Research
Domain 05
Future &
Innovation
The Barker Institute will undertake research projects that will provide research-informed practical advice and guidance to educational practitioners and leaders about intercultural learning and understanding.
Our Purpose
Rationale
The capability of students to learn about and engage with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect is an essential part of living with others in the diverse world of the 21st century.
An increasingly culturally diverse student population, together with the school’s commitment to Indigenous Education, is shaping an educational environment where intercultural learning and understanding can be explicitly valued, and directly and indirectly taught with greater intentionality.
This presents an opportunity for further investigation into how intercultural learning and understanding can help prepare young people for life, citizenship and employment in multicultural societies and in a globalised world.
Through the Barker Institute’s research in this domain, Barker can help education systems rethink goals, content and methods with a focus on the kinds of human beings that schools are educating and the kinds of societies – open, cohesive, respectful and supportive – that are valued.
Research Questions
Potential projects may explore questions such as:
- How can intercultural learning and understanding help prepare young people for life, citizenship and employment in multicultural societies and in a globalised world?
- How might schools measure the development of intercultural competency and intelligence in an effective manner?
- How might the diversity of world languages, cultures and thinking be integrated into teaching in such a way as to inspire every learner?
Targeted Publications
In addition to disseminating ongoing research in and thinking around intercultural learning and understanding via its website, social media networks, and its journal Learning in Practice, the Barker Institute will work towards publishing its research in this area in such journals as:
- Journal of Home Language Research
- Journal of Research in International Education
- International Education Studies
Publications
International Human Rights Under Pressure - What can Barker do?
Patricia Garcia AO, international human rights advocate and Partnership Development Manager at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), opened the final Barker Institute event for 2023. The IEP is an independent global think tank that aims to create a paradigm shift in the way the world thinks about peace. It undertakes innovative research, including a study of Education and Peace which the IEP is producing for the World Bank and Global Partnership for Education this year. Reflecting on her personal and professional experiences, Garcia presented a call to action in support of the idea of education not just as a human right but as an enabling right. She emphasised the role of schools in helping to shape a more peaceful world. The focus of schools on things like tolerance for difference and appreciation of cultural diversity are also great examples of how education is a significant contributor to peace.
- Dr Timothy Scott, with Bianca and Lachlan (Social Justice Captains)
- 10 November 2023
In Pursuit of Excellence: The Diverse Faces of Giftedness at Barker
Giftedness is a much discussed yet often misunderstood area of education. Within the Barker Community, we seek to support and celebrate giftedness across multiple domains.
- Matthew Hill
- 06 June 2023
If There is Hope it Lies in the Humanities
Recently the Sydney Morning Herald published an opinion piece: Students must learn how to get things wrong.
- Laura Craven
- 01 June 2023
Event: Year 7 Study Habits 2023
Notes from an interactive workshop to help Year 7 students and their parents develop good study habits
- Dr Matthew Hill
- 26 April 2023
The Barker Junior School Journey: Reporting on Years 3-6 from 2019-2022
The Barker Journey longitudinal study has now completed its fourth year. The subjects of the study are a group of students who celebrated the conclusion of their primary schooling in 2022. Detailed results reporting on the first four years have recently been shared.
- Dr Matthew Hill, Dr Timothy Scott
- 20 March 2023
ChatGPT. Reflections as a teacher. Thoughts as a researcher.
ChatGPT. It isn't changing the classroom. It changed the classroom. Past tense. And this change can be embraced.
- Dr Timothy Scott
- 24 February 2023
Publication of the 6th Edition of Learning in Practice: The Barker Institute Journal
Publishing the close-to-practice research that takes place within the Barker community is an important part of the Barker Institute’s role within the school. We are keen to share what has been learnt by experts in education, be those expert classroom practitioners, pastoral care and wellbeing leaders, or school leaders. Learning in Practice is a published conversation in which reflections on practice take place, and professional learning and development benefit.
- Dr Timothy Scott, Dr Matthew Hill
- 20 February 2023
"Barker.Institute" - A new repository of education thinking and research
The Barker Institute exists to use the rich intellectual resources of the school to facilitate learning and growth in the school and beyond. This new website allows for education research and good thinking from Barker to be accessed around the world.
- The Barker Institute Team
- 19 February 2023
A New Year. New Possibilities. New Artificial Intelligence.
I hope the year has commenced well for all students, families and Barker staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting new students and am enormously impressed by their capacity to manage the changes in their lives. Feeling the School’s life return after a break is one of the many delights of my role.
- Phillip Heath, AM
- 03 February 2023
Studying with your New Best Friend - the Chatbot!
In schools, we must be aware of the implications that emerging tools like ChatGPT and other responsive AI models could have on the teaching, learning and academic outcomes of students. Barker College is monitoring these developments with great interest to ensure positive educational outcomes for our community.
