Talking Teaching

What if learning isn't just about what we know, but about who we become? Professor Guy Claxton joins Talking Teaching to unpack his fascinating journey through psychology and education, and discusses learning as a capacity, calling for a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching. In this episode, Professor Claxton together with our host, Dr Sophie Specjal, unpacks his critique of oversimplified teaching models and the central ideas behind his new book, Bodies of Learning. Professor Claxton reflects on the importance of integrating explicit instruction with inquiry, and highlights the role of embodiment, including movement and gesture, in deepening student understanding. Guy Claxton is an Emeritus Professor of the Learning Sciences at Winchester's Centre for Real-World Learning and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. Click the episode link for more information and key resources. Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to foe-news@unimelb.edu.au. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

Guests:Dr Scott Cameron is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Education with an interest in using technology and AI to support teaching and learning.Dr Carmel Mesiti is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and expert in mathematics pedagogies for both primary and secondary education.Mr Luke Clift is a practicing teacher at Kardinia International College, trialling AI in lesson planning and its use and impact in the classroom.Description:In this episode, Dr Sophie Specjal explores the evolving role of AI in mathematics education with Dr Scott Cameron, Dr Carmel Mesiti, and Mr Luke Clift. Together, they unpack the opportunities and challenges of using tools like ChatGPT for lesson planning, teacher workload, and student engagement. Drawing on research and classroom experience, the guests discuss the variability of AI-generated content, the importance of critical reflection, and the ethical implications of AI use in schools. This conversation offers valuable insights for educators across all disciplines.

Guests:Gert Biesta is a Professor of Public Education in the Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy, Maynooth University, and Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. Description:In this episode, Dr Sophie Specjal speaks with global education thought leader Professor Gert Biesta about the purpose of education beyond knowledge transfer. He shares his journey from post-war Rotterdam to his influential academic career, introducing his three-dimensional approach to learning—qualification, socialisation, and subjectification. They discuss the importance of high expectations, student engagement, and world-centered education, exploring how teachers can help students navigate the complexities of learning and life.

Professor John Quay is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education Rhian ap Rees is the Assistant Principal at Auburn South Primary School Darian Hunte is the Year 4 Teacher at Auburn South Primary School   For the first episode of season 9, Dr Sophie Specjal explores curriculum design and unit planning with Auburn South Primary School's Rhian ap Rees and Darien Hunt, alongside Professor John Quay from the Faculty of Education. They unpack a framework designed by Professor Quay, that blends backward design with inquiry-based learning to centre on student interests and teacher agency. Rhian and Darien share practical classroom examples, highlighting how creative, collaborative planning can boost students' motivation and engagement.

Guests: Professor Sandra Milligan is the Executive Director of Melbourne Metrics and expert in Assessment Research Jonathan Walter is the Principal of Carey Baptist Grammar School Description: In our final 2024 episode, Talking Teaching explores how Melbourne Metrics is transforming student assessment by going beyond academics. We speak with Professor Sandra Milligan from the University of Melbourne, leading Melbourne Metrics, and Principal Jonathan Walter of Carey Baptist Grammar School, an early adopter. They discuss the limitations of traditional metrics like ATAR and the development of alternative tools like the 'ATAR Plus' model. This approach balances academic rigor with personal growth, offering a more holistic view of student achievement. Hear how this new model is positively impacting students, parents, and schools, shaping the future of assessment. Links: Melbourne Metrics New Metrics Australian Learner Competency Credential Breaking the ATAR mould: A vision for change – The Educator 2024 A future without exams? It's closer than you think – ABC Brightside 2024 Could Victoria replace the ATAR? – ABC Radio 2024 School-university partnership aims to boost students' key life competencies – The Educator 2024 Future proofing Australian students with ‘new credentials' – Pursuit 2020

Guests: Dr Lara Mossman is a Wellbeing science expert and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science Dr Rachel Colla is a Teaching and Learning Innovation Lead and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Colla and Dr. Lara Mossman from the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education about teaching for wellbeing. They discuss the difference between teaching wellbeing skills and creating a classroom environment that fosters motivation and wellbeing. They share their "Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design" framework, offering practical tips on incorporating choice, fostering connection, and using theories like flow and achievement goals. Links: Self-Determination Theory in Education Coursera - Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson's class on Positive Psychology Centre for Wellbeing Science at FoE Colla, Rachel HH, and Lara H. Mossman. ‘Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design Framework: A Multi-Layered Approach to Facilitating Wellbeing Education through Learning Design and Educational Practice'. FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION, vol. 8, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1216658. Colla, RH, and CF Kurtz. ‘Storying Research: Exploring the Benefits of Participatory Narrative Inquiry as a Methodology for Wellbeing Research'. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-024-00147-4. Oades, LG, and L. Mossman. ‘The Science of Wellbeing and Positive Psychology'. Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316339275.003.

