PODCAST · education
Talking Teaching
by University of Melbourne
Talking Teaching is a University of Melbourne podcast about effective, evidence-based classroom practice and the latest in educational thinking. Each episode features insights from world-renowned educators and thinkers.
Episodes
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Reinventing Schools – Connecting Learning, Health and Wellbeing
If we could reinvent schools, where would we begin? In Episode 5 of Talking Teaching, The University of Melbourne's Host, Dr Sophie Specjal welcomes Professor Sharon Goldfeld and Professor Jon Quach for a conversation about rethinking schools and the connections between children’s learning…
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Thriving Kids: Rethinking Early Intervention, Neurodiversity and Belonging
In this timely episode, host Dr Sophie Specjal is joined by Professor Frank Oberklaid AM and Associate Professor Matt Harrison to examine one of the most significant changes to Australia’s approach to supporting young children and their families. The staged national rollout of the Australian...
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The Promise to Every Student: From Classroom Practice to National Leadership. In conversation with Stephen Gniel, CEO of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Education carries a promise: that every student has the opportunity to learn, progress, belong and thrive. But what does it take to deliver on that promise, from the decisions made in a classroom to those shaping education across Australia? In this episode of Talking Teaching, University of...
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Questions That Matter: Rethinking Assessment, AI and the Future of Learning with Professor Therese Hopfenbeck
In this episode of Talking Teaching, host Dr Sophie Specjal is joined by Professor Therese N. Hopfenbeck, Director of the Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre at the University of Melbourne and Chair of the PISA 2029 Questionnaire Framework Group. Across a rich and wide-ranging conversation,...
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Transforming School Engagement through Trauma-Informed Strengths-Based Education
Episode 1, Season 10 of Talking Teaching begins with a powerful conversation about one of education's most important challenges: creating schools where every student feels safe, connected, valued, and ready to learn. Host of Talking Teaching, Sophie Specjal PhD is joined by Tom Brunzell, PhD...
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Disrupting Disadvantage: Inside Hester Hornbrook (Special Assistance School)
In this episode of Talking Teaching, host Dr Sophie Specjal explores the story of Hester Hornbrook Academy, a fee-free, Independent Special Assistance School (SAS School) in Victoria supporting young people aged 15–25 who have experienced significant barriers to education, including trauma…
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Reading, Reasoning, and AI: A New Era in Education
In this episode of Talking Teaching, our host Sophie Specjal sits down with Dr Jennifer Buckingham Dr Jennifer Buckingham to explore the critical intersection of reading, reasoning, and artificial intelligence in contemporary education. Drawing on decades of research and policy experience, Dr...
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“Indigenous Wisdom: Story, Land and Ceremony in Early Childhood Education”
What can Indigenous knowledge teach us about raising and educating children? Anishinaabe visiting scholar Professor Jan Hare, from the M’Chigeeng First Nation and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, joins host Dr Sophie Specjal to explore how Indigenous...
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John Hattie on 50 Years of Evidence, Impact and Belonging
How do we measure what truly matters in education? Laureate Professor Emeritus John Hattie joins host Dr Sophie Specjal to reflect on five decades of research, leadership and global influence. From his pioneering work on Visible Learning to mentoring over 200 PhD students, Hattie explores the...
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Teaching with Torres Strait Island Knowledge—A Conversation with Dr John Doolah
To mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week, Talking Teaching celebrates this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, by spotlighting the work of Dr John Doolah, a proud Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous education lecturer at the University of Melbourne. In conversation with host Dr...
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Wellbeing Literacy: Teachers and students using language to enhance wellbeing
How does language shape how we feel, relate, and learn? In this episode, host Dr. Sophie Specjal is joined by Professor Lindsay Oades, Dr Jacqui Francis and Lisa Baker to explore the emerging concept of Wellbeing Literacy; the capability to intentionally use language to foster wellbeing…
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Expanding How We Learn with Professor Guy Claxton
What if learning isn’t just about what we know, but about who we become? Professor Guy Claxton joins Talking Teaching to unpack his fascinating journey through psychology and education, and discusses learning as a capacity, calling for a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching. In...
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Navigating AI in Mathematics Education: Insights for all educators
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into schools, what does it mean for the way we plan lessons, support students, and teach mathematics? Dr Sophie Specjal explores the evolving role of AI in education with Dr Scott Cameron, Dr Carmel Mesiti, and Mr Luke Clift. They discuss the use...
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The Purpose of Education: In Conversation with Professor Gert Biesta
Renowned educator Professor Gert Biesta joins Talking Teaching to explore the deeper purpose of education beyond knowledge transfer. In this episode, Professor Biesta reflects on his journey from post-war Rotterdam to his influential academic career and introduces his three key dimensions of...
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Creative Lesson Planning: practical strategies to enhance learning and empower teachers
What does effective curriculum design look like in today’s classrooms? And how can planning approaches support both student engagement and teacher agency? Dr Sophie Specjal speaks with Auburn South Primary School’s Rhian ap Rees and Darien Hunte, along with Professor John Quay from the University...
