24 November 2002 Media Statement

Government boosts research into teaching and learning

New funding for research into teaching and learning in New Zealand aims to build on our knowledge of how to better lift students’ achievement, Education Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

The funding was announced in this year’s budget and provides $1 million every year from June 2003. It will fund research into teaching and learning in all sectors from early childhood to tertiary.

“Teaching and learning is at the heart of education. The evidence clearly shows that effective teaching and learning play a crucial role in supporting achievement, irrespective of where our students are learning,” Trevor Mallard said.

“Teachers work every day with a diverse range of students. There is always room for improving our understanding about what works for all our learners in their different environments.

“An advisory board has been set up to identify the critical issues around teaching and learning and establish what research-based information would be useful for the education sector. It is made up of representatives of organisations who have a strong interest in improving the quality of teaching and learning and whose role in the education sector allows them to bring specific insight to this initiative,” said Trevor Mallard.

The Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Advisory Board, is now seeking expressions of interest from people wanting to co-ordinate the programme for the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative. The due date for expressions of interest is 16 December 2002.

ENDS

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