Education systems worldwide are experiencing swift change - from the rise of generative artificial intelligence to increasing inequality and mounting pressures on teachers and students.
Educators are being asked not only to teach curriculum but also to support student wellbeing, inclusion, and democratic participation in a complex and rapidly evolving society.
These challenges are especially evident in regional and rural communities, where teachers often encounter extra barriers like workforce shortages and limited access to professional learning.
Researchers at Charles Sturt University's School of Education are investigating ways to make education systems more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to modern challenges.
Their work examines areas such as:
This research aims to better understand how schools can support diverse learners and strengthen education systems for the future.
In 2025, Charles Sturt researchers put this research into practice through What Are Schools For?, a free eight-part online seminar series aimed at sparking a national conversation about the purpose of education.
Led by researchers including Dr Natalie Thompson, Dr Jacquie Tinkler, Dr Ryan Al-Natour, Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod, Dr Nicholas Ruddell and Associate Professor Cate Thomas, the series explored topics such as:
The seminars aimed to be accessible to educators, students, and community members across Australia, especially those working in regional and remote areas.
The series drew nearly 1,000 registrations from across Australia and abroad, bringing together teachers, researchers, students, and community members in a collective discussion about the future of education.
By translating research into accessible public dialogue, the seminars helped educators:
Session recordings and resources continue to enhance professional learning for educators beyond the live events.
The seminar series has strengthened connections among researchers, educators and communities, helping ensure that research insights inform real-world classroom practice.
As an annual initiative, the seminar series will return in 2026, continuing to build momentum and foster collaboration across the sector.
Resources from the seminars are being made publicly accessible to support ongoing dialogue and professional learning in schools across Australia.
By making these resources openly accessible, Charles Sturt is extending the reach of its research - supporting educators across Australia, particularly in regional and remote communities, to engage with new ideas and apply them in practice.
Charles Sturt University aligns our research, policies, procedures, and other work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are the most relevant SDGs for this initiative.
