The International Classroom Research Collaboration. The International Centre for Classroom Research at the University of Melbourne is the hub of an international network of classroom researchers. Australian coordination of this major international research network ensures that the priorities and initiatives, characteristic of contemporary Australian education (eg problem-based learning, authentic assessment, and working mathematically) can be anticipated and accommodated in the research agenda o ....The International Classroom Research Collaboration. The International Centre for Classroom Research at the University of Melbourne is the hub of an international network of classroom researchers. Australian coordination of this major international research network ensures that the priorities and initiatives, characteristic of contemporary Australian education (eg problem-based learning, authentic assessment, and working mathematically) can be anticipated and accommodated in the research agenda of the International Classroom Research Collaboration. Connections with state departments of education, state and national professional associations, and Australian schools and school systems, ensure that the findings of this international collaboration will be communicated efficiently to schools and classroom practitioners in Australia.Read moreRead less
What are the determinants and effects of school choice? An international comparison between Australia and the UK. The project will provide a clearer picture of the determinants of school choice, most notably the impact of economic phenomena on that choice. For Australia, this will mean we have a better understanding of the competing explanations of the growth of students at private schools over the past three decades: the role of government subsidies; the role of demographic changes; the effec ....What are the determinants and effects of school choice? An international comparison between Australia and the UK. The project will provide a clearer picture of the determinants of school choice, most notably the impact of economic phenomena on that choice. For Australia, this will mean we have a better understanding of the competing explanations of the growth of students at private schools over the past three decades: the role of government subsidies; the role of demographic changes; the effects of increased income inequality; and the role of changes in preferences towards private schools. This information will provide a better evidence base for future policy development in this area.Read moreRead less
Classroom Learning Project. This collaborative research program involving eleven countries and fourteen research institutions addresses optimal practice in mathematics classrooms internationally. The program centres on the collaborative analysis of videotape, interview, test and questionnaire data related to "well-taught mathematics classes" in participating countries. Building upon the success of the Negotiation of Meaning Project (ARC Large, 1996/7/8) and the Learner's Perspective Study (ARC L ....Classroom Learning Project. This collaborative research program involving eleven countries and fourteen research institutions addresses optimal practice in mathematics classrooms internationally. The program centres on the collaborative analysis of videotape, interview, test and questionnaire data related to "well-taught mathematics classes" in participating countries. Building upon the success of the Negotiation of Meaning Project (ARC Large, 1996/7/8) and the Learner's Perspective Study (ARC Large, 1999/2000/2001), the Classroom Learning Project brings together an expert international team and a data set of unprecedented scope and complexity to advance the theory of learning and teaching in mathematics in a form that supports wide scale international practical implementation.Read moreRead less
A comparison of housing wealth and the welfare behaviour of Australians and Britons. This comparison of housing wealth as a cushion against adverse life course events in Australia and the UK will improve understanding of how government interventions impede or promote homeowner ability to unlock housing equity to meet welfare needs and uncover types of events precipitating housing equity withdrawal, and the ways this helps or hinders wellbeing in subsequent years of a household's life course. Giv ....A comparison of housing wealth and the welfare behaviour of Australians and Britons. This comparison of housing wealth as a cushion against adverse life course events in Australia and the UK will improve understanding of how government interventions impede or promote homeowner ability to unlock housing equity to meet welfare needs and uncover types of events precipitating housing equity withdrawal, and the ways this helps or hinders wellbeing in subsequent years of a household's life course. Given the paucity of knowledge about consequences of housing equity withdrawal, anticipated national benefits of this research include greater appreciation of sensible and sustainable use of housing equity withdrawal and sound management of the accompanying debt. Outcomes will impact positively on the priority area, Ageing Well, Ageing Productively.Read moreRead less
DNA Dynamics is Shear and Extensional Flows: Simulation and Single Molecule Experiments. The proposal seeks to establish a collaboration between Monash University and Stanford University in order to combine several recent experimental and theoretical advances that have been made by the individual groups in single molecule experimental techniques, extensional rheometry, and molecular rheology, to obtain new insights into the structure and dynamics of biopolymers. The central aim is to make a sign ....DNA Dynamics is Shear and Extensional Flows: Simulation and Single Molecule Experiments. The proposal seeks to establish a collaboration between Monash University and Stanford University in order to combine several recent experimental and theoretical advances that have been made by the individual groups in single molecule experimental techniques, extensional rheometry, and molecular rheology, to obtain new insights into the structure and dynamics of biopolymers. The central aim is to make a significant contribution towards bringing state-of-the-art techniques used for the characterization of polymeric systems to bear on the nature and origin of the elastic properties of biopolymers.Read moreRead less
Novel Materials for Dye Sensitised Solar Cells. Solar energy is the most attractive renewable energy source. Dye sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are one type of device that can harvest this energy, offering advantages of low materials cost and ease of fabrication when compared to alternative devices. This project aims to develop efficient, flexible DSSCs by using polymer substrates in place of glass. Novel surface modification approaches and microwave processing will be employed to fabricate the ....Novel Materials for Dye Sensitised Solar Cells. Solar energy is the most attractive renewable energy source. Dye sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are one type of device that can harvest this energy, offering advantages of low materials cost and ease of fabrication when compared to alternative devices. This project aims to develop efficient, flexible DSSCs by using polymer substrates in place of glass. Novel surface modification approaches and microwave processing will be employed to fabricate the nanporous semiconductor electrodes on polymer substrates and to improve cell efficiency. Improved dyes and new electrolyte systems, such as plastic crystals, will be incorporated into the cell to improve efficiency, durability and stability.Read moreRead less
Investigating the effectiveness of audio-graphic conferencing in real time on language acquisition at a distance. This project brings together recognised international experts in computer-mediated communication (CMC) and second language acquisition (SLA) in a large-scale investigation of the use of synchronous, internet-based conferencing using voice, text and image applications (audio-graphics) in second language acquisition. Distance learners at the British Open University and at Monash Unive ....Investigating the effectiveness of audio-graphic conferencing in real time on language acquisition at a distance. This project brings together recognised international experts in computer-mediated communication (CMC) and second language acquisition (SLA) in a large-scale investigation of the use of synchronous, internet-based conferencing using voice, text and image applications (audio-graphics) in second language acquisition. Distance learners at the British Open University and at Monash University will take part in a time-series analysis in which they are systematically involved in either traditional distance learning (text, audio, video, face-to-face) or internet-mediated audio-graphic conferencing in real time. Variables under investigation will be proficiency and language learning strategies.Read moreRead less