Knowledge for Teachers

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He returns for the third time and this time it’s to unpack his new book Harnessing the Science of Learning. However, as you will hear, they actually go beyond the book and dig into some of the critical considerations that schools and teachers need to be making. They explore how to make teaching and learning the top priority in your school, reclaiming valuable instructional time often lost to distractions. They also unpack the essential elements of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, going beyond the surface level to understand the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit teaching techniques, and structured implementation processes. They look at why teaching should be “Fun in the service of learning, not in spite of Learning” and some of the common barriers that school leaders face when initiating change. Resources mentioned: Think Forward Educators Bentleigh West PS Riverwood PS Churchill PS Challis Community PS Steve Capp Lyn Stone David Morkunas Core Knowledge Foundation Toni Hattan-Roberts Doug Lemov Tom Sherrington Dr. Zach Groshell Dr. Simon Breakspear Katie Roberts-Hull Helen Hughes   You can connect with Nathaniel: Twitter: @NathanielRSwain Facebook Linkedin Order Nathaniel's book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning" Website: www.nathanielswain.com   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

This is the second conversation between Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee. For those that don’t know, Zach is the host of the Progressively Incorrect Podcast and also the author of Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching. In this episode, they take a deep dive into some of the key considerations that schools need to take when it comes to instructional coaching.   For this episode, Zach’s four items were: Schools need an instructional focus for coaching to be successful.   Coaching is not only about teaching techniques, but also about fostering teacher judgement.  Relationships with teachers should not overshadow the goal of coaching Coaching cycles and drop ins don’t need to take all that long   Brendan’s four points were: Coaches need to shrink the change Coaching should feel like a development process, rather than a judgemental one Participants need to own the problem Get granular with goal setting   Resources mentioned: Steplab Josh Goodrich - Responsive Coaching Teach Like a Champion Peps Mccrea Jim Knight Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli - Teaching Walkthrus You can connect with Zach: Twitter: @mrzachg Podcast: Progressively Incorrect Website: educationrickshaw.com   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Implementing the Science of Learning - For School Leaders 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Professor Nancy Jordan. She has been at the forefront of all things to do with early numeracy research including looking at screeners and intervention. Many of you come from the science of reading world and are fans of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, Nancy and colleagues have put together a Number Sense one! I’ve popped the citation in the show notes.    Throughout this conversation she delves into what number sense is, why it’s important, how we can develop it and how to assess it. Nancy also covers the role of manipulatives and the transition to understanding fractions.  Resources mentioned: SENS: Screener for Early Number Sense Number Sense Interventions Jordan, N. C., Devlin, B. L., & Botello, M. (2022). Core foundations of early mathematics: refining the number sense framework. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 46, 101181. ICME Ginsburg, Greenes, & Balfanz - Big Math for Little Kids Bob Siegler Nora Newcomb Chelsea Cutting. What Works Clearinghouse   You can connect with Nancy: Twitter: @Dr_nancyjordan Email: njordan@udel.edu Website: https://sites.google.com/a/udel.edu/nancy-jordan/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Rhonda Filmer, a gifted education consultant and teacher, she discusses her journey into the field and the importance of understanding neurodiversity and twice exceptional students. She has recently released a book, “Neurodiversity and the Twice-Exceptional Student” and they delve into some of the key points from the book throughout the episode. Resources mentioned: Center on the Developing Child - Harvard University Tom Bennett Michelle Ronksley-Pavia Gifted Education Resource Center at New South Wales University Miraca Gross SPELD NSW You can connect with Rhonda: Linkedin Book: Neurodiversity and the Twice-Exceptional Student   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee and Dr. Zach Groshell (Host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast) collaborated in the first of a series of episodes together. The theme for this episode was around what are the main principles that teachers need to understand about how learning happens and what are the key mechanisms of effective instruction. Zach’s 4 points were: Intrinsic motivation is a lofty goal but can't be depended upon. Use generative learning strategies after building prior knowledge - and without the help of AI.  