Research
Where evidence demands change
Original research commissioned by the Institute for Educational Reform. Each piece is designed to deepen understanding of student engagement and to spark debate and pave the way for real reform.
Latest Research
Review of recent evidence on student disengagement in Years 7-9
An independent ACER review examining disengagement across cognitive, emotional and behavioural dimensions and the factors shaping student experience in Victorian schools.
Voice, Choice, and Belonging: Understanding and responding to student disengagement in Victoria’s schools
A Monash University review by Fiona Longmuir examining how belonging, aspiration and student voice, choice and agency shape engagement for students in Years 7 to 9 in Victorian schools.
Full Paper Available Soon
Engagement in the middle years of schooling: The need for a mind jolt
A Federation University study by Associate Professor Amanda McGraw drawing on student drawings across three Victorian research projects spanning nearly 20 years to examine what young people depict as engaged learning and what classroom conditions get in the way of it.
Full Paper Available Soon
Technology as a Partner in School Reform
A paper by Ralph Saubern setting out both a vision for cognitively engaged middle years schooling and the case for how emerging educational technology makes that vision sustainable and scalable for the first time.
Full Paper Available Soon
Round Table
Student Engagement in the Middle Years: A Roundtable Conference
Hosted by the Institute of Educational Reform and chaired by Associate Professor Amanda McGraw, this one-day roundtable brought together researchers, teachers, school leaders, students, parents and industry experts to examine the nature and impact of student disengagement in Victorian middle years schooling.
Through structured provocation, discussion and creative activities, participants explored what engagement means in contemporary schools, what pedagogical approaches make a difference, and what research is still needed. The event was designed to act as a starting point for shared understanding, future planning and evidence-based reform.