Rachel Parker

Rachel Parker

Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research

Rachel Parker is a Senior Research Fellow at ACER who, with the support of the LEGO Foundation, has been researching the impact of learning through play at school for the past four years. Rachel is an education and development specialist with over 20 years’ experience working across the Asia-Pacific region on educational improvement programs for development partners such as ADB, DFAT, UNICEF and World Bank.

4 total results
I spy playful STEM learning at school
I spy playful STEM learning at school
Sept 26,2022

‘One class was a notable illustration of everything we know about quality in play-based learning.’ In this article, ACER Senior Research Fellow Rachel Parker shares the details of a playful STEM class she witnessed in the United States, where students were engaged in a crime scene investigation activity.

STEM, learning activities, international, reader submission, long reads
Not just ‘bad at maths’ – an introduction to dyscalculia
Not just ‘bad at maths’ – an introduction to dyscalculia
Apr 19,2022

‘Children with dyscalculia lack basic number sense, which affects every aspect of their ability to process numbers including performing arithmetic operations, understanding fractions and algebra.’ Rachel Parker, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research, gives an introduction to the neurological condition dyscalculia, including the signs, diagnostic tools and evidence-based ways to support students.
mathematics, numeracy, intervention, long reads
Learning through play – classroom examples
Learning through play – classroom examples
May 26,2020

ACER researchers Dr Amy Berry, Kellie Picker and Rachel Parker discuss some of the characteristics of playful learning at school, share examples of classroom practice, and explain how Australian teachers can contribute to our understanding of learning through play in the classroom.
learning activities, partnerships in education, international, research news, long reads
How can children learn through play at school?
How can children learn through play at school?
Mar 26,2019

A new study by the LEGO Foundation explores how children can learn through play beyond the early years, in order to develop a holistic set of skills along with academic knowledge, to thrive and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
learning activities, partnerships in education, research news, long reads