Welcome to Cairns and this AARE Focus Conference. We trust that you will find the interactions with colleagues rewarding, and also have time to experience some of the delights of the reef and rainforest environment.
The context for educational research at the present time is full of challenge. Politicians and policy makers increasingly express a desire for 'evidence-based practice', raising important questions about what kinds of educational research can best meet these needs. The Australian Government's Research Quality Framework has the potential for major impact on the way in which educational research is conducted. The parallel focus on accessibility raises important issues in identifying the impact of our research. It is difficult to think of any earlier time when it has been more important that we scrutinise our research practices and how we present their results to our various audiences.
The conference program has been designed to address these issues. We are pleased to be able to offer a varied and impressive range of activities, with what we hope is a productive balance of addresses, papers, panels and workshops. Thanks to all who have contributed to this program; the commitment to research of all the presenters here has ensured an excellent base for the conference deliberations.
This is the first AARE 'Focus' conference.1 Its aim is to give serious and constructive consideration to important principles and directions in educational research, and to propose how the education community might promote them in the face of the challenges mentioned. We invite your input and look forward to a busy but rewarding two days.
The work of those contributing to the conference organisation is much appreciated, including the members of the conference organising committee, and especially Peter and Ruth Jeffery, whose diligence and commitment have been indispensable.
Please enjoy your time here, and what we trust will be a stimulating conference.
Rob Gilbert and Colin Baskin
Convenors