78

Introduction Understanding fractions has a significant impact on both individuals and society. Fractions are an...

Using Curriculum-Based Measurement for Primary School Maths Screening
Erica S. Lembke, Emily L. Singell, Gabriella Lyth Donofrio, Megyn MartinAugust 15, 2024AP75
Universal screening is an essential component of a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) for maths and...
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Learning Lessons. The future of small-group tutoring
Trisha JhaJuly 25, 2024AP73
Student data from national and international testing shows a large minority of students are not...
The Parent Trap: Will paid maternity leave really lift the birthrate?
Jennifer Buckingham OAMJuly 20, 2002The Australian Financial Review

Heather Ridout, deputy chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, says government-funded basic maternity leave...

Now is the time for fecund thoughts
Jennifer Buckingham OAMJuly 18, 2002The Australian

It's easy to find reasons to put off having a baby. You want to travel...

Our leaders have a responsibility to uphold standards
Nicole BillanteJune 28, 2002The Australian

The name-calling and personal attacks so readily used by Australian politicians—such as Mark Latham's derogatory...

Growth needs basic rules
Wolfgang KasperJune 28, 2002The New Zealand Herald

The New Zealand economy is one of the freest in the world. This still holds...

Public choice must fashion education
Jennifer Buckingham OAMJune 26, 2002The Age

Dr Boston raises the important question of the kind of schools in which we would...

The poor need trade, not aid
Helen HughesJune 22, 2002The Australian Financial Review

Australia is not alone in its 'asylum seeker' problems. 'Asylum seekers' are putting pressures on...

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Submission to Draft 2025-26 GenCost
February 2, 2026

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) appreciates the opportunity to provide a submission to the...

Submission to Senate Inquiry into Illegal Tobacco Crisis in Australia
Michael StutchburyJanuary 15, 2026
The federal government should pause increases in tobacco excise to weaken the profit of the...
Submission to DCCEEW’s Solar Sharer Offer Consultation Paper 2025-26 
November 24, 2025

What evidence should inform the SSO window (timing and duration), including factors such as wholesale...

CIS Submission to IDSP Directions Paper
November 13, 2025

Question 4: Does the IASR provide the right baseline inputs for the proposed strategic planning...

Submission to AEMC’s Treatment of policies and costs in the ISP Consultation Paper 
November 6, 2025

Question 1: What are your views on AEMO’s current approach to incorporating jurisdictional targets and...

Submission to Senate Education and Employment References Committee
Michael Wu October 22, 2025CIS

Despite good intentions, Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care system has expanded well beyond its...

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