Whisper down the line: creating new spaces for reflection and dialogue around learning journeys between students, teachers and parents

This research was conducted as part of the Inhouse Inquiry project (Thornton, Phelps & Graham, 2010), a partnership between the Southern Cross University Centre for Children and Young People and the Catholic Education Office, Lismore, and was funded by the NSW and Federal governments through the National Partnership Teacher Quality Program. This initiative provided schools with resources (in the form of teacher release) and professional support to conduct a systematic action research project into an aspect of school academic performance with the guidance of a Southern Cross University partner from the School of Education. These projects focussed on specific aspects of teaching and learning in the school and on the effect of innovations, programs and/or school policies on improving student outcomes. The following article reports upon one such action research project and will be the first in a selection of articles to be featured in future editions of The Australian Educational Leader. This series will provide a window into the possibilities that emerge from schools undertaking such research projects in partnership with tertiary institutions.