The environment is not the "Third Teacher" but it can be designed optimally.  We might underestimate how much students appreciate receiving feedback. Brendan’s 4 points were: The instructional hierarchy is the single most important thing for teachers to know Desirable difficulties optimises learning Attaining and retaining attention is easier said than done Designing learning is more than just sequencing concepts in small steps   Resources mentioned: Haring and Eaton’s Instructional Hierarchy Bjork and Bjork’s Desirable Difficulties Fiorella and Mayer - Eight Ways to Promote Generative Learning Stanislas Dehaene - How we learn Daniel Willingham - Why don’t students like school Amanda VanDerHeyden Dylan Wiliam   You can connect with Zach: Twitter: @mrzachg Podcast: Progressively Incorrect Website: educationrickshaw.com   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   * This was originally published on 15 Sep 2024 with poor sound quality, it was re-published on 20 Sep 2024 with improved sound quality! Hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Charlotte Peverett, an experienced learning specialist and inclusion outreach coach, who shares her journey into teaching and special education. Charlotte discusses the significance of structures and routines in creating a safe and consistent learning environment. Charlotte also emphasises the importance of high expectations for all students and the role of teachers in preparing them for adulthood and functioning in society. In this conversation, Charlotte and Brendan discuss the importance of positive reinforcement and effective implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. They also speak the role of leadership in planning and using data to drive improvement. Resources mentioned: Tom Bennett La Trobe University - SOLAR Lab Sherrington & Caviglioli - Teaching WalkthrusYou can listen to Tom speak about this on episode 5 of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast Christopher Such - The Art and Science of Teaching Primary ReadingYou can listen to Chris speak about this on episode 17 of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast Rosenshine’s Principles You can connect with Charlotte: Twitter: @lifeoflottie Facebook: Science of Learning - Special Education Australia   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   About Charlotte Peverett Charlotte is an autistic, special education Learning Specialist/Inclusion Outreach Coach in South-West Victoria. Her specialty is literacy and language intervention with a passion to introduce research and evidence-based practices into mainstream and specialist settings. Charlotte has her Master of Education (LIHI) and is a postgraduate research student with the Latrobe University SOLAR Lab and is an Honorary Affiliate member of the Institute of Special Education (InSpEd). Charlotte has presented at numerous conferences and works with schools to change systems and practices to ensure all students are reaching their full potential.

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Professor Jonathan Sharples from the Education Endowment Foundation. He has led the recent update to the EEF’s A School’s Guide to Implementation and in this conversation we unpack the paper. Professor Sharples details the updates and why they were made. He also digs into each of the key elements. As Jonathan highlights, how something is done is as important as what is done and throughout this episode, he provides a number of practical strategies that schools can follow.  Resources mentioned: Education Endowment Foundation: A School’s Guide to Implementation - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/implementation Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/teaching-assistants Darren Moore Martin Weswell Research Core Network Active Implementation Hub National Implementation Research Network Robin Mildon Centre for Evidence and Implementation You can connect with Jonathan: Twitter: @Sharples_J Website: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bethany Rittle-Johnson, a professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University. Bethany has led a lot of the research around conceptual and procedural knowledge. In this chat, she delves into this topic and also discuss other high impact strategies such as worked examples, self-explanations and the power of comparisons in supporting student learning.   Resources mentioned: Megan Frankly The Ericsson Institute DREME Network: dreme.stanford.edu What Works Clearinghouse offers overviews of the research for K-12 education. You can connect with Bethany: Twitter: @BethanyRittle Linkedin Email: bethany.rittle-johnson@vanderbilt.edu   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   WEBSITE BLURB   About  My broad interests concern how people learn and how to improve their learning.  My research focuses on learning of key concepts and problem-solving procedures within mathematics, with an emphasis on experiences that promote learning.  I conduct this research in both laboratory and classroom contexts to better understand learning processes and contribute to improvements in math education.

