Knowledge for Teachers

S02E07 - 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 preparation in reinforcing those standards. The conversation also touches on strategies for schools to drive improvement without waiting for systemic changes.
Resources mentioned:
Reimagining Teacher Professionalism. Why standards must be part of ITE reform
Knowledge Society - Elena Douglas
Trisha Jha
What is the Science of Learning? https://www.cis.org.au/publication/what-is-the-science-of-learning/
Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences https://www.cis.org.au/publication/implementing-the-science-of-learning-teacher-experiences/
Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel
Andrew Martin
Kate Jones
ResearchEd
Alex Quigley: https://www.theconfidentteacher.com/
Anita Archer
Hollingsworth and Ybarra - Explicit Direct Instruction
You can connect with Rebecca:
Twitter: @msrebeccabirch
Linkedin: @rebeccabirch
Website: https://rebeccabirch.au/
Substack: https://rebeccabirch.substack.com/
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
About Rebecca Birch
Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a learning support officer in diverse settings while she undertook her teacher training after a successful career in advertising and fashion.
Rebecca has provided consultation and content services for Ochre Education and Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, and has appeared on panels for ResearchED and the Gonski Institute for Education. Her current research interest is the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing. She writes for publication and through her newsletter (rebeccabirch.substack.com/).

S02E06 - Tom Bennett On Running The Room

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

S02E05 - Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem Instruction

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

S02E04 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing Skills

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

S02E03 - Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classrooms

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

S02E02 - 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 his lessons look like day-to-day and how they progress throughout the year.
Resources mentioned:
Siegfried Engelmann
Story Champs
Heggerty’s phonemic awareness program
Little Learner’s Love Literacy
Core Knowledge
Ochre
Grammar Project
Number blocks
Direct Instruction Mathematics by Marcy Stein
Doug Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion
Shaping Minds
Christopher SUch’s The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading
Sharing Best Practice
ResearchEd
 
You can connect with James:
Twitter: @jdtdobson
Instagram: @mr_j_dobson
Website: layingthefoundations.weebly.com/ 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
About James Dobson
James Dobson is a Foundation teacher and Learning Specialist at Campbells Creek Primary School including Guildford Campus in central Victoria. James has worked with students from a diverse range of backgrounds in Victoria and the Northern Territory. During his time in the NT, he implemented a range of Direct Instruction programs and became an accredited DI trainer. He was a finalist for the Outstanding Primary Teacher award as a part of the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. James is passionate about ensuring that all students receive a quality education. This begins by laying a solid foundation. 
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

S02E01 - Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School Culture

In 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 support systems within schools. He stresses intentional communication with parents and the cultivation of a positive school culture. Ray delves into strategies for nurturing staff well-being, employing tools like playbooks and coaching. He highlights the importance of revisiting priorities and setting precise goals for professional development. As the discussion concludes, Ray provides valuable tips for a strong start to the school year and recommends resources such as cognitive load theory and educational research books. 
Listen to this episode for profound insights and guidance tailored for school leaders.
Resources mentioned:
James Nottingham
Luke George
Rachael Lehr
Steph Le Lievre (features on S01E02 Of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast)
James Clear - Atomic Habits
Greg Sullivan
John Fleming
ED Hirsch
David Wanstall
Lorraine Hammond
Ken Rowe
John Hollingsworth
Joe Ybarra
Louisa Moats
Simon Sinek
Spelling Mastery
Peter DeWitt
John Hattie
Joel Birch
Seth Godin - Song of Significance
Jim Knight
You can connect with Ray:
Twitter: @RayBoyd007
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rayboyd007/
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
 
About Dr. Ray Boyd
Dr Ray Boyd, DipT., MSL., Ed.D.. FACELWA., FACEL is the foundation principal of Dayton Primary School. Prior to this he led a school that achieved remarkable improvement, resulting in his team mentoring WA school personnel as a part of the Centre for Excellence in Literacy initiative. Ray’s world is dominated by the need to improve teaching and learning in schools, having done considerable work with state and interstate schools in developing highly effective teaching models alongside their leadership teams. Prior to his career as a school leader, Ray competed at an international level, representing Australia at the World Cross Country Championship, in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Athens, and was a member of the Australian Team that won the International Ekiden Relay Championships in 1995.

28 - Brendan Lee’s Key Takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023

Brendan 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
 

27 - Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of math

In 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 teachers can use the Instructional Hierarchy to improve student performance, why curriculum-based measurements are useful, how we can build math fact fluency and much more.
 
Resources mentioned:
Sarah Powell
Amanda VanderHeyden
Robin Codding
Journal of Behavioral Education
The ABCs of CBM by Michelle K. Hosp, John L. Hosp, and Kenneth W. Howell.
Brian Poncy - https://brianponcy.wixsite.com/mind
Doug and Lynn Fuchs
Pirate Math - https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/
Self-Regulate Strategy Development
National Center on Intensive Intervention - https://intensiveintervention.org/
Journal of Behavioral Education Special Edition on Instructional Hierarchy - https://www.jstor.org/stable/i40086112
Benjamin Solomon and Brian Poncy, A review of common rates of improvement when implementing whole-number operation math interventions: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-70602-005
You can connect with Corey:
Twitter: @CoreyJPeltier
Website: coreypeltier.substack.com/
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

26 - Dr. Tim McDonald on Building a Behaviour Curriculum

In 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 and behaviour expectations.
Resources mentioned:
Teaching Behaviour: How Classroom Conduct Can Unlock Better Learning
Classroom Management: Engaging students in learning
Tom Bennett, Running the Room
Anita Archer
Urie Bronfenbrenner
Doug Lemov
Classroom Management Classroom Management 
You can connect with:
Twitter: @DrTimMcDonald1
Linkedin
Website: www.classroommastery.com.au/
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast