The ‘real problem’ with Victoria’s NAPLAN results

Victorian students have experienced the biggest drop in NAPLAN results in the nation and an education expert says there’s a “fundamental issue”.

The state recorded serious declines in year five numeracy and grammar and year nine spelling.

Senior fellow at the Australian Catholic University Kevin Donnelly, who is also a former English teacher, says there are several factors at play.

“When you compare Victoria to the other states and territories we’re generally doing ok, but the real problem is if you look at our results in Victoria … we’re actually going backwards compared to what we were able to do,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“Part of that is COVID.

“But the other point here … is boys once again are disadvantaged. There’s a fundamental issue here.”

Mr Donnelly says teaching methods and materials in use at our schools suit girls better than boys.

“We need to get back to what they call more explicit teaching, particularly in primary school. You shouldn’t have kids sitting around on the floor with their laptops, you should have the teacher at the front of the room,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear what Mr Donnelly says needs to change