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Professor Pamela Snow. She has been at the coalface fighting for evidence-based reading instruction to be common practice for a number of years and throughout this conversation, she provides nuggets of gold in describing how when we talk about phonics we need to be using it as an adjective with a noun following it. Pamela unpacks why this debate about reading has been going on for so long and why changing teacher practice can be so challenging. She also delves into what parents need to know and what questions they could be asking. Resources mentioned: Grattan Institute - The Reading Guarantee Nancy Young’s Reading and Writing Ladder Science of Reading Podcast S2-05: The Right to Read Project on nurturing automatic readers: Margaret Goldberg and Alanna Mednick Troy Verey Dr Danielle Colenbrander Dr. Pam Kastner Emily Hanford - Sold a Story Professor Lorraine Hammond   You can connect with Pam: Twitter: @PamelaSnow2 Linkedin Website: https://pamelasnow.blogspot.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jamie Clark, an English teacher and lead practitioner specialising in pedagogy and digital learning. They discuss his recently released book, One Pagers and unpack how it could be used. Jamie breaks down a number of the techniques mentioned in the book and describes his thinking process in putting it all together. He also provides some super useful tips on how teachers can design their own. Resources mentioned: Oliver Caviglioli Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli - Teaching Walkthrus Apple Oliver Caviglioli and David Goodwin - Organising Ideas John Catt Education Ron Berger S02E10 - Bron Ryrie Jones on Responsive Teaching and Instructional Playbooks Doug Lemov - Teach Like a Champion Steplab You can connect with Jamie: Twitter: @XpatEducator Instagram: @xpateducator Linkedin: @jamieleeclark85 Website: www.jamieleeclark.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emina McLean. Emina works with systems, schools, leaders, and teachers to develop ambitious and rigorous assessment, curriculum and instruction practices in English and literacy. In this chat, Emina discusses her focus on implementing effective systems and practices for teaching reading and writing. She highlights the importance of aligning curriculum, assessment, and instruction, and the need for a well-sequenced and comprehensive curriculum. Emina also unpacks the challenges of implementing evidence-based practice in schools, including the overwhelming number of competing priorities.  Resources mentioned: A Single Shard - Linda Sue Park Ochre Education EEF - Implementation Guide   You can connect with Emina: Twitter: @EminaMcLean Linkedin Email: emina.mclean@gmail.com      Website: www.eminamclean.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bronwyn Ryrie Jones, an instructional coach who supports teachers and instructional leaders to develop their expertise. She discusses the importance of responsive teaching and shares techniques to effectively check for understanding in the classroom. She emphasises the need for teachers to have a deep understanding of the principles behind responsive teaching before implementing specific techniques.    Bron also explains the concept of instructional playbooks and how they can be useful for schools. She unpacks the potential dangers and how to avoid these pitfalls.    Resources mentioned: Jim Knight, Ann Hoffman and Michelle Harris - Instructional Playbook West Beechborough PS Brad Nguyen Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli - Teaching Walkthrus Dylan Wiliam and Siobhan Leahy - Embedding Formative Assessment Harry Fletcher-Wood - Responsive Teaching Atul Gawande - The Checklist Manifesto You can connect with Bronwyn: Twitter: @BronRyrieJones Linkedin: @bronwyn-ryrie-jones/ Website: bronwynryriejones.com   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Trisha Jha who currently works with the Centre for Independent Studies and recently released a couple of reports titled: What is the Science of Learning? And Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences. Trisha unpacks these papers and discusses her journey into education research and the importance of focusing on what happens in the classroom. Throughout the conversation Trisha defines what the science of learning is and the difficulty in making cognitive science common knowledge.    The conversation also explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding explicit instruction and how teachers engage with the science of learning. We also delve into what schools and systems can do to support effective implementation.    Resources mentioned: What is the Science of Learning? https://www.cis.org.au/publication/what-is-the-science-of-learning/ Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences https://www.cis.org.au/publication/implementing-the-science-of-learning-teacher-experiences/ Greg Ashman Jennifer Buckingham Five from Five Why Jaydon Can’t Read: A Forum on Fixing Literacy Kevin Knight Education Endowment Foundation 24 – Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia Daniel Willingham: Why don’t students like school Hollingsworth and Ybarra: Explicit Direct Instruction Daisy Christodoulou: 7 Myths about Education E.D. Hirsch: Why knowledge matters David Diddau and Nick Rose: What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Psychology Zac Groshell: Progressively Incorrect Anna Stokke: Chalk and Talk Ollie Lovell: ERRR Podcast You can connect with: Twitter: @themetresgained Linkedin: Trisha Jha   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Trisha Jha Trisha Jha is a Research Fellow in the Education program, working on projects relating to the science of learning, improvement of initial teacher education and overall school quality. Prior to rejoining CIS, Trisha had roles as a secondary teacher, including through the Teach for Australia program, in state and independent schools in regional Victoria. She has also worked as a senior policy adviser to opposition leaders in Victoria. She holds a Masters of Teaching with a specialisation in Research from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Australian National University.  

