Garment Production
Mathematics is translated through garment production using concepts such as ratio, proportion, measurement and geometric scaling.
Research
The translation of academic knowledge into practical capability.
CAST's current programme of applied research focuses on education systems, examining how curriculum, learning and institutional practice can strengthen the translation of academic knowledge into practical capability and measurable educational outcomes.
Flagship Programme
National Strategic Literacy Initiative (NSLI)
The National Strategic Literacy Initiative (NSLI) is CAST's flagship programme of applied research within its Education Systems portfolio.
The programme investigates how academic knowledge can be systematically translated into authentic occupational and community contexts to strengthen learner capability, contextual understanding and the practical application of curriculum knowledge.
Occupational Contexts
Where contextual learning begins
Applied Context Mapping identifies authentic occupations and industries through which curriculum concepts can be translated into meaningful learning experiences.
Woodworking
Physics is translated through woodworking using concepts including force distribution, equilibrium and structural stability.
Trade & Retail
Economics is translated through trading and retail using pricing logic, profit analysis and break-even analysis.
Classroom Translation
From Context to Classroom
NSLI translates authentic occupational contexts into structured classroom learning experiences through Action Cards and contextual learning activities, enabling learners to recognise how curriculum knowledge is applied beyond the classroom.
Research Components
The architecture of NSLI
NSLI brings together a set of integrated programme components that support the translation of academic knowledge into practical learning experiences and the generation of research evidence.
01ACI
Applied Contextual Intelligence
The conceptual model guiding how academic knowledge is translated into meaningful occupational and community contexts.
02ACM
Applied Context Mapping
A systematic process for identifying authentic occupations, industries and community settings through which curriculum concepts can be meaningfully applied.
03
Contextual Learning
Structured learning experiences that connect curriculum knowledge with authentic problems, environments and practical situations.
04
Action Cards
Instructional resources that translate mapped occupational contexts into structured classroom learning activities.
05
Quantitative Evaluation
The systematic measurement and analysis of programme outcomes to generate evidence capable of informing educational practice, curriculum development and policy.
Future Research
An expanding research portfolio
CAST's research portfolio will expand progressively into additional areas of applied systems research as new programmes are developed to address significant societal challenges through evidence generation and systems innovation.
Planned Programme
Health Systems
Planned Programme
Governance & Public Institutions
Planned Programme