Reading in the Hyperconnected Information Era: Lessons from the Beijing Ticket Scam

Alison Ruth
Griffith University

Abstract
In this paper I argue that the kinds of literacy needed for making sense of information on websites is more nuanced and embedded in our everyday context that we are currently providing for learners. The kinds of analysis of websites which allow the processing of information in context are presented. This is demonstrated by an analysis of a scam site, which sold non-existent tickets to the Beijing Olympics and a description of a phishing attempt at Twitter. The skills required to understand information presented on the web have evolved far quicker than the parallel shifts in road safety skills, and people are now required to read web sites contextually if they are to be able to make informed decisions about information available on the World Wide Web. It is proposed that this is achieved through education rather than filtering out undesirable information.

Transformational Learners: Transformational Teachers

Marguerite Jones
University of New England

Abstract
Transformational learning, according to Mezirow (1981), involves transforming taken-for-granted frames of reference into more discriminating, flexible ‘habits of mind’. In teacher education, transformative learning impacts on the development of students’ action theories, self-efficacy and professional attributes. Although considered imperative to reflective practice, not all students take a transformative, ‘double-loop’ approach to learning; reflexive and adaptive learning are also identifiable.
This paper discusses the integration of the three learning approaches in the conceptualisation of LEARnT Theory (Jones, 2008), whereby Learning evolves as: Efficacy informs Actions, and Reflection impacts Theory building. LEARnT integrates reflexive, adaptive and transformative approaches. In Reflexive approaches, learning is restricted, action theories remain covert, efficacy remains stable and actions are automated. In Adaptive learning, reflection is ‘single-loop’ in nature; it involves the modification of concepts whilst maintaining existing schema; theories of action, efficacy and behaviours may alter. LEARnT theory provides a challenging paradigm for a larger study into teacher education student learning approaches.

The School Professionals’ Role in Identification of Youth at Risk of Suicide

Shelley Crawford and Nerina J. Caltabiano
James Cook University
Cairns Campus

Abstract
The school professional is in a unique position to play a strategic role in the early identification and prevention of youth suicide. The current study assessed North Queensland teachers’ knowledge on youth suicide. The sample comprised 201 secondary school teachers. A survey research design was used and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Teachers scored, on average, 69% of the knowledge statements correct; however only 15% correctly recognized a high-risk situation. There was substantial variability in the accuracy of knowledge on youth suicide with some teachers maintaining high levels of knowledge, and others having very little accurate information. Findings highlight the need for youth suicide education for teachers in order to fulfil this ‘gatekeeper’ role in dealing with suicidal student.

Learning by Doing: Preservice Teachers as Reading Tutors

Suzanne Dawkins
Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia
Marie-Eve Ritz
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Western Australia
William Louden
Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia

Abstract
Whilst early childhood educators are well aware of the importance of meeting the needs of individual children when teaching ‘struggling readers’, finding the time for frequent one-on-one support is difficult. Studies have established that with a well developed and structured tutoring programme, as well as high quality training and supervision, volunteers can be used to provide tutoring in a one-on-one early intervention reading programme. The current study suggests that there is an opportunity for preservice teachers to gain valuable information to increase their knowledge of the reading process, while providing effective support to schools as trained tutors. The small-scale exploratory study examines the skills and knowledge gained by preservice teachers while employed as trained tutors in an early intervention reading programme.

Interdisciplinarity: Bridging the University and Field of Practice Divide

Cathryn Hammond
Faye McCallum
University of South Australia

Abstract
Modeling inter-disciplinary teaching and learning practices within a critical pedagogical framework has produced powerful learning outcomes for graduates of the Primary/Middle Bachelor of Education degree at the University of South Australia. This paper explores the notion of how best to prepare beginning teachers to work with students in their middle years of schooling in Studies of Society and Environment. Of particular focus are teacher education courses that model interdisciplinary ways of working. The inquiry found that interdisciplinary course work was replicated and built upon by beginning teachers and where schools encouraged the notion of interdisciplinarity beginning teachers flourished as designers of curriculum. The authors argue that Studies of Society and Environment is currently well placed to be incorporated into interdisciplinary curriculum frameworks and assist in meeting the goals of middle schooling philosophy.

Exploring Greek Teachers’ Beliefs Using Metaphors

Kasoutas Michael and Malamitsa Katerina
Faculty of Primary Education
University of Athens
Greece

Abstract
When teachers describe their roles through metaphors, they also construct specific personal meanings about teaching. Despite the frequency with which teachers and teaching are treated metaphorically there has been no previous systematic attempt to explore them in Greece. Our paper seeks to fill this void by examining the various metaphors used by teachers to describe the experience of teaching and suggests how and to what extent the understanding of the metaphors can be useful in exploring teachers’ beliefs and how they may contribute to teacher education programs. A questionnaire was devised to a sample of 156 in-service teachers which focused on teachers’ metaphors and their beliefs about teaching, teacher-student roles, classroom climate and their beliefs about knowledge. The findings of our research illustrate the various metaphors that Greek teachers hold, indicating that they have probably not elicited and elaborated them.