This chapter explores some of the characteristics of playcentres as communities of learners, as well as describing schema learning and teaching and how it came to be integrated into Wilton Playcentre's curriculum and practices.

Book chapter in: Catching the waves: Innovation in early childhood education.  Wellington: NZCER Press, 2005. p. 45-53

This chapter describes the multiple meanings of curriculum and the changing way the school curriculum has been conceptualised over time. International and local influences on curriculum are discussed, as is the changing focus of curriculum in terms of content and process. A number of curriculum development models are outlined and the role research plays within this development process is explored. Finally, future possibilities for curriculum are highlighted.

Book chapter in: International ...

Here are the papers from NZCER's annual conference. The presenters put forward some challenging ideas. What differentiates an "expert" from an "experienced" teacher? Which pedagogies and assessment practices make a difference to student learning outcomes: both social and academic? Do good teachers necessarily always deliver good teaching and how do we know? What makes sustainable school improvement possible?

Conference participants reflected on these questions and their perspectives are also included.

This publication contains the papers from the third semi-annual NZCER conference on research into educational policy, Self-Managing Schools, held in Wellington, New Zealand, 28 June 1991.

The papers represent widely differing viewpoints on school self-management. Overall, "People from schools were not yet convinced that full bulk funding would solve their present problems of under-resourcing and workload, or allow better progress toward the goals of equal educational opportunity and improved learning ...

Making Progress—Measuring Progress presents leading thinking on what it means for students to progress, and how might we usefully measure it.

The proceedings from NZCER’s thought-provoking 2008 conference, Making Progress—Measuring Progress draws together ideas from influential figures in New Zealand education, including keynote speakers Margaret Carr and Jeffrey Smith.

Margaret Carr, Professor of Education, University of Waikato, explores a range of ways progress can be constructed.

National Educational Monitoring ...

In this book United States researchers contribute their insights to New Zealand thinking on the important topic of student engagement. Professor Jeremy Finn describes what drives student disengagement and the key components to tackling it. Sandra Christenson focuses on Check & Connect, a practical programme targeting the most at-risk students and aimed at reducing school dropout rates. From New Zealand, Russell Bishop explains the Te Kotahitanga effective teaching profile and ...

This is a collection of papers from the NZCER conference on Effective School Self-Management, held in Wellington, New Zealand in October 1998.

The relevance of traditional schooling for many students in the secondary sector, particularly in the post-compulsory years, is in question. The conference presenters explored a diverse range of ideas but all pointed to accumulating evidence that new ways of thinking and different skills from those that have been traditionally valued in schools are needed.

The presenters put forward some challenging ideas:

• Changing Lanes: Young people making sense of pathways (Karen ...

An emerging influence in early childhood education policy and practice is a focus on the rights and perspective of the child.

This 2001 NZCER conference explored the role of early childhood services in fostering competent children, active in their own contribution to society, and engaged in settings that are inclusive of all children and their families. An emphasis was on the implications for policy, practice, and research, considered alongside the ...

Visions for Mäori Maori Education brings together a mosaic of views and thoughts on Māori education for the future. It offers a range of perspectives from a number of contributors including parents, politicians, and teachers.

Issues of tino rangatiratanga, Māori pedagogy, and the responsibilities of Māori educators and politicians are discussed. Highlighting these and other relevant issues will contribute to strategies that break through barriers and support positive initiatives.

This ...