Exploring problem-based learning in school-based STEM education: Insights from our Fifth (& Final) Professional Learning Day

For Phase 3 of #theSTEMproblem, we have been co-developing a pedagogical framework for PBL in STEM Education with expert teachers. To create this framework, our final two professional learning days have been designed to support teachers in discussing and documenting their insights from implementing problem-based learning (PBL) in STEM education in their schools.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/insights-from-our-fifth-and-final-professional-learning-day>

STEM teachers recognised with national prize

Each year, the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching recognise the critical role primary and secondary school educators play in inspiring and encouraging students to take up an interest and consider careers in STEM. Last night, Judith Stutchbury and Donna Buckley were named winners of the 2023 prizes.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/stem-teachers-recognised-with-national-prize>

How schools can use digital technology for impact

While COVID-19 has kicked off a digital revolution in classrooms, Australia still has room to grow when it comes to tech-driven education.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-schools-can-use-digital-technology-for-impact/283449>

School kids teaching older Australians how to use latest technology

Seniors are getting a crash course on recent technology as part of a campaign aimed at closing the digital gap.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/school-kids-teaching-older-australians-how-to-use-latest-technology-20231018-p5edeb.html>

Seniors learn new technology from school kids

Helen Macris retired from teaching 12 years ago, which was around about the last time that she seriously used a computer.

<https://www.9news.com.au/national/seniors-learning-new-technology-from-school-kids/1ae4457d-2974-4d63-acf1-063bdd5bc959>

Remote Study in 2024: How Sunraysia Students Can Stay Motivated

For Aussie students living in regional areas, remote learning has become a crucial part of their educational journey. However, keeping students focused and motivated can be difficult because classmates and teachers are not physically in the same environment, which leads to less supervision.

<https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/education/6215247/remote-study-in-2024-how-sunraysia-students-can-stay-motivated> 

Bold pilot program aiming to increase STEM participation in low socio-economic schools [subscription]

A promising new pilot program has been launched to encourage more students in low socio-economic schools to enter physics and engineering careers.

<https://educationhq.com/news/bold-pilot-program-aiming-to-increase-stem-participation-in-low-socio-economic-schools-157684/>

Blue Mountains students solving real-world STEM challenges

From coding and robotics to biodiversity and bushfire regeneration, Blue Mountains students are learning new skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

<https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/8382370/blue-mountains-students-solving-real-world-stem-challenges/>

400 students explore science, technology, engineering and maths at Hunter School Expo [subscription]

FROM navigating a flight simulator, to tinkering on batteries and engaging with a robot, 400 students from public and private schools across Newcastle and the Hunter gathered for the 2023 Hunter School STEM Expo.

<https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8388362/stem-expo-an-eye-opener-for-students-career-aspirations/>

Rutherford Technology High STEM students win best pitch for biodegradable packaging [subscription]

A TEAM of year 8 students at Rutherford Technology High School have won a statewide competition for inventing a business idea on biodegradable packaging for milk products.

<https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8390771/team-dairyway-win-best-business-idea-for-eco-friendly-milk-packaging/>

ChatGPT is landing kids in the principal’s office, survey finds

Ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene last year, a heated debate has centered on its potential benefits and pitfalls for students. As educators worry students could use artificial intelligence tools to cheat, a new survey makes clear its impact on young people: They’re getting into trouble.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90966620/chatgpt-is-landing-kids-in-the-principals-office-survey-finds>

I'm a Maths Teacher. Graphing Calculators Taught Me a Thing or Two About AI

Yes, this technology changes everything. But it's also an opportunity to make your teaching better and your content more relevant.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-im-a-math-teacher-graphing-calculators-taught-me-a-thing-or-two-about-ai/2023/10>

Reading Instruction and AI: New Strategies for the Big Education Challenges of Our Time

Join the conversation as experts in the field explore these instructional pain points and offer game-changing guidance for K-12 leaders and educators.

<https://www.edweek.org/events/k-12-essentials-forum/reading-instruction-and-ai-new-strategies-for-the-big-education-challenges-of-our-time>

How Google Classroom help teach kids where their food comes from

One common obstacle for children with disabilities is picky eating habits. Often, this is because they don’t fundamentally understand what it is they’re eating: what ingredients are in it, how it was cooked, and how it ended up on their plate. This kind of unknown can create an uneasy sense of anxiety around the meal.

<https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/25-toyama-daigaku/>

Eight how-to guides for educators: Quickly get started with Microsoft Education classroom technology solutions

Each school year may bring new adventures and challenges but learning how to use new technology in your classroom shouldn’t be one of them. Since we know you’re busy, we’ve put together a list of eight free how-to guides to help you quickly get started with Microsoft Education solutions in your classroom.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/09/eight-how-to-guides-for-educators-quickly-get-started-with-microsoft-education-classroom-technology-solutions>

Thank you, teachers, for your dedication and expertise

In the dynamic field of education, teachers are the unsung heroes who shape the minds of our future generations. While we often hear phrases like "it's not rocket science," it's time to challenge that notion. Teaching, in fact, stands as one of the most intricate and challenging professions, often surpassing the complexity of rocket science.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/10/thank-you-teachers-for-your-dedication-and-expertise>

Ensuring secure, safe experiences for every school

World-class security and secure learning experiences are pillars that guide how Microsoft approaches cybersecurity in education. We recognize that cybersecurity is a top concern across this nation—from IT professionals who provide frontline support to technology decision makers that purchase services—and our solutions reflect both their needs as well as our expertise as a leading security company.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/10/ensuring-secure-safe-experiences-for-every-school>

Fostering STEM Diversity And Inclusion Through Robotics And Turkey

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Robert Jones, a social investor focused on K-12 STEM enrichment within the greater NYC area. Through his organization, Hand & Mind LLC, Robert has a decade of experience helping K-12 schools, universities and community organizations develop programs to increase participation in STEM for historically underrepresented K-12 students.

<https://www.forbes.com/sites/paologaudiano/2023/10/18/fostering-stem-diversity-and-inclusion-through-robotics-and-turkey/>

How STEM Education Improves Student Learning

Why should a child learn STEM? Perhaps they aren’t particularly interested in timetables or the periodic table (I know I wasn’t when I was a kid!), and you don’t want to force it on them.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/how-stem-education-improves-student-learning/>

Simplifying text-based programming - the micro:bit Python Editor, one year on

Celebrating a year of the micro:bit Python Editor, bringing simple text-based programming to even more students around the world.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-16/microbit-python-editor-one-year-on/>

10 times teachers were legends with micro:bits

There are lots of creative ways to bring coding to life with micro:bits, and we've picked some of our favourites to celebrate World Teachers' Day. Thank you to all the incredible educators who are bringing digital skills into classrooms all over the world.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-05/10-times-teachers-were-legends-with-microbits/>

Supporting science teaching with the micro:bit

Get ready for UNESCO's World Science Day on 10 November with BBC micro:bit's practical science investigations in class and outdoors, working with data and learning some core skills of scientific enquiry.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-02/supporting-science-teaching-with-the-microbit/>