Guests: Professor Nikki Rickard is a professor of Wellbeing Science in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, with a focus on digital mental health and emotional regulation. Dr David Bakkar is a clinical psychologist, researcher and the Founding Director of MoodMission. Description: In this episode, Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Backer explore the effects of digital technologies on student mental health. They discuss the risks and benefits of apps, gaming, and social media, emphasising the need for balance. With a focus on digital hygiene education and teacher training, they call for a collaborative approach, including young people, in shaping healthier digital environments for students. Helpful Links for Teachers and Parents: Mood Mission - an evidence-based app designed to empower you to overcome feelings of depression and anxiety by discovering new and better ways of coping MoodPrism - a mood tracking app with advanced data collection abilities Beacon (created for parents, easy to use, lots of info in a digestible format, recommends safe apps kids and family, developed by Telethon Kids Institute and Dolly's Dream)  MIND (M-Health Index and Navigation Database) – searchable data base with practitioner reviews  Mindtools.io – smaller database, includes ratings and reviews­­ Reachout/tools-and-apps Research: Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of three smartphone apps for enhancing public mental health. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 109, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2018.08.003 Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). Development and Pilot Evaluation of Smartphone-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy Strategies for Mood- and Anxiety-Related Problems: MoodMission. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2018.07.002 Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2017). Engagement in mobile phone app for self-monitoring of emotional wellbeing predicts changes in mental health: MoodPrism. Journal of Affective Disorders. Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2019). Engagement with a cognitive behavioural therapy mobile phone app predicts changes in mental health and wellbeing: MoodMission. Australian Psychologist, 54, 245-260. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12383

Guests: Dr Sarah Young  is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood (REEaCh) Centre in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. Nicole Pilsworth is the Executive Manager, Early Learning at Gowrie Victoria and the Chair of the Victorian committee of Early Childhood Australia. Description: This episode explores the power of play in early childhood education. Learn how play supports brain development, enriches learning, and connects generations through new innovative projects. Learn practical strategies to enhance play in the educational setting without disrupting children's motivation, as well as how to navigate the challenges of new policy reforms and the rollout of universal funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria. Links: Teacher participation in young children's dramatic play - S Young, S Edwards, J Nuttall Examining early childhood teachers' attitudes and responses to superhero play - Megan Wiwatowski, Jane Page, Sarah Young The EDGE Study Gowrie Victoria A Continuum of Play-Based Learning: The Role of the Teacher in Play-Based Pedagogy and the Fear of Hijacking Play – Angela Pyle and Erika Danniels

The use of digital education and artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the new norm. In this episode, we are joined by Carlo Perrotta, an Associate Professor of Digital Education, and Dr. Matthew Fyfield, Deputy Principal of Mazenod College, who explore the intricate world of educational technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Together, they tackle ethical concerns, pedagogical responsibility, and the need for clarity in understanding digital tools, while envisioning what this all means for teachers.

In this special episode, we sit down with distinguished guests Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Professor Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas. Together, they discuss their recent co-authored book, 'Focused: Understanding, Negotiating, and Maximizing Your Influence as a School Leader,' offering a practical guide to educational leadership. From navigating challenges to enhancing student engagement, Watterston and Zhao provide strategic advice grounded in research and experience.

The release of the Universities Accord earlier this year marks a pivotal moment in higher education policy. Its recommendations address crucial aspects of the evolving higher ed landscape, including equity, funding, HECS/HELP, and living costs. These changes could profoundly influence the decisions of first-year students transitioning from school to higher ed, emphasising the pivotal role schools play in shaping their future trajectories. In this episode, Associate Professor Gwilym Croucher, an expert in Higher Education Policy, joins Principal Annette Rome of St. Margaret's Berwick in a dynamic dialogue. Together, they explore the potential impacts of the Accord, strategies for preparing school students for making decisions around their future, and how we ensure good outcomes for everyone.

Australian schools are recognising the growing importance of fostering inclusive spaces for neurodiverse students. Teachers play a vital role in creating belonging for these students. But how can we support teachers, to support neurodivergent students in the classroom? We speak to experts Jess Rowlings and Dr Matt Harrison, co-directors of Next Level Collaboration and passionate researchers in neurodiversity, about how teachers can support the learning of their neurodivergent students. We explore what neurodiversity is, how it presents in young people and practical strategies teachers can use in their classrooms.

