Preparing our students for the jobs of the future No Images? Click here STEM and careersBy actively engaging students in authentic and challenging STEM learning experiences, we are creating learning environments that foster innovation and develop skills to prepare students for their future careers. The Australian Government regards high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education as critically important for our current and future productivity, as well as for informed personal decision-making and effective community, national and global citizenship. STEM education develops the specific knowledge and understanding of each of these learning areas and enables students to develop skills such as critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication. A STEM ‘talent shortage’ has been identified by Australian CEOs as one of their top business risk areas (SEEK Employment Trends, January 2018), but it also creates huge competitive job opportunities for Australians with science, maths, engineering and IT skills. The Australian Government is committed to improving the STEM skills of young Australians to ensure they have the skills they need to live and work in a globalised world. In this month’s ESA newsletter, we list some resources that you might find helpful as an educator to support learning in STEM. myfuture | STEM Biographical Bullseyesmyfuture has developed new Biographical Bullseyes to help students discover the types of occupations that are available by studying the STEM subjects of biology, chemistry, electro-technology, maths and physics. View the new STEM Biographical Bullseyes via the Assist others feature page. Digital Technologies HubSTEM, STEAM or its variations relate to an inter-disciplinary approach to providing students with the technical skills associated with science, technology, mathematics and sometimes the Arts, while integrating engineering, through design of a solution to a particular need or problem. Schools across Australia are responding to the broadly communicated message that STEM-based projects and related learning are imperative. They ensure that our students can effectively contribute to Australia’s workforce. The need for students to develop STEM technical skills is widely accepted throughout industry and education. According to the report Australia’s STEM workforce: A survey of employers, 'the most important skill or attribute in the workplace is the ability to learn on the job (active learning). This was followed closely by critical thinking and complex problem-solving'. Kelly Bauer is an experienced educator and through her role as STEM and Innovation Coordinator, advocates that, 'We need to work towards ensuring that STEM programs increase students’ problem-solving abilities'. Kelly suggests that 'Problem-solving is an area that is now necessary in all subjects. A focus on working technologically, and thinking mathematically and scientifically, is proposed as a method to increase students’ capacity for problem-solving. This, along with the opportunity to explicitly teach problem-solving strategies within a project-based applied STEM model, should see students apply these strategies to other learning areas'. Early childhood educator professional learningThe new Early Childhood Resource Hub professional learning modules are free and self-paced. You will receive a certificate once you have successfully completed one or more – they take about 30 minutes to complete. The modules support understanding of cultural competencies. The June newsletter focuses on the 'T' part of STEM: technology. Discover how one service is working with unplugged and coding activities. Find some useful resources for learning activities in maths, science, engineering and technologies. Discuss some new ideas at your next staff meeting. Plan for Science Week: 11–19 August 2018. Student Wellbeing HubEver thought about measuring student wellbeing? How would you go about it? Although there are many definitions of wellbeing, we know from evidence that students who feel connected to others and who experience safe and trusting relationships are more likely to be active participants in their learning. They’re also more likely to achieve better physical, emotional, social and educational outcomes – in short, experience high levels of wellbeing! So, that’s a good starting point. For resources, information and support about topics related to wellbeing visit the Student Wellbeing Hub. Schools Catalogue Information ServiceRecently publishedTaking reading for pleasure beyond the library What's new in Scootle?This month's selection has a strong Arts focus. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has released the first of a series of music resources; ACMI has published the 'Film It!' series, providing student-facing information and resources on film production techniques. Victorian schools will find the Cussen Park resources on the study of wetlands useful, and the NSW Department of Education has provided resources on a cross-curriculum study, and the study of Indonesian culture. Tasmanian Symphony OrchestraThe Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has created the first in a series of resources to support the music curriculum. Designed to help educators introduce students to classical music, the resources cover a range of musical themes across the year levels. The five below are already available in Scootle, with more to come.
Upcoming eventsConferences ESA is attending
Mark these dates in your calendar
Do we have your correct details?If your name or email address appears to be incorrect or needs to be updated, please use the 'Preferences' link at the bottom of this email to make sure we have the right information. |