- Greg Longney
- 27 January 2023
AARE Conference 2022 – Transforming the Future of Education: The Role of Research
The Barker Institute was represented at the Australian Association of Research in Education (AARE) Conference in Adelaide last week including a presentation on the first four years of the Barker Journey. I had the opportunity to attend sessions on all four days of the conference on topics related to our Research Agenda before our own presentation on the final day.
- Dr Matthew Hill
- 05 December 2022
"Schools' research hubs put insights into action"
The Barker Institute featured in the Australian Financial Review
- 22 November 2022
Book Review - “10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And how we can get them right”
“10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And how we can get them right” by Dr Jared Cooney Horvath & David Bott
- Dr Matthew Hill
- 22 November 2022
Principal leadership in a time of change
What do schools look for in a Principal?
- 21 November 2022
Looking back on 2022
While only four years into the ten-year project, 2022 marks the end of the Junior School component of the Barker Journey study.
- Dr Timothy Scott
- 15 November 2022
Science Extension Public Lectures 2022
- 01 November 2022
Educating for Humanity & The Holistic Principle – Dr Neil Tucker
Holistic learning & Holistic education
- 08 September 2022
Improving Student Writing
During Barker’s Inaugural Rhetoric Week, parents gathered to learn how to support their children’s writing with Dr Ian Hunter, Founder of The Writer’s Toolbox.
- 25 March 2022
Online Learning Reflections – A video podcast
A guide through the Barker online learning journey from the perspectives of our digital learning leaders.
- Sarah Clifton
- 15 September 2021
Untangling You & Gratitude - Dr Kerry Howells
How to improve mental health with an "attitude of gratitude"
- 09 September 2021
Barker Online Learning - The interconnection of learning and wellbeing
What informs Barker's strategies surrounding online learning?
- 20 July 2021
Research for Learning Community – Research Forum
A brief introduction to the Barker Research for Learning Community
- 01 June 2021
A tour through the teenage brain - Dr Jared Cooney Horvath
- Expert advise on the neuroscience of brain development
- 22 April 2021
Progressive Reporting - Years 7-9 Parent Webinar
An introduction to Barker's Progressive Reporting strategy
- 05 March 2021
Introducing Peachy - The Barker Junior School Therapy Dog
A webinar to better understand the role of Peachy: The Junior School Therapy Dog
- 10 December 2020
Year 12 Science Extension Public Lectures One & Two
An annual lecture to look at the History and Philosophy of Science
- Dr Matthew Hill
- 16 October 2020
Scientific Research in Schools
Celebrating student Scientific research
- 21 September 2020
Where are the Big Thinkers in School Leadership Heading?
A discussion of educational leadership during a crisis
- 24 July 2020
The Science of Climate
The Science of Climate with expert meteorologist Richard Whitaker
- 04 March 2020
Families in the Digital Age - Every Parent's Guide
Toni Hassan discussed her new book "Families in the Digital Age: Every Parent's Guide"
- 26 November 2019
Meet the Film Director & Screening of the film - '2040'
The Director of the film '2040', Damon Gameau, talked with the Barker community after a screening.
- 04 November 2019
Yr 12 Science Extension Public Lectures One & Two
Public lectures on the history and philosophy of Science
- 29 October 2019
Ready to Blend with Heather Staker
Learning from the guru of K-12 blended learning, Heather Staker
- 30 August 2019
Anthony Wicht - Technology and Diplomacy
Anthony Wicht shared how satellites are at the heart of new realms of technology and of international diplomacy
- 05 June 2019
Twilight Lecture - Concussion in Sport : Dr Corey Cunningham
Leading doctor described the reality of concussion prevalence, testing and management in a sports context
- 17 May 2019
Franken(STEAM) Evening
- 20 August 2018
Agriculture After Dark, Twilight Series with Saxon Wright
Coffee tasting at Agriculture After Dark - Paddock to Cup of Coffee
- 19 October 2017
Learning Caskets - Staff professional learning and sharing
Session One of the Learning Caskets inspires Barker Teaching staff to stop, think and reflect on reading
- 04 August 2017
Teachers as Researchers and Leaders – Using evidence to inform and influence practice in education
The Research Lead Downunder – Changing roles in Education
- 13 February 2017
Neuroscience and Music Education Forum
Dr Anita Collins presented on how playing an instrument benefits your brain.
- 31 July 2015
Institute Opening: Dr Bartek Rajkowski's Address
After many months of planning, the official Barker Institute opening was a stunning success on the 5th of February
- 06 February 2015
Passive students or enquiring young minds? Shifting the mindset from learning to inquiry
A discussion of the NSW government’s 'Great Teaching, Inspired Learning – A Blueprint for Action'
- 23 September 2014