Opinion

Views and analysis of the issues affecting our members, their students and the wider community, plus our regular columns and cultural reviews.

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Book review: Facts* And Other Lies, Ed Coper (Allen & Unwin)

Communications expert Ed Coper’s latest book is fascinating reading for anyone who finds themselves wondering what happened to good old-fashioned common sense.

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Let them lead the way

When A.J. BETTS went to school, she didn’t have much faith in the democratic process. But, as a federal election looms, she finally sees the benefits of student involvement in the decision-making at school.

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TV review: Jagged (HBO)

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has listened to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ that she is a candid and articulate speaker – with a lot to say.

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The leadership paradox

From politics to education, why do we so often end up with leaders who seem unsuited to the job?

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The things that hold us together

For LUCY TRELOAR, elections are an expression of social cohesion and a key way to make our voices heard, even if our hopes are frequently dashed.

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My Favourite Things: Podcasts for teachers

Whether commuting in the car or out for that daily walk, podcasts can be a useful friend to keep you company, and a chance to learn something new. Here are a few entertaining and thought-provoking options specially created for educators.

History shouldn’t get the ‘Kondo treatment’

The history curriculum should not be used as a political football – nor can we only keep the bits that “spark joy”, argues education expert REBECCA CAIRNS.

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The lowdown: So, what is government for?

With a prime minister like Morrison, you could well be forgiven for asking, writes MYKE BARTLETT.

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Book review: A Dream Life, Claire Messud (Tablo Publishing)

★★★★ Award-winning American author Claire Messud turns her attention to Australia in her latest, a novella set in the 1970s.

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Film review: Here Out West (Mind Blowing Films)

Emotionally glowing anthology film ‘Here Out West’ addresses injustice and under-representation for those living in Sydney’s western suburbs at its very roots.

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Our summer reading guide

More than ever, AEU members deserve a long and relaxing summer break accompanied by a stack of excellent books. Here are our recommendations and a chance to win a selection!

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Book review: Love and Virtue, Diana Reid (Ultimo)

Diana Reid’s debut is a campus novel very much of our times.

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Film review: A Boy Called Christmas (STUDIOCANAL)

Clever and inventive, it’s that rare thing – a Christmas treat that won’t leave you with sugar shock.

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Film review: Sun Children (Korshid) (SBS on Demand)

Celebrated Iranian director Majid Majidi’s latest in a series of films exploring the fate of children on the margins is one of his most affecting yet.

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TV review: Preppers (ABC TV)

Nakkiah Lui’s latest comedy show for the public broadcaster is perfectly timed for our increasingly possible end times.

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Farewell to Webex

In the early days of 2020, Webex presented as competent, clean and organised. Two years on, A.J. BETTS can’t wait to see the back of this on-again off-again ‘colleague’ that has pervaded our professional and personal lives.

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Watch and learn

Politicians have an obligation to address the source of young people’s anxiety about climate change, not belittle their fears as “alarmist”, argues social researcher REBECCA HUNTLEY.

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My favourite things: Virtual tours

Looking for some student ‘excursions’ that don’t involve leaving the classroom? One upside of lockdown has been the expansion of virtual tours, beaming us into zoos, aquariums, museums and galleries around the world.

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The social contract

LUCY TRELOAR: Has tribalism replaced the idea of the common good? What does society do when people turn away from the social contract?

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True stories: Fostering critical thinking one tale at a time

TRAVIS MCKENZIE: What single resource provides the perfect means for ensuring every student graduates with the compassion and understanding needed to live in a functioning democracy?