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A New Approach to Measuring Student Success with Melbourne Metrics
Talking Teaching explores how Melbourne Metrics is transforming student assessment by going beyond academics. We speak with Professor Sandra Milligan from the University of Melbourne, leading Melbourne Metrics, and Principal Jonathan Walter of Carey Baptist Grammar School, an early adopter. They...
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Fostering Motivation and Wellbeing in Education
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Colla and Dr. Lara Mossman from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education about teaching for wellbeing. They discuss the difference between teaching wellbeing skills and creating a classroom environment that fosters motivation and wellbeing. They...
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Rethinking Technology’s Role in Students’ Mental Health
Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Bakker explore the effects of digital technologies on student mental health. They discuss the risks and benefits of apps, gaming, and social media, emphasising the need for balance. With a focus on digital hygiene education and teacher training, they call for…
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The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Learning
This episode explores the power of play in early childhood education. Learn how play supports brain development, enriches learning, and connects generations through new innovative projects. Learn practical strategies to enhance play in the educational setting without disrupting children's...
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Educating in the Digital Age: From theory to classroom
The use of digital education and artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the new norm. In this episode, we are joined by Carlo Perrotta, an Associate Professor of Digital Education, and Dr. Matthew Fyfield, Deputy Principal of Mazenod College, who explore the intricate world of educational...
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Strategies for Impactful Educational Leadership: A Conversation with Jim Watterston and Yong Zhao
Talking Teaching is joined by distinguished guests Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Professor Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas. Together, they discuss their recent co-authored book, 'Focused: Understanding, Negotiating, and...
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The Universities Accord and strengthening the link between schools and higher education
The release of the Universities Accord earlier this year marks a pivotal moment in higher education policy. Its recommendations address crucial aspects of the evolving higher ed landscape, including equity, funding, HECS/HELP, and living costs. These changes could profoundly influence the…
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Supporting Neurodiversity in Our Schools: A Teacher's Guide
Australian schools are recognising the growing importance of fostering inclusive spaces for neurodiverse students. Teachers play a vital role in creating belonging for these students. But how can we support teachers, to support neurodivergent students in the classroom? We speak to experts Jess...
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Literary Education and the role of reading for social change
In a world abundant with content, how can we harness literary education as a form of social change? How can we re-invigorate schools to be spaces to engage with uncomfortable truths and delicate subject matter in a respectful way? In this episode, Faculty of Education Deputy Dean and co-founder…
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Building Hope: Equity, Funding and the National School Reform Agreement
In this episode, we are joined by two experts, to discuss the Nation School Reform Agreement, currently up for renegotiation. This joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories is designed to lift student outcomes in Australian schools and plays a pivotal role in school funding...
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Empowering the Next Generation: Climate Education in Schools
In this episode, we learn how to bolster both climate and sustainability literacy, and support climate action in the classroom. Listeners will discover how we can empower students to not only understand the science but also engage in meaningful conversations about our changing planet. We explore...
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Reinventing Schools: Elevating student learning, wellbeing and health
In this episode, we delve into the future of education in Australia, exploring ideas to reimagine the purpose of schools by shifting the focus from academic achievement to whole-child development, paving the way for healthier, more equitable futures for all students. With insights from experts...
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Learning from Her: Celebrating Indigenous Women in Education
In this episode, we delve into the stories of three remarkable Indigenous women significantly impacting the educational landscape across Australia. From overcoming challenges to integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledges into curriculums, our guests share their…
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AI in the classroom: friend or foe?
Artificial Intelligence or AI has well and truly arrived. As ChatGPT and DALL-E become mainstream, warnings in the media about this new technology are growing, including its impact on education and assessment. But AI also offers exciting opportunities to enhance learning, think creatively,...
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It’s not a choice: the real issues behind school ‘refusal’
Discover the complex issues around school attendance that can adversely affect students, teachers and parents. The media have referred to it as school ‘refusal’ but student attendance is an old problem in the new post COVID lockdown era. Hear out host, Dr Sophie Specjal speak with clinical...
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The Teacher Crisis - Real or Imagined
In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE), delves into the details of Australia's teacher crisis. How does the situation differ in rural and urban areas? Is teacher education a problem? Why can't we fast-track people...
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Mental Health in Primary Schools
In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE), explores the Mental Health in Primary Schools project (MHiPS) with Professor Frank Oberklaid OAM and Dr Georgia Dawson. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Centre for...
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New Assessments: Acknowledging Student Success
A new research project, New Metrics for Success, works with schools across Australia to develop new ways of assessing school students. These new ways assess the general capabilities and skills of students including communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking. By assessing…
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Gen X,Y & Z: facing the challenges of the 21st century
In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and Professor Johanna Wyn discuss the differences and commonalities between the generations revealed by the longitudinal study Life Patterns. This study, which began in the early...
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COVID-19 - catalyst for change or a retreat to the past?
