Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation

We’re thrilled to bring you an incredibly insightful episode of Learn Play Thrive, recorded at the REAIE conference in Adelaide! This week, we're joined by three of the early childhood sector’s most respected experts and authors - Dr. Alma Fleet, an Honorary Associate Professor at Macquarie University; Adam Christie, an early childhood teacher and consultant; and Anthony Semann, founding director of Semann & Slattery. Together, they have co-authored the groundbreaking new book, Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation. In this deep-dive conversation, they discuss the impetus behind their work, challenging us to look beyond traditional record-keeping and embrace a more dynamic, thoughtful approach to understanding children's learning.The conversation explores how pedagogical documentation is a "collective act of inquiry," a practice that not only honors children’s thinking but also elevates the very art of teaching. What does it mean to see children not just as learners, but as active citizens in shaping their learning journeys? How can we, as educators and teachers, embed curiosity, reflection, and collaboration into the very fabric of our teaching practice? This book is a celebration of pedagogical documentation—a transformative approach that challenges traditional planning and assessment. Our guests share powerful, practical examples of how educators have used documentation to genuinely drive positive change within their settings, moving from mere observation to a deeply reflective and empowering form of inquiry.Find out more:www.semannslattery.com/www.researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/alma-fleetwww.instagram.com/adamchristieconsulting/If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] with Us:- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia- Email: [email protected]