In a world abundant with content, how can we harness literary education as a form of social change? How can we re-invigorate schools to be spaces to engage with uncomfortable truths and delicate subject matter in a respectful way? In this episode, Faculty of Education Deputy Dean and co-founder of the Literary Education Lab, Professor Larissa Mclean Davies, and English teacher and PhD candidate, Allayne Horton, help us uncover the vibrant world of literary education and explore how schools and teachers can effectively engage with texts to mould future perspectives.

In this episode, we are joined by two experts, to discuss the Nation School Reform Agreement, currently up for renegotiation. This joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories is designed to lift student outcomes in Australian schools and plays a pivotal role in school funding and addressing equity in education. Prof. Pasi Sahlberg and A/Prof. Glenn Savage, both influential in Australian educational policy, help us explore the future of the Agreement, its implications for teachers, and what we can hope for when deliberation concludes in December 2024.

In this episode, we learn how to bolster both climate and sustainability literacy, and support climate action in the classroom. Listeners will discover how we can empower students to not only understand the science but also engage in meaningful conversations about our changing planet. We explore how teachers can create safe spaces for students to process their feelings about climate change and how schools are implementing sustainable practices, fostering a sense of agency and hope. We speak with three academics from the Faculty of Education: Professor Marcia McKenzie, the Associate Dean (Sustainability) and Director of the MECCE Project, as well as Associate Professor Kate Coleman and Dr. Sarah Healy, the co-directors of the Speculative Wanderings in Space and Place (SWISP) Lab. Additionally, Jenny Williams, Principal of Firbank Grammar, shares insights from a school perspective.

In this episode, we delve into the future of education in Australia, exploring ideas to reimagine the purpose of schools by shifting the focus from academic achievement to whole-child development, paving the way for healthier, more equitable futures for all students. With insights from experts A/Prof, Jon Quach from the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne and Prof. Sharon Goldfeld from Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children's Hospital, along with educators Erin Brass from St. Ambrose Parish School and Karlie Price from St. Peters Primary School, we'll discuss the importance of equally prioritising health and wellbeing with academic achievement within Australian schools.

In this episode, we delve into the stories of three remarkable Indigenous women significantly impacting the educational landscape across Australia. From overcoming challenges to integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledges into curriculums, our guests share their wisdom and expertise, providing valuable lessons for anyone passionate about education. Listeners gain insights into their experiences, achievements, and the transformative work they are doing in their communities, highlighting the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping educational policies, practices, and outcomes. For more information visit https://go.unimelb.edu.au/p4ys

Artificial Intelligence or AI has well and truly arrived. As ChatGPT and DALL-E become mainstream, warnings in the media about this new technology are growing, including its impact on education and assessment. But AI also offers exciting opportunities to enhance learning, think creatively, alleviate workloads and embrace inclusivity. In this episode we de-mystify the question; is AI in the classroom a friend or a foe?   Helping us explore this evolving conundrum and share the inspiring possibilities of new tech and tips on how teachers can start exploring AI in their classrooms is prolific educator and researcher and Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education , Professor Yong Zhao, as well as expert in self-regulation and classroom-based assessment and Director of the Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre, Professor Therese Hopfenbeck, and expert in technology in the classroom and Director of Curriculum at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Lauren Sayer.

Discover the complex issues around school attendance that can adversely affect students, teachers and parents. The media have referred to it as school ‘refusal' but student attendance is an old problem in the new post COVID lockdown era. Hear out host, Dr Sophie Specjal speak with clinical psychologist, Associate Professor Glenn Melvin who shares research and expertise with student anxieties. Discover practical insights from Katie Archibald and Rebecca Plunkett discuss how they are working with at risk students in improving their school attendance at the Travancore school. Explore the big picture of school attendance measurement and its national issues from Associate Professor Lisa McKay Brown who shares research, expertise and support for the complexity of school attendance. 

In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE), delves into the details of Australia's teacher crisis. How does the situation differ in rural and urban areas? Is teacher education a problem? Why can't we fast-track people from other jobs into teaching? Why are teachers leaving the profession at a crisis level? What are some solutions for the teaching profession?

