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The Way Up, Down Under

Innovations shape learning at science and math school

By Learning Forward
April 2011
Vol. 32 No. 2
Professor John Rice, a pioneer of the Australian Science and Mathematics School (ASMS), posed the question: “How does teaching and learning in schools today speak to students about satellite navigation, biomimetics, laser tweezers, intelligent polymers, quantum computers, or artificial photosynthesis?” He recognized that schools’ curricula were at odds with the kind of science and mathematics driving the new economy. In addition to curriculum that lacked relevance to contemporary life, negative student attitudes and a shortage of qualified science and mathematics teachers were creating a crisis in the field that required a total transformation of existing models of senior science and mathematics education (Masters, 2006; Tytler, 2007). In 2002, a partnership between the South Australian Department of Education and Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, responded to

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Authors

Kerry Bissaker, Jim Davies, and Jayne Heath

Kerry Bissaker (kerry.bissaker@flinders.edu.au) is associate dean of international and community engagement and Jim Davies (jim.davies@flinders.edu.au) is associate professor at the School of Education, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. Davies is the former principal at Australian Science and Mathematics School and president of South Australian Principals Association. Jayne Heath (jayne.heath@flinders.edu.au) is assistant principal of professional learning, Australian Science and Mathematics School, Adelaide, Australia.

This article is based in part on Kerry Bissaker’s 2010 doctoral thesis entitled “The processes and outcomes of professional learning in an innovative school: The construction of an explanatory model.”

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References

Masters, G. (2006). Boosting science learning. Paper presented at the Australian Council for Educational Research Conference, Canberra, Australia. Available at https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference_2006/4.

Tytler, R. (2007). Re-imagining science education: Engaging students in science for Australia”s future. Camberwell, Victoria: Australian Council for Educational Research Press.


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