Learning – S.P.I.C.E. of Learning

High-stakes testing: The top 10 realities

16 Mar

I have often voiced my never-ending concerns regarding high-stakes testing. In Australia we call our tests NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy And Numeracy). Countries throughout the world provide similar high-stakes tests with the shared vision that...
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Teachers Matter

16 Jan

Recently I came across the news article “The Most (and least) Popular University Courses Since 1989.” The most obvious feature for me was the ongoing popularity decline in Education as shown in this image. We also know...
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5 things you may not have known about NAPLAN

7 May

For many years I researched the effects of NAPLAN and high-stakes testing. The research I discovered from the pre-NAPLAN years, revealed an overwhelming amount of evidence that clearly demonstrated the adverse effects high-stakes testing has on students, their...
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Multi-player Thumb Wrestle – Fun with Learning

17 Nov

At the end of the teaching year we often see tired students and teachers – it is all that concentration, hard work and growth. Here is a fun activity idea, but first watch this video: I wonder...
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20 Ways to Support Students with Dyslexia

23 Oct

October is Dyslexia Awareness month. So how can you help? Here are a few suggestions: 1) Audio texts to help with a love of books and learning; 2) Bigger spaces between words to assist with reading; 3) Provide...
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Treasure Hunt – A Learning Adventure

29 Sep

I love playing treasure hunts with kids, and so do they. Weekends and holidays are the perfect time for them. However, traditional treasure hunts require adults to hide items and write clues, which can take forever. Not...
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Number Cup Fun

11 Jun

It’s edumazing how you can use recyclable cups to develop number skills. To begin, number each cup (select numbers that support student’s developmental needs). You might also stick numbers onto cups (using blu tack, velcro, pegs...
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A Competitive Nation

30 Mar

Recently I presented at TEDx Rosalind Park. Within this talk, I shared the government’s vision for Australia to be in the top 5 internationally in limited areas of learning (Reading, Maths and Science) by 2025. It seems in order...
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10 Great tips to develop a love of reading

5 Nov

Make reading a positive experience Read to your students or child and choose texts they can really connect with especially texts they choose themselves. Use the magic of expression to bring the text to life. Choose humorous...
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Meet Ray Trotter: An edumazing leader

20 Aug

In 2006 whilst consulting for the Department of Education in Victoria, I visited Wooranna Park Primary School situated in Dandenong. I remember arriving and standing in the carpark noticing the building with its long corridor shape...
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