Being things to measure skills by
The temperature is heating up, not only outside but also in the headlines about Australia's results in the TIMMS international test results in maths and science. As a teacher and principal over many years, I suggest it's time to take a moment to sit down in the shade and do some thinking rather than reacting. Firstly, education is not a sporting contest. It's not about being at the top of the heap, it's about what you learn and how you learn it.
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Countries that produce the top exam results in mathematics and science don't necessarily produce the top mathematicians and scientists. When have we last heard about an important breakthrough in scientific or mathematical research from Kazakhstan, or for that matter from any of the countries at the top of the TIMMS international tests? That's because successful scientists and mathematicians work over a significant period of time pursuing complex problems that don't yield their answers in a two hour written test, and they work collaboratively, sharing ideas and data, patiently and persistently. They take time to reflect, test an idea, and accept or reject it.
The TIMMS international testing process bears no resemblance to the real processes that scientists and mathematicians go through to ultimately reach breakthroughs. Those countries are producing good test-takers. They might or might not be producing good scientists and mathematicians. If we look at the nature of those tests, we'll see that the tests are very narrow, only testing what can be tested in this kind of examination. They are certainly not grounds for comparing the state of science or mathematics in a particular country. We do have issues with maths and science education in Australia, but the TIMMS results reflect a very minor part of it. Let's think, not react, and we might make some headway on this important issue.
Norman Hunter, Chapel Hill
More critical than ever to be safe on our roads
As the festive season kicks off and our social calendars begin to fill up, it's timely to remind everyone to take extra care on the roads.
Many of us will travel long distances in the coming weeks for Christmas get-togethers and we know the roads become increasingly busy during this time of year.
It's critical that everyone plans their journeys, makes good decisions and looks out for each other on the roads to ensure we're all present for our loved ones this Christmas.
In the excitement of festivities it can be difficult to keep track of how many alcoholic drinks we have consumed and we know consuming as little as one drink impairs your judgement.
If you're planning on drinking any alcohol our advice is to plan a way home that doesn't involve driving.
Some of us will travel on unfamiliar roads this summer so it's important we all slow down, take regular breaks and drive to the weather and road conditions.
Let's all work together to keep each other safe so we can all enjoy Christmas with our families and friends.
Joe Calafiore, CEO TAC
Going backwards on landcare
This federal government never fails to enrage. The latest two actions are the axing of the Green Army, saving three and a half times more than what they are giving to Landcare, and secondly the promise to give $1billion to Adani to build its rail line from the proposed Carmichael coal mine to the Great Barrier Reef should the company raise the rest of the money.
Landcare had a Green Army team plant trees and weed another area recently.They were good kids, doing something worthwhile, learning the discipline of work. Perhaps the federal government is not up with the facts on climate change.
Jenny Goldie, Michelago
