Presentation

Paul Cobb completed an undergraduate degree in mathematics at Bristol University in England, and received a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Georgia in the US. He is currently Professor of Mathematics Education at Vanderbilt University, where he holds the Peabody Chair in Teaching and Learning. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education and is an Invited Fellow of the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences. His current research interests focus on instructional design, the classroom microculture, the broader institutional setting of mathematics teaching, and equity in students’ access to significant mathematical ideas. Paul will speak about numeracy and the impact of good teaching design for engaging middle years students, with a focus on the challenges students face in making the transition from “additive thinking” to the “multiplicative thinking” associated with understanding ratios, proportions and rates across the curriculum.

Presentation

Margaret Vickers' expertise in relation to the middle years, the transition from Primary to Secondary school, and the early precursors of early school leaving, is based on 30 years of research, support activities in schools; and policy development work. She began her working life as a high school teacher, and her career includes senior appointments in the Australian Public Service and the Paris-based OECD, where she participated in country reviews focusing on young people's transitions from school to work and further study. She is currently a Professor of Education at the University of Western Sydney. Margaret will speak on transition to secondary school and how attitudes to school that are formed during the middle years relate to later decisions and engagement with learning.

Presentation

Lyn Worsley is a registered psychologist who works in private practice with families, children and adolescents. She has a background as a registered nurse, an early childhood educator, a youth worker and was a teacher for over 10 years. Lyn is the Director of Alpha Counselling Services and uses a counselling approach which enables families and individuals to find constructive solutions to difficult situations. She regularly teaches at the Brief Therapy Institute of Sydney where her practical workshops on 'what works with kids' are popular. Lyn is the author of The Secret of Strong Kids? The Resilience Doughnut which provides ways of helping children and young people through stressful times. Lyn will share her extensive expertise in developmental psychology and discuss how schools can foster resilience and support student wellbeing.

Presentation

Jonathan Nicholas is Director of Programs for the Inspire Foundation - a national charitable organisation that uses technology to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. After working at the Foundation for over a decade, leading the development of programs such as the Foundation's flagship initiative, Reach Out!, Jonathan is now part of a leadership team developing Reach Out! in the USA and Ireland. He is also the Head of Inspire Interactive - a digital agency that specialises in developing technology-based initiatives for social change.

Jonathan has a background in child psychology and human rights. While working for the Foundation Jonathan has provided training to Indonesia on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and co-authored a report for UNICEF on the situation of children and women living in Cambodia. He will speak on using technology to support mental health and student wellbeing.