As an independent organisation, DSF is able to undertake and initiate important
research in our key priority areas. Below you will find a list of our most recent
papers. You can also access the paper archives by clicking on the link on the
right hand side.
A speech by Jack Dusseldorp, DSF's Chair, to the Leading Lifelong Learning conference being held across Tasmania during July 2005. It responds to the major challenge in education today: what is required to really focus on the needs of learners.
A copy of the address given by Lesley Tobin at the Big Brother Big Sister's 'STAND BY ME' conference - Australia's first ever national conference on mentoring.
Welcome Speech for the Learning Choices Expo held in Sydney, June 2004. The Expo brought together practitioners, policy makers, researchers and students working with young people whose needs are being met through a diverse range of learning options.
Dale Murray and Russell Kerr are alternative educators whose practice is being shaped by recent visits to learning alternatives overseas. Schools and programs with innovative pedagogy, curricula and confronting ideas in the United States, Italy, Britain and New Zealand will be showcased in a discussion about what Australian practitioners can learn from overseas.
'Alternative education' is thriving in New Zealand. There is an impressive range of exciting programs and approaches, innovative ideas, and a particularly strong tradition in indigenous education. The New Zealand Government is backing practitioners with policy recognition as well as explicit encouragement and support for networking and development among practitioners themselves. This workshop offers some tantalizing food for thought from our trans-Tasman cousins and an opportunity to discuss ideas, actions and the development of an Australian Community of Practice.
Developing a world class university sector is a fine objective, but this will be severely compromised unless he can also address Australia's chronic level of early school leaving.
