In this monthly series, we take a look at some further readings available on a particular topic, including open access research papers from various online catalogues. This month’s theme is parental engagement.

Dr John Munro joins Teacher to discuss gifted learners – in particular, how to identify these learners, how to understand their learning needs and how to encourage them to reach their potential in the classroom and beyond.

Dr Tanya Vaughan and Susannah Schoeffel share seven evidence-based recommendations on how to encourage metacognition and self-regulated learning to improve students’ learning outcomes, and investigate how to explicitly teach students to organise their learning.

In his final Teacher column of the year Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills, shares his key takeaways from this month’s Forum for World Education in Paris.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) move students’ thought processes beyond just memorising information. How can you go about building these skills into your everyday teaching and what are some of the simple activities you can use in the classroom?

In today’s Q&A, Indonesian early childhood educator Hikmah Mulia Dewi – who made the Global Teacher Prize top 50 this year – shares an example of a hands-on learning activity for students exploring the batik industry, and details of the programs she’s developed to involve parents and the community.

The young people of today are growing up in uncertain times as the effects of global climate change begin to permeate their everyday lives and communities. Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles joins Teacher to discuss her systematic review of climate change education.

Is it time to rethink the traditional end of semester report card? In the final part of a series on ACER’s Communicating Student Learning Progress project, Dr Hilary Hollingsworth and Jonathan Heard share findings from the three-year study.

What is the spiral of inquiry? What happens in each of the six stages? And, how can this approach to professional learning be used to support the complex work of leaders and teachers, and improve student learning?

The Indonesian Teacher Leaders Programme at Canggu Community School, in Bali, is focused on sharing best practice among staff and with teachers in the local community.