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Mark Dowley (Associate Head – Staff Development at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research) who has recently released the book, “The Classroom Management Handbook” that he co-authored with Ollie Lovell. In this chat, they unpack the book and how it’s what Mark and Ollie wish they had when they started teaching. They also discuss ten important principles for classroom management, including the idea that behavior is a curriculum and the importance of mastering one's own behavior to influence others. The conversation also explores the use of scripts and tools to support effective behavior management. Resources mentioned: https://classroommanagementhandbook.com/ Bill Rogers - Know the fair rules Mastery Schools Australia Marsden Road PS Tom Bennett Michael Fullan - Six Secrets of Change    You can connect with Mark: Twitter: @coachdowley Linkedin Website: classroommanagementhandbook.com   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Rebecca Birch, a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She shares her journey from a career in fashion and advertising to becoming an English teacher. Rebecca emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for teachers to be sceptical and critical of educational trends. She also highlights the challenges of implementing explicit instruction and the need for standardised teacher preparation programs. Rebecca calls for a clear hierarchy of importance within teacher standards and the role of teacher preparation in reinforcing those standards. The conversation also touches on strategies for schools to drive improvement without waiting for systemic changes. Resources mentioned: Reimagining Teacher Professionalism. Why standards must be part of ITE reform Knowledge Society - Elena Douglas Trisha Jha What is the Science of Learning? https://www.cis.org.au/publication/what-is-the-science-of-learning/ Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences https://www.cis.org.au/publication/implementing-the-science-of-learning-teacher-experiences/ Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel Andrew Martin Kate Jones ResearchEd Alex Quigley: https://www.theconfidentteacher.com/ Anita Archer Hollingsworth and Ybarra - Explicit Direct Instruction You can connect with Rebecca: Twitter: @msrebeccabirch Linkedin: @rebeccabirch Website: https://rebeccabirch.au/ Substack: https://rebeccabirch.substack.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Rebecca Birch Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a learning support officer in diverse settings while she undertook her teacher training after a successful career in advertising and fashion. Rebecca has provided consultation and content services for Ochre Education and Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, and has appeared on panels for ResearchED and the Gonski Institute for Education. Her current research interest is the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing. She writes for publication and through her newsletter (rebeccabirch.substack.com/).

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Tom Bennett, the Director and founder of researchED and school behaviour advisor to the UK government. He shares his journey from running nightclubs to becoming an influential figure in the education sector and we find out how teaching saved him. Bennett delves into the challenges he faced as a teacher, how he got into writing about behaviour, and his eventual role as the UK's Department for Education School Behavior Advisor. He highlights the integral role of setting clear behavioural expectations and embedding routines in creating a conducive learning environment. Tom also discusses the creation and implementation of a behaviour curriculum and the origins of researchED.    Resources mentioned: Tom Bennett - Running the Room: The Teacher's Guide to Behaviour Greg Ashman Daisy Christodolou: Seven Myths about Education Daniel T. Willingham: Why Don't Students Like School? Bill Rogers   You can connect with Tom: Twitter: @tombennett71 Website: https://tombennetttraining.co.uk/ Substack: https://bennettt.substack.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks with Sarah Powell. Sarah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She has pretty much dedicated her whole career to researching word problems in maths. She has also contributed to a couple of papers that have recently been released for the Centre for Independent Studies and we touch on those as well.    However, the main focus is Word Problems and we go through everything from Attack Strategies, to the dangers of using keywords and delve into the world of schema instruction. If you care about helping your students improve their ability to solve word problems, then this episode is for you.  Resources mentioned: Lynn Fuchs Sarah Powell , Elizabeth M. Hughes, Corey Peltier: Myths That Undermine Maths Teaching Sarah Powell , Sarah King , Sarah Benz: Maths Practices You Can Count On: Five Research-Validated Practices in Mathematics https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/ Powell, S. R., Namkung, J. M., & Lin, X. (2022). An investigation of using keywords to solve word problems. The Elementary School Journal, 122(3), 452-473. Powell, S. R., & Fuchs, L. S. (2018). Effective word-problem instruction: Using schemas to facilitate mathematical reasoning. Teaching exceptional children, 51(1), 31-42. Free word-problem intervention is here: https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/ Here's a free math intervention course Sarah developed: https://intensiveintervention.org/training/course-content/intensive-intervention-mathematics And free teacher materials can be found here: https://mathspiral.com/ You can connect with Sarah: Twitter: @sarahpowellphd email: srpowell@utexas.edu Website: http://www.sarahpowellphd.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   About Associate Professor Sarah Powell Sarah R. Powell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include developing and testing interventions for students with mathematics difficulties, with a special emphasis on peer tutoring, word-problem solving, mathematics writing, and the symbols and vocabulary within mathematics. She was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2019.