In this episode of Talking Teaching, Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and Professor Yong Zhao discuss the education system post-COVID-19 and question whether the role of education should be more than simply preparing students for the workforce. Yong…
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Decolonising the English curriculum
In this episode of Talking Teaching, the University of Melbourne's Larissa McLean Davies - an Associate Professor in Languages and Literacy Education - hosts a panel discussion on the importance of reading in our lives, and how to make the teaching of English more inclusive, particularly in terms...
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The COVID lessons: John Hattie reflects
Laureate Professor John Hattie reflects on the effect of COVID-19 on the education system examining what we should keep from what he calls the 'great experiment'. Speaking to Talking Teaching on the eve of his retirement from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, John stresses the need to...
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The kids are alright but is the education system? Flipping the conversation on Indigenous education
On this episode of Talking Teaching Kamilaroi woman, Dr Melitta Hogarth, the Assistant Dean, Indigenous at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, discusses the challenges facing the education sector in building an inclusive school culture and environment for Indigenous students in Australia....
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Dealing with trauma: schools on the frontline
In a traumatic year of bushfires and a global pandemic young people in Australia have faced increasing uncertainty and anxiety. How do schools support their students through these times and how can they help them deal with the trauma to ensure that they thrive? On this episode of Talking Teaching...
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Teaching through the pandemic: lessons learned in and out of school
Teachers, students, parents and entire school communities have been through a tumultuous time having been forced to switch schooling from the classroom to remote learning and back again in the space of a few months. So, what's worked, what didn't and what are schools going to take with them into...
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Resilience and recovery: bushfires and COVID-19
A global pandemic and devastating bushfires - these major events are going to affect people's lives and wellbeing for a long time. Their ramifications are forcing people to deal with uncertainty, stress and loss. On this episode of Talking Teaching: Professor Lindsay Oades, Director of the Centre...
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Teaching Indigenous history in schools and the rundown on NAPLAN
In this final edition of Talking Teaching for this year Maxine McKew talks to David de Carvalho about the national NAPLAN picture and what it is really telling us. The ACARA chief regrets that NAPLAN is too often seen as the sole measure of student achievement and that national testing needs to…
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The need for policy changes in the VET sector
The Prime Minister says that TAFE is as good as university and wants to encourage young Australians to consider taking up a trade. But how fit for purpose is the sector? After a troubled recent history of dodgy providers and high upfront fees, enrolments are plummeting. Can this be reversed? In...
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Australian schooling and teaching 21st century skills
Emeritus Professor Barry McGaw has spent a lifetime advocating for greater equity in Australia schooling. In this interview with Kerry Elliott he considers recent funding policy failures and regrets the way Australian schooling has become so segmented and stratified. The founding chair of ACARA,...
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Positive Psychology: Learning the skills and capabilities for wellbeing
The sixth International Congress for Positive Psychology was held recently in Melbourne with the University of Melbourne as the main partner. Hundreds of experts from across the globe described their approach to maximising wellbeing, particularly among young people. Talking Teaching was there and...
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Talking Teaching considers the growing national momentum for pre-school for three year old children
In this episode Maxine McKew talks with experts Trish Eadie and Deb Brennan about the multiple benefits of quality early learning programmes for young children. In particular they consider the growing national momentum for pre-school for three year old children, a policy already embraced by...
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What the rest of the world is noticing about our most effective teachers
What is it the rest of the world is noticing about Australia's teachers? Ranked as one of the world's top ten teachers, Rooty Hill humanities teacher Yasodai Selvakumaran talks to TT about overseas interest in the way we engage students in complex problem solving. Guest speakers: Yasodai...
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Teaching children reading
In this episode of Talking Teaching Kerry Elliott talks to David Hornsby about the contentious issue of how we teach reading to young students. Why can't we agree on the fundamentals and insist on comprehensive English language training for teachers? Listen to David Hornsby's common sense approach.
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A challenging look at teaching teachers.
In this episode of Talking Teaching writer and university lecturer Tegan Bennett Daylight discusses what she sees as declining standards and poor quality reading skills in some students attending universities. She identifies the dilemma of how to instil a love of reading in children from teachers...
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How educators can boost student interest in reading
Talking Teaching's first episode for 2019 features interviews with Larissa McLean Davies and with Penny Jones. From different perspectives they both talk about how educators can boost student interest in reading. Larissa McLean Davies is Associate Dean Teaching and Learning at The Melbourne...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Talking Teaching is a University of Melbourne podcast about effective, evidence-based classroom practice and the latest in educational thinking. Each episode features insights from world-renowned educators and thinkers.
HOSTED BY
University of Melbourne
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Talking Teaching have?
Talking Teaching currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Talking Teaching about?
Talking Teaching is a University of Melbourne podcast about effective, evidence-based classroom practice and the latest in educational thinking. Each episode features insights from world-renowned educators and thinkers.
How often does Talking Teaching release new episodes?
Talking Teaching has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Talking Teaching?
You can listen to Talking Teaching on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Talking Teaching?
Talking Teaching is created and hosted by University of Melbourne.
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