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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...
book
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...
Pros and Cons of a Bill of Rights
Samuel GreggMay 29, 2001The Canberra Times

As historians look back on the 20th century, some will note the assertion of rights-claims...

Talking Trash: When Standards are set by the Underclass
Charles MurrayMay 23, 2001The Sydney Morning Herald

Many elites in the United States are disavowing what is best in our culture and...

The Ascendancy of Economic Rationalism
Wolfgang KasperApril 2, 2001Show Cause

A spectre is haunting the world – the spectre of economic rationalism. All the powers...

GDP stands the test of time
Helen HughesMarch 15, 2001The Australian Financial Review

Ed Mishan, a leading English economist, writing when Simon Kuznets was complaining about the shortcomings...

Bilateral trade pact the way to go
Wolfgang KasperMarch 13, 2001The Australian Financial Review

The government is actively seeking a bilateral free-trade agreement with the US. Foreign Minister Alexander...

Smaller government the answer for Fiji
Wolfgang KasperMarch 6, 2001The Sydney Morning Herald

Fiji has scored rather poorly since independence on economic growth, security and social harmony. The...

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Submission to the Productivity Commission 5 year productivity review: Increasing Australia’s Future Prosperity
Michael PotterDecember 15, 2016CIS Submission

The submission by CIS Research Fellow Michael Potter argues: An excellent productivity boosting agenda is...

Submission to the Productivity Commission on the Preliminary Findings Report: Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services: Identifying Sectors for Reform
Sara HudsonOctober 27, 2016CIS Submission

To improve Indigenous outcomes, there needs to be better management of overall funding and a...

Submission to Senate Inquiry on Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan) Bill 2016
Michael PotterOctober 3, 2016CIS Submission

The submission by CIS Research Fellow Michael Potter provides a detailed case for a reduction...

Submission to the Senate Inquiry into Enterprise Tax Plan Bill 2016
Michael PotterSeptember 30, 2016CIS Submission

The growing company tax burden contrasts with the state of the economy, which is showing...

Productivity Commission Inquiry Into Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services: Submission in response to issues paper
Trisha JhaJuly 1, 2016CIS Submission

The Human Services Inquiry is ‘examining policy options in the human services sector that incorporate...

Productivity Commission Inquiry into the National Education Evidence Base: Submission in response to the draft report
Jennifer Buckingham OAMMay 1, 2016CIS Submission

The Review of Education Evidence (Draft Report)—the ‘Draft Report’—provides a useful, up-to-date overview of the...

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