TransformUs, a world-first program created by Deakin University, positions physical activity as a teaching tool, a vehicle for increased student engagement, and a mechanism to create a positive classroom environment.
Classroom environments are significantly different to those teachers and students left a few years ago, a Deakin University spokesperson says.
“Currently there is significant burden on the education system including high levels of teacher attrition rates, absenteeism rates, and stress and burnout.
“Compounding this, we’ve also seen Australian students have experienced a steady decline in academic outcomes, where recent NAPLAN results reveal one in three students are not meeting basic literacy and numeracy expectations. There is also unparalleled levels of high student absenteeism rates, low engagement and high levels of poor mental health,” the spokesperson says.
Distinguished by its unparalleled scope and focus, Deakin University says its TransformUs program is uniquely positioned to assist principals and teachers to improve teaching quality, reinvigorate student engagement, and improve learning outcomes.
As such, TransformUs presents a timely opportunity to enhance the learning and wellbeing of all students across Australia, irrespective of age, background, location or ability.
TransformUs is an evidence-based, multi-award winning, whole-of-school education program targeting student engagement, inclusive education and proactive classroom management. Sixteen years of research evidence has shown the program to be effective at improving students’ engagement in learning, while simultaneously improving wellbeing outcomes.
To date, TransformUs is reaching over 700 schools, more than 2,000 teachers, and 52,000 students across the country.
It is currently free to register before the end of the year. Find out more at www.transformus.com.au.
What are people saying about TransformUs
“The kind of learning I enjoy the most is a type of learning that I can move around and be active, not just sit there doing work, boring! The active breaks help me get more ideas and to think a bit more clearly when I do my work.” – Year 3/4 student.
“Breaking up the lesson, and incorporating active components into it has made a huge difference to their learning, but also to our classroom management system within the school.” – Secondary school teacher
TransformUs offers comprehensive professional learning along with hundreds of educational resources tailored for school leaders and teachers. These resources are offered through webinars, a dedicated website, and a soon to be available user-friendly app.
The primary objective is to empower teachers in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, honing proactive classroom management techniques, enhancing student engagement, improving learning outcomes and supporting student wellbeing.
Via innovative and evidence-based instructional models and practices, TransformUs aims to enhances students’ learning engagement across a range of Learning Areas such as Mathematics, Science, English, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
All materials are tied to the Australian Curriculum, with each resource explicitly linking to the curriculum’s Strand, Sub-strand, Content Description, and Achievement Standard. These resources cater to students from Foundation to Level 10, accommodating diverse skill levels.
Additionally, TransformUs presents cross-curricular opportunities for students to develop their general capabilities, complementing the three dimensions of the Australian curriculum. Aligning with the vision of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, TransformUs aspires to foster learning for all young Australians through world-class curriculum.
Evaluation
While TransformUs is rolled out nationally, researchers at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University are conducting a research trial to evaluate the program. As part of the trial, teachers will be invited to provide feedback. Register now at www.transformus.com.au.