In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE), explores the Mental Health in Primary Schools project (MHiPS) with Professor Frank Oberklaid OAM and Dr Georgia Dawson. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Centre for Community Child Health, as well as partners from the MGSE and the Victorian Department of Education are supporting this new project, which aims to address mental health problems in children before they enter adolescence. Providing support, education, and social and emotional learning skills in primary school may reduce the prevalence of mental health problems in high school and beyond.

A new research project, New Metrics for Success, works with schools across Australia to develop new ways of assessing school students. These new ways assess the general capabilities and skills of students including communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking. By assessing these capabilities we broaden our understanding of students' abilities and expand the opportunities for students to achieve their work and study ambitions. Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne School of Education, discusses the development of these new assessment tools with Professor Sandra Milligan, Director of the Assessment Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. He also speaks to the Principal of the Hunter Sports High School in NSW, whose school is participating in the New Metrics research project, about what these new assessments look like on the ground in a school.

In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and Professor Johanna Wyn discuss the differences and commonalities between the generations revealed by the longitudinal study Life Patterns. This study, which began in the early 1990s, has tracked and documented the transitions of young people across education, work, wellbeing, relationships and family life. Now, with a new Australian Research Council grant, a cohort of Gen Z will join the study.

In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and Professor Yong Zhao discuss the education system post-COVID-19 and question whether the role of education should be more than simply preparing students for the workforce. Yong Zhao is Professor of Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Education.

In this episode of Talking Teaching, the University of Melbourne's Larissa McLean Davies - an Associate Professor in Languages and Literacy Education - hosts a panel discussion on the importance of reading in our lives, and how to make the teaching of English more inclusive, particularly in terms of decolonising the curriculum.

Laureate Professor John Hattie reflects on the effect of COVID-19 on the education system examining what we should keep from what he calls the 'great experiment'. Speaking to Talking Teaching on the eve of his retirement from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, John stresses the need to focus on the existing expertise we have in education and the need to upscale success.

On this episode of Talking Teaching Kamilaroi woman, Dr Melitta Hogarth, the Assistant Dean, Indigenous at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, discusses the challenges facing the education sector in building an inclusive school culture and environment for Indigenous students in Australia. To achieve this, she says, we need to flip the narrative and address the significant gap in non-Indigenous Australians' understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, cultures , knowledges and people. We also speak to Josh Cubillo, A Larrakia man educated in the Darwin area who is now pursuing his dream of improving the knowledge of non-Indigenous teachers and their understanding of the concept of country.

In a traumatic year of bushfires and a global pandemic young people in Australia have faced increasing uncertainty and anxiety. How do schools support their students through these times and how can they help them deal with the trauma to ensure that they thrive? On this episode of Talking Teaching Professor Helen Cahill, a leading innovator in school-based wellbeing interventions, discusses the ways that social and emotional learning programs in schools can assist young people to deal with traumatic situations and mitigate the effects of trauma, before they happen, if already implemented in schools.

Teachers, students, parents and entire school communities have been through a tumultuous time having been forced to switch schooling from the classroom to remote learning and back again in the space of a few months. So, what's worked, what didn't and what are schools going to take with them into the future? On this episode of Talking Teaching: two leaders of two very different schools share their insights. Plus we speak with Professor Janet Clinton, who was commissioned by the Australian Government to report on 'Supporting vulnerable children in the face of a pandemic', about the potential effect COVID-19 may have on vulnerable students.

A global pandemic and devastating bushfires - these major events are going to affect people's lives and wellbeing for a long time. Their ramifications are forcing people to deal with uncertainty, stress and loss. On this episode of Talking Teaching: Professor Lindsay Oades, Director of the Centre for Positive Psychology at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, tells us how we can find resilience in a pandemic - and we meet the Principal of Clifton Creek Primary School, Sue Paul, who's rebuilding her school and community after it was destroyed by bushfire.

In this final edition of Talking Teaching for this year Maxine McKew talks to David de Carvalho about the national NAPLAN picture and what it is really telling us. The ACARA chief regrets that NAPLAN is too often seen as the sole measure of student achievement and that national testing needs to be augmented by more granular assessment. And we hear from Professor Marcia Langton about the University of Melbourne's new schools' resource material for the teaching of indigenous history. Professor Langton explains how a new generation of students is curious for truth telling about a culture that we know is 65,000 years old.

