Students from the programHow do we help students to develop intelligent behaviours? A number of Australian schools have been working together with the Australian National Schools Network in a research circle to explore the use of the 16 Habits of Mind in their classrooms. Their aim: to help students become better thinkers and know how to draw from a repertoire of strategies when they don't know what to do and develop the habit of doing so.

Head, Heart, Hands shows the story of several schools piloting digital portfolios.

It all began when the ANSN developed a research circle and teachers came together to learn about digital portfolios, share ideas and develop plans.

The teachers went back to their schools and put the ideas into practice.

During 2005 and 2006, ANSN National Coach Viv White worked with numerous innovative Victorian teachers and educators to develop a deeper understanding of students' learning and their capabilities.

Three networking Hubs were established by the ANSN during this time: the Habits of Mind, Relational Learning and Authentic Assessment – Digital Portfolios and Exhibitions Hub. Through this work, more than 300 schools from across the state benefited directly from workshops, conferences, school visits and other activities. Members had access to high level, ongoing professional support and learning that in many cases resulted in significant improvements to teaching and learning practices in schools.

On behalf of the ANSN, Viv White now invites you to take part in the Authentic Assessment Hub for 2007. The attached brochure has more information and registration details.

This report is compiled from the experience of teachers involved in the 2004 ANSN Digital Portfolio and Authentic Learning research circle.

Authentic Assessment KitThis kit examines some of the key issues surrounding authentic student assessment drawing on the expertise of two renowned educationalists, Nancy Mohr and Dinah Gieske. Both teachers work at University High School in the Bronx, New York. This school is internationally known for its work on assessing genuine achievement through its ‘roundtable': student graduation through exhibition. It also includes a study of The Grange Secondary College in Victoria assessment by exhibition.