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He currently works at La Trobe University as a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and the Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs. He is also the founder of Think Forward Educators. Nathaniel first appeared on the Knowledge for Teachers podcast in episode 20 and unpacked some of the FAQ about the science of learning. This time they delve into the messy world of teaching writing. He explains how writing is a complex skill and provides practical strategies for sequencing the teaching of grammar and integrating writing into the curriculum. Resources mentioned: Wexler and Hochman - The Writing Revolution William Van Cleave - Writing Matters Think Forward Educators Ochre Education La Trobe Short Courses: Masterclass: Developing Great Writing Skills - Once off - 19 March 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/masterclass-developing-great-writing-skills Improving Writing - The Science and Linguistics of Writing - Starting 16 April 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/improving-writing-the-science-and-linguistics-of-writing The Science of Teaching Writing - Starting 4 June 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/the-science-of-teaching-writing     You can connect with:Nathaniel Twitter: @NathanielRSwain Facebook Linkedin Website: www.nathanielswain.com      Order Nathaniel's book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning"   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation. Jenny has led some of the heaviest hitting bits of research in Australia. In her current role with AERO and previous one with NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation, Jenny has been behind the teams that brought cognitive load theory to prominence and highlighted the lack of evidence behind programs like Reading Recovery and Language Learning & Literacy or L3 as it is more commonly known.   Throughout this interview, she discusses her journey into education research and the importance of evidence-based practice. Jenny emphasises the importance of areas such as explicit instruction, classroom management, teacher training, standardised testing like NAPLAN, and accountability in educational practices. It also touches on controversial topics such as fads in education and how to spot and avoid them. Resources mentioned: AERO: Teaching for how students learn: A model of learning and teaching AERO: Engaged classrooms through effective classroom management NSW CESE: Cognitive load theory: Research that teachers really need to understand NSW CESE: Reading Recovery: a sector-wide analysis NSW CESE: Language, Learning & Literacy (L3) Review Project Follow Through You can connect with: Jenny  Twitter: @JennyDonovan2 Linkedin AERO   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this conversation, Brendan Lee speaks with James Dobson, an experienced teacher who has been expertly applying the art and science of learning when teaching students in their first year of school (Kindergarten/Prep/Reception/Foundation). He discusses the importance of evidence-based practice, the use of Direct Instruction programs, and the challenges and rewards of teaching young children. James shares insights on maintaining sanity in the classroom while balancing work and personal life. We also delve into James' weekly timetable, looking at phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, writing and mathematics. He really gets into the nitty-gritty of what his lessons look like day-to-day and how they progress throughout the year. Resources mentioned: Siegfried Engelmann Story Champs Heggerty’s phonemic awareness program Little Learner’s Love Literacy Core Knowledge Ochre Grammar Project Number blocks Direct Instruction Mathematics by Marcy Stein Doug Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion Shaping Minds Christopher SUch’s The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading Sharing Best Practice ResearchEd   You can connect with James: Twitter: @jdtdobson Instagram: @mr_j_dobson Website: layingthefoundations.weebly.com/  You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About James Dobson James Dobson is a Foundation teacher and Learning Specialist at Campbells Creek Primary School including Guildford Campus in central Victoria. James has worked with students from a diverse range of backgrounds in Victoria and the Northern Territory. During his time in the NT, he implemented a range of Direct Instruction programs and became an accredited DI trainer. He was a finalist for the Outstanding Primary Teacher award as a part of the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. James is passionate about ensuring that all students receive a quality education. This begins by laying a solid foundation.    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast