Shows
Knowledge for TeachersS04E03 - Dr. Brian Poncy on Facts on Fire: Why Fluency Is the Foundation of Mathematical ThinkingFluency is often treated as a small piece of mathematics learning, but in reality, it may be one of the most important and overlooked foundations for long term success.
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brian Poncy, Professor at Oklahoma State University and the creator of Facts on Fire, a highly regarded program designed to build maths fact fluency through short, structured, and evidence informed daily practice.
Brian challenges the common resistance to timed practice, arguing that fluency—defined strictly as accuracy plus speed—is the bridge that...
2026-02-211h 34Knowledge for TeachersS04E01 - From Burnout to Breakthrough with Brad GaynorIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by Brad Gaynor, an Australian educator, leadership coach and former principal with decades of experience across schools and systems. Brad is also the author of the new book From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Leadership Reset.
The conversation centres on burnout in education and what sustainable teaching and leadership actually look like beyond surface level wellbeing advice. Drawing on Brad’s lived experience and research informed work, this episode explores why burnout is more than just feeling tired, how hidden emotional labour shapes the work of...
2026-01-2459 minKnowledge for TeachersS04E01 - From Burnout to Breakthrough with Brad GaynorIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by Brad Gaynor, an Australian educator, leadership coach and former principal with decades of experience across schools and systems. Brad is also the author of the new book From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Leadership Reset.
The conversation centres on burnout in education and what sustainable teaching and leadership actually look like beyond surface level wellbeing advice. Drawing on Brad’s lived experience and research informed work, this episode explores why burnout is more than just feeling tired, how hidden emotional labour shapes the work of...
2026-01-2459 minKnowledge for TeachersS03E19 - Natalie Wexler on the Knowledge Gap and What Lies Beyond the Science of ReadingIn this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee speaks with Natalie Wexler, education writer and author of The Knowledge Gap, The Writing Revolution, and Beyond the Science of Reading. Together they explore what truly drives reading comprehension and why knowledge rich instruction is essential for every learner. Natalie unpacks the surprising limits of treating comprehension as a set of isolated skills, explains how background knowledge shapes understanding in powerful ways, and shows why writing can be one of the most effective tools for securing learning. Listeners will also hear how cognitive load theory connects to literacy and...
2025-12-061h 12Knowledge for TeachersS03E19 - Natalie Wexler on the Knowledge Gap and What Lies Beyond the Science of ReadingIn this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee speaks with Natalie Wexler, education writer and author of The Knowledge Gap, The Writing Revolution, and Beyond the Science of Reading. Together they explore what truly drives reading comprehension and why knowledge rich instruction is essential for every learner. Natalie unpacks the surprising limits of treating comprehension as a set of isolated skills, explains how background knowledge shapes understanding in powerful ways, and shows why writing can be one of the most effective tools for securing learning. Listeners will also hear how cognitive load theory connects to literacy and...
2025-12-061h 12Knowledge for TeachersS03E18 - Ingrid Sealey on The Hidden Nuance of Great TeachingIn this episode, Brendan sits down with Ingrid Sealey, founder of Teach Well, to explore the hidden nuance behind great teaching. Drawing on her work with thousands of teachers across Australia, Ingrid shares what she has learned about the small deliberate practices that make a real difference for students.
They unpack why clarity matters more than complexity, how spaced practice can shift long-term learning, and why full participation is not about getting every student to join in but about getting every student to think. Ingrid also explains why explicit instruction is not a script but a way...
2025-11-141h 31Knowledge for TeachersS03E18 - Ingrid Sealey on The Hidden Nuance of Great TeachingIn this episode, Brendan sits down with Ingrid Sealey, founder of Teach Well, to explore the hidden nuance behind great teaching. Drawing on her work with thousands of teachers across Australia, Ingrid shares what she has learned about the small deliberate practices that make a real difference for students.
They unpack why clarity matters more than complexity, how spaced practice can shift long-term learning, and why full participation is not about getting every student to join in but about getting every student to think. Ingrid also explains why explicit instruction is not a script but a way...
2025-11-141h 31Knowledge for TeachersS03E16 - Kate Jones on Making Retrieval Practice Work in the ClassroomWhat if forgetting wasn’t failure, but actually part of the learning process?
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee sits down with bestselling author and educator Kate Jones to explore what retrieval practice really looks like in the classroom. Kate shares practical strategies for making retrieval a habit, clears up common misconceptions, and shows how small tweaks — from scaffolding questions to giving feedback that sticks — can transform learning.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories from Kate’s own teaching journey, insights from research and creative ideas teachers can use righ...
2025-10-051h 34Knowledge for TeachersS03E16 - Kate Jones on Making Retrieval Practice Work in the ClassroomWhat if forgetting wasn’t failure, but actually part of the learning process?
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee sits down with bestselling author and educator Kate Jones to explore what retrieval practice really looks like in the classroom. Kate shares practical strategies for making retrieval a habit, clears up common misconceptions, and shows how small tweaks — from scaffolding questions to giving feedback that sticks — can transform learning.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories from Kate’s own teaching journey, insights from research and creative ideas teachers can use righ...
2025-10-051h 34Knowledge for TeachersS03E14 - Close Reading Simplified with Christopher SuchIn this episode, Brendan Lee is joined once again by Christopher Such—teacher, author, and one of the most practical voices in reading instruction. His new book, Primary Reading Simplified, takes the research on how children learn to read and shows us what it actually looks like in the classroom.
This conversation zooms in on one of the trickiest areas for teachers: close reading. Chris explains why it doesn’t need to feel intimidating, how to plan lessons that spark genuine discussion, and the misconceptions that often trip schools up. He also shares three simple reading lesson stru...
2025-08-241h 27Knowledge for TeachersS03E14 - Close Reading Simplified with Christopher SuchIn this episode, Brendan Lee is joined once again by Christopher Such—teacher, author, and one of the most practical voices in reading instruction. His new book, Primary Reading Simplified, takes the research on how children learn to read and shows us what it actually looks like in the classroom.
This conversation zooms in on one of the trickiest areas for teachers: close reading. Chris explains why it doesn’t need to feel intimidating, how to plan lessons that spark genuine discussion, and the misconceptions that often trip schools up. He also shares three simple reading lesson stru...
2025-08-241h 27Knowledge for TeachersS03E13 - A Learner’s Toolkit for Students and Teachers with Dr. Vicky Leighton and Dr. Terry ByersIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Vicky Leighton and Dr. Terry Byers from Churchie (Anglican Church Grammar School) and they share how they’re bringing the science of learning to life in real classrooms for both students and teachers.
We dive into their work on A Learner’s Toolkit, explore why teacher clarity matters more than ever and unpack a groundbreaking PD model that’s personal, contextual, and actually sticks. Plus, Terry brings the analogies including a surprisingly fitting comparison between cows and the science of learning!
Whether you’re leading change across a school...
2025-08-031h 33Knowledge for TeachersS03E13 - A Learner’s Toolkit for Students and Teachers with Dr. Vicky Leighton and Dr. Terry ByersIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Vicky Leighton and Dr. Terry Byers from Churchie (Anglican Church Grammar School) and they share how they’re bringing the science of learning to life in real classrooms for both students and teachers.
We dive into their work on A Learner’s Toolkit, explore why teacher clarity matters more than ever and unpack a groundbreaking PD model that’s personal, contextual, and actually sticks. Plus, Terry brings the analogies including a surprisingly fitting comparison between cows and the science of learning!
Whether you’re leading change across a school...
2025-08-031h 33Knowledge for TeachersS02E23 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on Effective School LeadershipIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Zach Groshell for the third of their trilogy of conversations together. In their first episode, they unpacked the nuances of teaching effectively. In the second one, they spoke about coaching, culture and change. In today’s podcast, you will hear them discuss the complex world of school leadership! They explore the key elements that contribute to a positive and productive school culture. From going beyond superficial evaluation methods to building a diverse team that leverages everyone's strengths, they cover a range of important topics that will help school leaders create a th...
2024-12-1456 minKnowledge for TeachersS02E23 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on Effective School LeadershipIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Zach Groshell for the third of their trilogy of conversations together. In their first episode, they unpacked the nuances of teaching effectively. In the second one, they spoke about coaching, culture and change. In today’s podcast, you will hear them discuss the complex world of school leadership! They explore the key elements that contribute to a positive and productive school culture. From going beyond superficial evaluation methods to building a diverse team that leverages everyone's strengths, they cover a range of important topics that will help school leaders create a th...
2024-12-1456 minKnowledge for TeachersS02E20 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on coaching, culture and changeThis 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 f...
2024-10-271h 03Knowledge for TeachersS02E20 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on coaching, culture and changeThis 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 f...
2024-10-271h 03Knowledge for TeachersS02E17 - Brendan Lee and Dr. Zach Groshell on the nuances of teaching effectivelyIn 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 "Thi...
2024-09-151h 25Knowledge for TeachersS02E17 - Brendan Lee and Dr. Zach Groshell on the nuances of teaching effectivelyIn 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 "Thi...
2024-09-151h 25Knowledge for TeachersS02E16 - Charlotte Peverett on the importance of having high expectations for all students including diverse learnersIn 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...
2024-09-011h 15Knowledge for TeachersS02E16 - Charlotte Peverett on the importance of having high expectations for all students including diverse learnersIn 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...
2024-09-011h 15Knowledge for TeachersS02E15 - Professor Jonathan Sharples on Implementation in SchoolsIn 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 Impl...
2024-08-181h 16Knowledge for TeachersS02E14 - Professor Bethany Rittle-Johnson on conceptual and procedural knowledge in mathematicsIn 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
2024-08-041h 04Knowledge for TeachersS02E14 - Professor Bethany Rittle-Johnson on conceptual and procedural knowledge in mathematicsIn 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
2024-08-041h 04Knowledge for TeachersS02E13 - Professor Pamela Snow on why it takes a village to change reading instructionIn 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...
2024-07-211h 20Knowledge for TeachersS02E13 - Professor Pamela Snow on why it takes a village to change reading instructionIn 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...
2024-07-211h 20Knowledge for TeachersS02E12 - Jamie Clark on Simplifying Research and PD with One-PagersIn 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
...
2024-07-061h 05Knowledge for TeachersS02E12 - Jamie Clark on Simplifying Research and PD with One-PagersIn 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
...
2024-07-061h 05Knowledge for TeachersS02E11 - Emina McLean on the challenges of research translation in literacyIn 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 E...
2024-06-231h 18Knowledge for TeachersS02E11 - Emina McLean on the challenges of research translation in literacyIn 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 E...
2024-06-231h 18Knowledge for TeachersS02E10 - Bron Ryrie Jones on Responsive Teaching and Instructional PlaybooksIn 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:
J...
2024-06-011h 18Knowledge for TeachersS02E10 - Bron Ryrie Jones on Responsive Teaching and Instructional PlaybooksIn 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:
J...
2024-06-011h 18Knowledge for TeachersS02E09 - Trisha Jha on teacher experiences in implementing the science of learningIn 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 te...
2024-05-181h 36Knowledge for TeachersS02E09 - Trisha Jha on teacher experiences in implementing the science of learningIn 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 te...
2024-05-181h 36Knowledge for TeachersS02E08 - Dr. Mark Dowley on Managing Behaviour and Maximising LearningIn 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...
2024-05-041h 11Knowledge for TeachersS02E08 - Dr. Mark Dowley on Managing Behaviour and Maximising LearningIn 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...
2024-05-041h 11Knowledge for TeachersS02E07 - Rebecca Birch On Improving Australian Education
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...
2024-04-211h 27Knowledge for TeachersS02E07 - Rebecca Birch On Improving Australian Education
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...
2024-04-211h 27Knowledge for TeachersS02E06 - Tom Bennett On Running The RoomIn 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...
2024-04-071h 17Knowledge for TeachersS02E06 - Tom Bennett On Running The RoomIn 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...
2024-04-071h 17Knowledge for TeachersS02E05 - Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem InstructionIn 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 an...
2024-03-231h 17Knowledge for TeachersS02E05 - Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem InstructionIn 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 an...
2024-03-231h 17Knowledge for TeachersS02E04 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing SkillsIn 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.
2024-03-0953 minKnowledge for TeachersS02E04 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing SkillsIn 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.
2024-03-0953 minKnowledge for TeachersS02E03 - Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classroomsIn 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 i...
2024-02-241h 16Knowledge for TeachersS02E03 - Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classroomsIn 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 i...
2024-02-241h 16Knowledge for TeachersS02E02 - James Dobson Decoding The Foundations Of Teaching Kindergarten
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...
2024-02-101h 39Knowledge for TeachersS02E02 - James Dobson Decoding The Foundations Of Teaching Kindergarten
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...
2024-02-101h 39Knowledge for TeachersS02E01 - Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School CultureIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Ray Boyd, the Foundation Principal of Dayton Primary School. Throughout the interview he shares his journey into education leadership and the pedagogic shift he led at his previous school West Beechboro P.S. He reflects on the mistakes made and lessons learned during his time there and discusses the surprises and challenges of starting a new school.
Dr. Boyd also explains the vision and mission of Dayton Primary School and how he communicates it to the community. Dr. Boyd underscores the vital role of fostering success and creating robust s...
2024-01-271h 23Knowledge for TeachersS02E01 - Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School CultureIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Ray Boyd, the Foundation Principal of Dayton Primary School. Throughout the interview he shares his journey into education leadership and the pedagogic shift he led at his previous school West Beechboro P.S. He reflects on the mistakes made and lessons learned during his time there and discusses the surprises and challenges of starting a new school.
Dr. Boyd also explains the vision and mission of Dayton Primary School and how he communicates it to the community. Dr. Boyd underscores the vital role of fostering success and creating robust s...
2024-01-271h 23Knowledge for Teachers28 - Brendan Lee’s Key Takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023Brendan Lee provides his key takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023. This year he spoke to people such as Tom Sherrington, Daisy Christodoulou, Christopher Such and many more. Find out what he took away from these conversations.
He has split this episode into three sections:
Science of reading
Science of maths
Implementing the science of learning
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
2023-12-2913 minKnowledge for Teachers28 - Brendan Lee’s Key Takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023Brendan Lee provides his key takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023. This year he spoke to people such as Tom Sherrington, Daisy Christodoulou, Christopher Such and many more. Find out what he took away from these conversations.
He has split this episode into three sections:
Science of reading
Science of maths
Implementing the science of learning
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
2023-12-2913 minKnowledge for Teachers27 - Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of mathIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Corey Peltier who is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. He also contributes to The Science of Math movement that is focused on disseminating research-informed recommendations to enhance math instruction and outcomes for students and this is the area that is unpacked in this episode.
In this conversation, they look at some of the points from the paper, Myths That Undermine Maths Teaching that he co-authored with Sarah Powell and Elizabeth M. Hughes. He also explains how t...
2023-12-021h 18Knowledge for Teachers27 - Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of mathIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Corey Peltier who is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. He also contributes to The Science of Math movement that is focused on disseminating research-informed recommendations to enhance math instruction and outcomes for students and this is the area that is unpacked in this episode.
In this conversation, they look at some of the points from the paper, Myths That Undermine Maths Teaching that he co-authored with Sarah Powell and Elizabeth M. Hughes. He also explains how t...
2023-12-021h 18Knowledge for Teachers26 - Dr. Tim McDonald on Building a Behaviour CurriculumIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Tim McDonald who is currently the CEO of YMCA WA and previously led Catholic Education WA, the Minderoo Foundation and was the Education Lead for Knowledge Society. Recently, he wrote a paper for the Centre for Independent Studies titled: Teaching Behaviour: How Classroom Conduct Can Unlock Better Learning. Throughout this conversation, he touches on a lot of the key points from the report and talks about what schools can do to build a behaviour curriculum. He also answers some of the tough questions on things such as phones in schools, exclusions...
2023-11-181h 15Knowledge for Teachers26 - Dr. Tim McDonald on Building a Behaviour CurriculumIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Tim McDonald who is currently the CEO of YMCA WA and previously led Catholic Education WA, the Minderoo Foundation and was the Education Lead for Knowledge Society. Recently, he wrote a paper for the Centre for Independent Studies titled: Teaching Behaviour: How Classroom Conduct Can Unlock Better Learning. Throughout this conversation, he touches on a lot of the key points from the report and talks about what schools can do to build a behaviour curriculum. He also answers some of the tough questions on things such as phones in schools, exclusions...
2023-11-181h 15Knowledge for Teachers25 - Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk studentsIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Colleu Terradas the Senior Officer Teaching and Learning Literacy and Instructional Coach in Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Education. In 2022, she travelled to the USA, England and France where she met with leading experts to investigate effective literacy screening and instructional practices to support older struggling readers as part of her Churchill Fellowship. She details some of the findings from her report in this chat.
She speaks about her amazing experience meeting people like Anita Archer and Stanislas Dehaene and goes through some case studies of schools that h...
2023-11-041h 18Knowledge for Teachers25 - Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk studentsIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Colleu Terradas the Senior Officer Teaching and Learning Literacy and Instructional Coach in Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Education. In 2022, she travelled to the USA, England and France where she met with leading experts to investigate effective literacy screening and instructional practices to support older struggling readers as part of her Churchill Fellowship. She details some of the findings from her report in this chat.
She speaks about her amazing experience meeting people like Anita Archer and Stanislas Dehaene and goes through some case studies of schools that h...
2023-11-041h 18Knowledge for Teachers24 - Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Del Rio the government and public finance lead at Equity Economics. She has recently been involved in a couple of major reports that have highlighted the poor literacy standards across Australia.
Raising the grade: How schools in the Australian Capital Territory can lift literacy outcomes for students and the economy, written for the ACT Alliance for Evidence-Based Education and funded by the Snow Foundation
Saving Money by Spending: Solving Illiteracy in Australia, commissioned by Code Read Dyslexia Network Australia
In this conversation, Jess wi...
2023-10-2253 minKnowledge for Teachers24 - Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Del Rio the government and public finance lead at Equity Economics. She has recently been involved in a couple of major reports that have highlighted the poor literacy standards across Australia.
Raising the grade: How schools in the Australian Capital Territory can lift literacy outcomes for students and the economy, written for the ACT Alliance for Evidence-Based Education and funded by the Snow Foundation
Saving Money by Spending: Solving Illiteracy in Australia, commissioned by Code Read Dyslexia Network Australia
In this conversation, Jess wi...
2023-10-2253 minKnowledge for Teachers23 - Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classroomsIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bruno Reddy CEO of Maths Circle (Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots). He is the former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy and one of the pioneers of mathematics mastery, as we know it today. As you will hear, he is hugely passionate about mathematics and has thought long and hard about what needs to be done to teach it effectively. Some of the things that are just starting to become common practice now, like retrieval practice, spaced practice and variation theory, are things that he was talking about 10 years ago.
2023-10-071h 12Knowledge for Teachers23 - Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classroomsIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bruno Reddy CEO of Maths Circle (Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots). He is the former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy and one of the pioneers of mathematics mastery, as we know it today. As you will hear, he is hugely passionate about mathematics and has thought long and hard about what needs to be done to teach it effectively. Some of the things that are just starting to become common practice now, like retrieval practice, spaced practice and variation theory, are things that he was talking about 10 years ago.
2023-10-071h 12Knowledge for Teachers22 - Emma Turner on Primary Curriculum Design and Cognitive ScienceIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emma Turner. She is an experienced school leader, author and co-host of the Mind the Gap podcast with Tom Sherrington. In this conversation, we dig into her recent books:
Simplicitus: The interconnected primary curriculum and effective subject leadership
Simplicitus Altius: Leading the interconnected primary curriculum
Initium (released 29 Sep): Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice
Her ability to describe what teachers need to know about curriculum development will leave you scribbling down notes throughout the episode. She also touches on what school leaders need to consider, cognitive science through the lens o...
2023-09-241h 19Knowledge for Teachers22 - Emma Turner on Primary Curriculum Design and Cognitive ScienceIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emma Turner. She is an experienced school leader, author and co-host of the Mind the Gap podcast with Tom Sherrington. In this conversation, we dig into her recent books:
Simplicitus: The interconnected primary curriculum and effective subject leadership
Simplicitus Altius: Leading the interconnected primary curriculum
Initium (released 29 Sep): Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice
Her ability to describe what teachers need to know about curriculum development will leave you scribbling down notes throughout the episode. She also touches on what school leaders need to consider, cognitive science through the lens o...
2023-09-241h 19Knowledge for Teachers21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee coaching workshop (live): Supporting teachers in implementing the science of learningListen to this live coaching workshop on implementing the science of learning with Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee.
In this session, you will hear from real teachers discussing their real-world challenges in implementing the science of learning. Dr Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee then guide the teachers and school leaders through some possible solutions, taking an evidence-informed approach.
First, you hear from Ainsley from Mary Mede Catholic College in Victoria who has started to implement a number of evidence-supported strategies and programs but has hit a bit of a plateau. Then you wi...
2023-09-101h 14Knowledge for Teachers21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee coaching workshop (live): Supporting teachers in implementing the science of learningListen to this live coaching workshop on implementing the science of learning with Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee.
In this session, you will hear from real teachers discussing their real-world challenges in implementing the science of learning. Dr Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee then guide the teachers and school leaders through some possible solutions, taking an evidence-informed approach.
First, you hear from Ainsley from Mary Mede Catholic College in Victoria who has started to implement a number of evidence-supported strategies and programs but has hit a bit of a plateau. Then you wi...
2023-09-101h 14Knowledge for Teachers19 - David Morkunas On Explicit Instruction In Primary MathsIn this conversation, Brendan Lee chats with David Morkunas and they touch on a range of topics including why he thinks so many teachers have such a negative attitude towards teaching maths, what the key elements of his maths lessons are and how to teach mixed-ability classes.
Resources mentioned:
Explicit Direct Instruction
Sigfried Englemann
Kirschner, Sweller and Clark
Hochman and Wexler’s The Writing Revolution
George Booker - Teaching Primary Mathematics
Times Tables Rockstars
New Waves Mental Maths
Dr. Stephe...
2023-08-131h 06Knowledge for Teachers19 - David Morkunas On Explicit Instruction In Primary MathsIn this conversation, Brendan Lee chats with David Morkunas and they touch on a range of topics including why he thinks so many teachers have such a negative attitude towards teaching maths, what the key elements of his maths lessons are and how to teach mixed-ability classes.
Resources mentioned:
Explicit Direct Instruction
Sigfried Englemann
Kirschner, Sweller and Clark
Hochman and Wexler’s The Writing Revolution
George Booker - Teaching Primary Mathematics
Times Tables Rockstars
New Waves Mental Maths
Dr. Stephe...
2023-08-131h 06Knowledge for Teachers18 - Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in ReadingIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall and Dr. Robyn Wheldall. They’ve achieved so much throughout their careers including co-founding MultiLit, a leading provider of effective literacy instruction. In this chat, they describe their journeys and how MultiLit came about. They also speak about their recently published book - Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling.
Resources mentioned:
Book: Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling
MultiLit
Nomanis
NSW CESE
MUSEC
Dr. Coral Kemp
Dr. Mark Carter
Dr. Ali...
2023-07-291h 16Knowledge for Teachers18 - Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in ReadingIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall and Dr. Robyn Wheldall. They’ve achieved so much throughout their careers including co-founding MultiLit, a leading provider of effective literacy instruction. In this chat, they describe their journeys and how MultiLit came about. They also speak about their recently published book - Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling.
Resources mentioned:
Book: Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling
MultiLit
Nomanis
NSW CESE
MUSEC
Dr. Coral Kemp
Dr. Mark Carter
Dr. Ali...
2023-07-291h 16Knowledge for Teachers15 - Patrick Ellis on considerations for change (Catalyst Part 2)This is the second of a three-part series that focuses on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the three episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into Catalyst, the term used that encompasses the system's approach to teaching and learning across the system.
In the previous episode, Brendan spoke with Ross Fox, the Director, and he gave an inspiring recap of how Catalyst was initiated and the vision behind it. In this chat with Patrick Ellis, the Education Lead for Catalyst, you will hear in detail about the implementation process, the challenges they have faced, a...
2023-06-1852 minKnowledge for Teachers15 - Patrick Ellis on considerations for change (Catalyst Part 2)This is the second of a three-part series that focuses on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the three episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into Catalyst, the term used that encompasses the system's approach to teaching and learning across the system.
In the previous episode, Brendan spoke with Ross Fox, the Director, and he gave an inspiring recap of how Catalyst was initiated and the vision behind it. In this chat with Patrick Ellis, the Education Lead for Catalyst, you will hear in detail about the implementation process, the challenges they have faced, a...
2023-06-1852 minKnowledge for Teachers14 - Ross Fox on how Catalyst is transforming lives through learningThis is the first of a three-part series that is focused on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the 3 episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into how they have changed their approach to teaching and learning across the system under the banner of Catalyst.
For this episode, Brendan chats with Ross Fox the Director of the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. He is the visionary behind Catalyst and you will hear about his journey. He will also discuss the process that he and his team have gone through in implementing Catalyst across 56 schools.
...
2023-06-1056 minKnowledge for Teachers14 - Ross Fox on how Catalyst is transforming lives through learningThis is the first of a three-part series that is focused on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the 3 episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into how they have changed their approach to teaching and learning across the system under the banner of Catalyst.
For this episode, Brendan chats with Ross Fox the Director of the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. He is the visionary behind Catalyst and you will hear about his journey. He will also discuss the process that he and his team have gone through in implementing Catalyst across 56 schools.
...
2023-06-1056 minKnowledge for Teachers13 - Jordan O’Sullivan on Shaping Minds and PracticesIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee chats with Jordan O’Sullivan from Shaping Minds. Together with Jared Bussell and now Brooke Wardana, they have been supporting teachers in implementing the science of learning in the classroom through practical professional learning combined with lesson demonstrations. For this podcast, Jordan goes through the simple memory model, the process of building a mathematics curriculum, delivering effective PL and much much more.
Resources mentioned:
Willingham’s Simple Memory Model (Article by Tom Sherrington and graphic by Oliver Caviglioli)
Fred Jones - Too...
2023-05-281h 08Knowledge for Teachers13 - Jordan O’Sullivan on Shaping Minds and PracticesIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee chats with Jordan O’Sullivan from Shaping Minds. Together with Jared Bussell and now Brooke Wardana, they have been supporting teachers in implementing the science of learning in the classroom through practical professional learning combined with lesson demonstrations. For this podcast, Jordan goes through the simple memory model, the process of building a mathematics curriculum, delivering effective PL and much much more.
Resources mentioned:
Willingham’s Simple Memory Model (Article by Tom Sherrington and graphic by Oliver Caviglioli)
Fred Jones - Too...
2023-05-281h 08Knowledge for Teachers12 - Troy Verey on developing a whole school curriculum and what it looks like in the classroomThis is the second episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, which focuses on Marsden Road Public School. In the previous chat, Brendan Lee spoke with Marsden Road’s Principal, Manisha Gazula. Her story has inspired thousands of educators around the world. In this conversation, you will hear from Deputy Principal, Troy Verey. He is a highly respected educator in his own right and is also a shining example of Manisha’s ability to support the development of her staff. Throughout the conversation, Troy details the Core Program and describes what it looks like in the classroom.
2023-05-1357 minKnowledge for Teachers12 - Troy Verey on developing a whole school curriculum and what it looks like in the classroomThis is the second episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, which focuses on Marsden Road Public School. In the previous chat, Brendan Lee spoke with Marsden Road’s Principal, Manisha Gazula. Her story has inspired thousands of educators around the world. In this conversation, you will hear from Deputy Principal, Troy Verey. He is a highly respected educator in his own right and is also a shining example of Manisha’s ability to support the development of her staff. Throughout the conversation, Troy details the Core Program and describes what it looks like in the classroom.
2023-05-1357 minKnowledge for Teachers11 - Manisha Gazula on how Marsden Road PS turned around its reading and maths resultsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee had the opportunity of visiting Marsden Road Public School and then speaking to the Principal, Manisha Gazula. Marsden Road has recently featured in a number of reports from the Grattan Institute on role-model schools from around the country. This is the first of a two part series on the school. In the next episode, you will hear from Deputy Principal Troy Verey.
Manisha’s leadership style has been compared to Katherine Birbilsingh from Michaela Community School in the UK. However, in this conversation you will hear how...
2023-05-061h 13Knowledge for Teachers11 - Manisha Gazula on how Marsden Road PS turned around its reading and maths resultsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee had the opportunity of visiting Marsden Road Public School and then speaking to the Principal, Manisha Gazula. Marsden Road has recently featured in a number of reports from the Grattan Institute on role-model schools from around the country. This is the first of a two part series on the school. In the next episode, you will hear from Deputy Principal Troy Verey.
Manisha’s leadership style has been compared to Katherine Birbilsingh from Michaela Community School in the UK. However, in this conversation you will hear how...
2023-05-061h 13Knowledge for Teachers10 - Kieran Mackle thinking deeply about the science of mathsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Kieran Mackle. Kieran is a primary mathematics specialist teacher from the UK, an author and is currently working with Complete Maths. He is also the host of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, a podcast that should be on your playlist, and this episode is actually the second part of our conversation. In the first part, Kieran quizzes me for his podcast. However, in this episode you will get an in-depth look at how deeply Kieran has thought about primary mathematics. We look at a number of...
2023-04-221h 08Knowledge for Teachers10 - Kieran Mackle thinking deeply about the science of mathsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Kieran Mackle. Kieran is a primary mathematics specialist teacher from the UK, an author and is currently working with Complete Maths. He is also the host of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, a podcast that should be on your playlist, and this episode is actually the second part of our conversation. In the first part, Kieran quizzes me for his podcast. However, in this episode you will get an in-depth look at how deeply Kieran has thought about primary mathematics. We look at a number of...
2023-04-221h 08Knowledge for Teachers09 - Karen Tzanetopoulos on the Science of Math Learning in Research and PracticeIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Karen Tzanetopoulos, a trained speech and language pathologist. Karen tells us about how she started working out of an office that was like a janitor’s closet to quietly do her own structured literacy with students and how her interest in math began while working in the public schools, as she observed that many of her students with language disorders also struggled to learn math and then she made a connection between the two.
In this conversation, Karen goes through everything from the fundamentals tha...
2023-04-021h 48Knowledge for Teachers09 - Karen Tzanetopoulos on the Science of Math Learning in Research and PracticeIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Karen Tzanetopoulos, a trained speech and language pathologist. Karen tells us about how she started working out of an office that was like a janitor’s closet to quietly do her own structured literacy with students and how her interest in math began while working in the public schools, as she observed that many of her students with language disorders also struggled to learn math and then she made a connection between the two.
In this conversation, Karen goes through everything from the fundamentals tha...
2023-04-021h 48Knowledge for Teachers08 - Rouzana Komesidou on implementation science in schoolsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Dr. Rouzana Komesidou, a researcher who fell into implementation science after seeing the gap between research and practice in schools. In our conversation, she gives an overview of what things schools should consider before implementing something, how leaders can support the process and what things to avoid.
Resources mentioned in this conversation:
Dr. Tiffany Hogan
Dr. James Mannion
A Generic Implementation Framework for School-based Research and Practice:
Pre-print: https://osf.io/6zpq7/
Toolkit: https://osf.io/mzb5d
You...
2023-03-261h 21Knowledge for Teachers08 - Rouzana Komesidou on implementation science in schoolsIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Dr. Rouzana Komesidou, a researcher who fell into implementation science after seeing the gap between research and practice in schools. In our conversation, she gives an overview of what things schools should consider before implementing something, how leaders can support the process and what things to avoid.
Resources mentioned in this conversation:
Dr. Tiffany Hogan
Dr. James Mannion
A Generic Implementation Framework for School-based Research and Practice:
Pre-print: https://osf.io/6zpq7/
Toolkit: https://osf.io/mzb5d
You...
2023-03-261h 21Knowledge for Teachers07 - Greg Clement on achieving school excellence through the science of readingIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to former principal, Greg Clement. In this conversation, we find out how he transformed Clayton South Primary School from the worst school in the network to the second best within 12 months. Greg also speaks about how a speech pathologist set him on the science of reading pathway, how he got buy-in from staff and the community and we go through his three year Action Plan.
Resources and people mentioned
Greg Clement’s book - Transform: Achieving excellence through the science of rea...
2023-03-1857 minKnowledge for Teachers07 - Greg Clement on achieving school excellence through the science of readingIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to former principal, Greg Clement. In this conversation, we find out how he transformed Clayton South Primary School from the worst school in the network to the second best within 12 months. Greg also speaks about how a speech pathologist set him on the science of reading pathway, how he got buy-in from staff and the community and we go through his three year Action Plan.
Resources and people mentioned
Greg Clement’s book - Transform: Achieving excellence through the science of rea...
2023-03-1857 minKnowledge for Teachers06 - Reid Smith on buiding a knowledge-rich curriculum, collaboration and Ochre EducationIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee talks to curriculum expert Reid Smith, founder and co-CEO of Ochre Education and Head of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction at Ballarat Clarendon College. Reid’s done a lot of research around the importance of knowledge for comprehension and cognitive load theory.
In this conversation, Reid talks about:
- The importance of working in teams
- What we need to consider when designing a knowledge-rich curriculum
- Why teachers need to lose the idea that we need to do it all...
2023-03-111h 10Knowledge for Teachers06 - Reid Smith on buiding a knowledge-rich curriculum, collaboration and Ochre EducationIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee talks to curriculum expert Reid Smith, founder and co-CEO of Ochre Education and Head of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction at Ballarat Clarendon College. Reid’s done a lot of research around the importance of knowledge for comprehension and cognitive load theory.
In this conversation, Reid talks about:
- The importance of working in teams
- What we need to consider when designing a knowledge-rich curriculum
- Why teachers need to lose the idea that we need to do it all...
2023-03-111h 10Knowledge for Teachers05 - Tom Sherrington on why we need effective and precise teaching techniquesIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee chats to Tom Sherrington about how Tom randomly found some Bill Rogers videos that were transformational for him. How he worked out the need to deliver precise professional learning for teachers and the common challenges that schools face. Tom also goes through how schools are using Teaching Walkthrus effectively.
Resources mentioned in this conversation:
Walkthrus.co.uk
teacherhead.com
teachingsprints.com.au
Australian Walkthrus Workshop - Thursday 30th March
Daniel Willingham’s Why don’t students like school
Megan Sumeracki, Oliver Caviglioli, and Yana...
2023-03-041h 16Knowledge for Teachers05 - Tom Sherrington on why we need effective and precise teaching techniquesIn this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee chats to Tom Sherrington about how Tom randomly found some Bill Rogers videos that were transformational for him. How he worked out the need to deliver precise professional learning for teachers and the common challenges that schools face. Tom also goes through how schools are using Teaching Walkthrus effectively.
Resources mentioned in this conversation:
Walkthrus.co.uk
teacherhead.com
teachingsprints.com.au
Australian Walkthrus Workshop - Thursday 30th March
Daniel Willingham’s Why don’t students like school
Megan Sumeracki, Oliver Caviglioli, and Yana...
2023-03-041h 16Knowledge for Teachers04 - Daisy Christodoulou and Jeanette Breen on knowledge, assessment and AI in educationIn this wide-ranging conversation, Brendan Lee chats with Daisy Christodoulou and Jeanette Breen about all things to do with education. On the 10th anniversary of the 7 Myths about Education, he asks Daisy if there are any changes or additions she would make. She also talks about why rubrics give us an illusion of a shared language and the positive impact that AI could have on teacher workload.
Jeanette Breen provides her story of why and how she has used Comparative Judgement at her school and the impact it has had.
Resources mentioned:
...
2023-02-181h 08Knowledge for Teachers04 - Daisy Christodoulou and Jeanette Breen on knowledge, assessment and AI in educationIn this wide-ranging conversation, Brendan Lee chats with Daisy Christodoulou and Jeanette Breen about all things to do with education. On the 10th anniversary of the 7 Myths about Education, he asks Daisy if there are any changes or additions she would make. She also talks about why rubrics give us an illusion of a shared language and the positive impact that AI could have on teacher workload.
Jeanette Breen provides her story of why and how she has used Comparative Judgement at her school and the impact it has had.
Resources mentioned:
...
2023-02-181h 08Knowledge for Teachers03 - Lyn Stone on misconceptions about teaching literacy and how we should actually teach itIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Lyn Stone. Lyn is an author, linguist and consultancy and tutoring practice, Lifelong Literacy. In this chat, she addresses a number of misconceptions about teaching literacy and provides loads of practical tips for teachers. You will find out how Lyn’s passion for literacy developed, why we can’t teach the English language like we have a transparent orthography and how reading and writing are not simple, but you can view them simply
Resources mentioned:
Dolores G. Hiskes - Reading Pathways: Simple Exercises to Improve Reading Fluenc...
2023-02-121h 02Knowledge for Teachers03 - Lyn Stone on misconceptions about teaching literacy and how we should actually teach itIn this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Lyn Stone. Lyn is an author, linguist and consultancy and tutoring practice, Lifelong Literacy. In this chat, she addresses a number of misconceptions about teaching literacy and provides loads of practical tips for teachers. You will find out how Lyn’s passion for literacy developed, why we can’t teach the English language like we have a transparent orthography and how reading and writing are not simple, but you can view them simply
Resources mentioned:
Dolores G. Hiskes - Reading Pathways: Simple Exercises to Improve Reading Fluenc...
2023-02-121h 02Knowledge for Teachers02 - Stephanie Le Lievre on implementing structured literacy across the schoolIn this episode, Brendan Lee talks to Deputy Principal, Stephanie Le Lievre. She explains:
- how the Reading Science in Schools FB group - that now has over 50,000 members, came about
- why we need to "cut the fluff"
- what a structured literacy block can look like for the pre-primary stage
- what an evidence-informed approach looks like in the primary classroom
- how she is using ChatGPT for fluency building!
Some of the experts and resources mentioned:
Professor Pamela Snow
2023-02-0556 minKnowledge for Teachers02 - Stephanie Le Lievre on implementing structured literacy across the schoolIn this episode, Brendan Lee talks to Deputy Principal, Stephanie Le Lievre. She explains:
- how the Reading Science in Schools FB group - that now has over 50,000 members, came about
- why we need to "cut the fluff"
- what a structured literacy block can look like for the pre-primary stage
- what an evidence-informed approach looks like in the primary classroom
- how she is using ChatGPT for fluency building!
Some of the experts and resources mentioned:
Professor Pamela Snow
2023-02-0556 minKnowledge for Teachers01 - Dr. Russ Fox on building relationships, routines and using reinforcersWelcome to the Knowledge for Teachers podcast!
I (Brendan Lee) decided to start up this podcast because rather selfishly there are a lot of areas I would like to have more knowledge in and people that I would really like to hear from, so I thought why not start up a podcast so that I can share these conversations with other educators. I’m also really interested in finding out what those active ingredients are in actually getting evidence informed practice happening in our classrooms.
Very early on I knew that today’s guest...
2023-01-281h 37Knowledge for Teachers01 - Dr. Russ Fox on building relationships, routines and using reinforcersWelcome to the Knowledge for Teachers podcast!
I (Brendan Lee) decided to start up this podcast because rather selfishly there are a lot of areas I would like to have more knowledge in and people that I would really like to hear from, so I thought why not start up a podcast so that I can share these conversations with other educators. I’m also really interested in finding out what those active ingredients are in actually getting evidence informed practice happening in our classrooms.
Very early on I knew that today’s guest...
2023-01-281h 37