The Prime Minister says that TAFE is as good as university and wants to encourage young Australians to consider taking up a trade. But how fit for purpose is the sector? After a troubled recent history of dodgy providers and high upfront fees, enrolments are plummeting. Can this be reversed? In this edition of Talking Teaching Professor John Polesel and Professor Peter Noonan consider the policy changes needed to alter the perception that VET is a second class option. Guests: Professor John Polesel - Centre for Vocational and Educational Policy, MGSE Professor Peter Noonan - Professor of Tertiary Education Policy, Mitchell Institute, Victoria University

Emeritus Professor Barry McGaw has spent a lifetime advocating for greater equity in Australia schooling. In this interview with Kerry Elliott he considers recent funding policy failures and regrets the way Australian schooling has become so segmented and stratified. The founding chair of ACARA, Barry McGaw also makes some important distinctions about the teaching of 21st century skills, emphasising the continuing importance of disciplinary knowledge. A compelling interview with one of Australia's top educators.

The sixth International Congress for Positive Psychology was held recently in Melbourne with the University of Melbourne as the main partner. Hundreds of experts from across the globe described their approach to maximising wellbeing, particularly among young people. Talking Teaching was there and interviewed David Kolpak from St Peter's College in Adelaide where wellbeing programmes are a standard part of the curriculum. In this episode you'll also hear where the science of Positive Psychology is taking us with Professor Lindsay Oades, Director of the Centre for Positive Psychology at MGSE.

In this episode Maxine McKew talks with experts Trish Eadie and Deb Brennan about the multiple benefits of quality early learning programmes for young children. In particular they consider the growing national momentum for pre-school for three year old children, a policy already embraced by Victoria. The discussion also analyses the success and continuing challenges highlighted in the recent national review of ECE, Lifting our Game. We also visit Gowrie Clare Court in Yarraville Melbourne to hear what early learning teachers say. Presenter - Maxine McKew Guests - Associate Professor Tricia Eadie - Melbourne Graduate School of Education Emeritus Professor Deb Brennan - Social Policy Research Centre UNSW

What is it the rest of the world is noticing about Australia's teachers? Ranked as one of the world's top ten teachers, Rooty Hill humanities teacher Yasodai Selvakumaran talks to TT about overseas interest in the way we engage students in complex problem solving. Guest speakers: Yasodai Selvakumaran - ranked in the top ten for the Varkey Foundation's Global Teaching Prize Bruce Armstrong - newly retired, former Deputy Secretary, Victorian Department of Education

In this episode of Talking Teaching Kerry Elliott talks to David Hornsby about the contentious issue of how we teach reading to young students. Why can't we agree on the fundamentals and insist on comprehensive English language training for teachers? Listen to David Hornsby's common sense approach.

In this episode of Talking Teaching writer and university lecturer Tegan Bennett Daylight discusses what she sees as declining standards and poor quality reading skills in some students attending universities. She identifies the dilemma of how to instil a love of reading in children from teachers who are struggling themselves. A provocative must- listen interview hosted by Maxine McKew.

Talking Teaching's first episode for 2019 features interviews with Larissa McLean Davies and with Penny Jones. From different perspectives they both talk about how educators can boost student interest in reading. Larissa McLean Davies is Associate Dean Teaching and Learning at The Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She is on a mission to boost the teaching of a diverse range of quality Australian texts in our schools. She talks to Maxine McKew about a range of programmes she is developing which will help English teachers develop appropriate resourcing for the teaching of Australian literature. As well Talking Teaching looks at the above average reading success of a small Victorian regional school, Cobram Secondary. Lead teacher Penny Jones describes the life changing strategies that have seen secondary students rediscover the joy of reading. Cobram Secondary is a member of MGSE's Network of Schools

In this episode of Talking Teaching Maxine McKew talks with Professor Glyn Davis who has just completed fourteen years as Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. It was one of Glyn's high school teachers who first sat him down and showed him how to go about pursuing a university education. Glyn's own reflections on the joy of teaching, the challenges of leadership, and students' use of technology make for absorbing listening. So sit back and enjoy this interview with one of Australia's most significant educational leaders.

In this episode of Talking Teaching Stephen Dinham and John Goh talk to Kerry Elliott about the qualities and skills needed to be an effective instructional leader. Both agree that central to the job is an ability to facilitate teaching and learning.

In this month's Talking Teaching, Sophie Murphy interviews Stanford University's Jo Boaler who argues that the latest neuroscience explains what she has always argued - that anyone can do maths. Kerry Elliott talks to Michaela Epstein and Michelle Fry about how on-line maths learning is engaging students and producing impressive results. And finally, Maxine discusses the radical educational reforms being undertaken through the extraordinary partnership between the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and Saudi Arabia.