Knowledge for Teachers

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

25 - Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students

In 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 have implemented a Multi-Tiered System of Support framework effectively.
Resources mentioned:
Jessica Colleu Terradas Churchill Fellowship: To identify effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students
Anita Archer
Stanislas Dehaene - How We Learn
2 reports on better supporting students who enter secondary school with gaps in their foundational literacy and numeracy skills and guide about MTSS, published/funded by AERO in partnership with Monash Uni: https://www.edresearch.edu.au/resources/supporting-secondary-students-lacking-foundational-literacy-and-numeracy-skills-research-summaryEEF
Diane and James Murphy’s book ‘Thinking Reading: what every secondary teacher need to know about reading’ https://www.amazon.com.au/Thinking-Reading-Every-Secondary-Teacher/dp/1911382683
Improving literacy in secondary schools, by the Education Endowment Foundation: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/literacy-ks3-ks4
The national Institute for Direct Instruction (official website): https://www.nifdi.org/
The Theory of Instruction: applications and strategies (1982 Ed.) by Engelmann & Carnine: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Doug-Carnine/publication/303721842_Theory_of_Instruction_Principles_and_Applications/links/574f661a08aef199238ef8b6/Theory-of-Instruction-Principles-and-Applications.pdf (download a revised copy) . Order a copy: https://www.amazon.com.au/Theory-Instruction-Applications-Siegfried-Engelmann/dp/1880183803
Podcast: the Science of Reading platform with Susan Lambert https://amplify.com/science-of-reading-the-podcast/
 
You can connect with Jess:
Twitter: @JessicaColleu
LinkedIn: @jessicacolleu/
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

24 - 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 will tell us how bleak our current situation is, what needs to be done, what will happen if changes aren’t made and go through some examples of who is doing this well.
Resources mentioned:
Rowe, K., & National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (Australia). (2005). Teaching Reading: Report and Recommendations. Department of Education, Science and Training. https://research.acer.edu.au/tll_misc/5
Knowledge for Teachers Podcast
14 – Ross Fox on how Catalyst is transforming lives through learning (Catalyst Part 1)
15 – Patrick Ellis on considerations for change (Catalyst Part 2)
16 – St Bernard’s P.S. Transformational Change Through Catalyst (Catalyst Part 3)
Nancy Young
Code READ Dyslexia Network
Fogarty Foundation
Catalyst
Think Forward Educators
Sharing Best Practice
Australian PISA reports and data files
Grattan Institute: Widening gaps: what NAPLAN tells us about student progress
Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast - Ep. 100 Trauma and Reading with Dr. Steven Dykstra
 
You can connect with Jess:
Linkedin
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

23 - Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classrooms

In 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. 
 
Resources mentioned:
King Solomon Academy
Doug Lemov - Teach Like a Champion
Kris Bolton
Brendan Lee - 5 Key Principles for Teaching Primary Mathematics Effectively
Brendan Lee - A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics (Part 1)
Alex Blanksby - Five Ways to use Worked Examples
The ResearchED guide to explicit and direct instruction - Adam Boxer
John Mason and Anne Watson - Thinkers
Episode 18 – Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in Reading
Knowledge Society
CogLearn
Think Forward Educations: Sarah Powell - Maths Intervention
Dan Meyer
 
You can connect with Bruno:
Twitter: @BrunoReddyMaths
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

22 - Emma Turner on Primary Curriculum Design and Cognitive Science

In 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 of a primary teacher and much more!
Resources mentioned:
Be More Toddler
Let's Talk about Flex
Jennifer Gonzalez: Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers
The Magic Weaving Business by Sir John Jones
The Behaviour Manual and They Don't Behave For Me by Sam Strickland
The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading by Christopher Such
Thinking Deeply About Primary Mathematics by Kieran Mackle
Teaching for Mastery by Mark Mccourt
 
You can connect with Emma:
Twitter: @Emma_Turner75
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee coaching workshop (live): Supporting teachers in implementing the science of learning

Listen 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 will hear from Sarah and Iona from St. Andrews in Cairns who are right at the start of their science of learning journey.
 
You can connect with Nathaniel:
Twitter: @NathanielRSwain
Website: https://www.nathanielswain.com/
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net

20 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain answers the FAQ about implementing the science of learning

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He is currently a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement at La Trobe University and has also been a speech-language pathologist, teacher and is the founder of Think Forward Educators. 
In this conversation, Nathaniel plays the teacher version of Dolly Doctor and addresses some of the most sought-after questions in education and provides a number of practical, ready-to-use examples of how to implement the science of learning. 
Become a patreon for the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast!
patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
Resources mentioned:https://thinkforwardeducators.org/Shane PearsonPhormes.comCore KnowledgeRead to LearnAnita ArcherYbarra and Hollingsworth’s Explicit Direct InstructionRosenshine’s Principles of InstructionWexler and Hochman’s The Writing RevolutionWilliam Van CleaveED HirschSweller’s Cognitive Load TheoryGreg Ashman’s Filling the Pail blog
You can connect with Nathaniel:Twitter: @NathanielRSwainWebsite: https://www.nathanielswain.com/ You can connect with Brendan:Twitter: @learnwithmrleeFacebook: @learningwithmrleeWebsite: learnwithlee.net

19 - David Morkunas On Explicit Instruction In Primary Maths

In 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. Stephen Norton - https://mathematicseducation.vhx.tv/
 
You can connect with Dave through:
Twitter: @DaveMorkunas
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMork
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net

18 - Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in Reading

In 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. Alison Madelaine
Dr Jennifer Buckingham
Short-Changed: Preparation to teach reading in initial teacher education
Alison McMurtrie
Linnea Ehri
Think Forward Educators
Five from Five
 
You can connect with Kevin:
Twitter: @KevinWheldall
Website: http://www.kevinwheldall.com/
Email: kevin.wheldall@pecas.com.au
 
You can connect with Robyn:
Twitter: @RWheldall
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net

17 - Christopher Such on the Art and Science of Teaching Reading Fluency

In this episode, I chat with Christopher Such. He is the author of, “The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading” and an experienced teacher, school leader and educational consultant. In our conversation, Chris touches on teacher workload, professional development and he goes through the thought behind his book and how his thinking has developed since its release. We then take a deep dive into teaching reading fluency and look at what it is, common misconceptions that teachers have and what it looks like across different year levels. After that, we somehow manage to fit in an overview of comprehension! This episode is not to be missed!
Resources mentioned:
Kathy Rastle: https://www.rastlelab.com/
EPS mid-career prize lecture 2017: Writing systems, reading, and language
Reid Smith, Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry & Lorraine Hammond (2021) The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review, Reading Psychology, 42:3, 214-240, DOI: 10.1080/02702711.2021.1888348
Chris’ free curriculum resources: https://primarycolour.home.blog/category/free-resources/
Debbie Hepplewhite’s Phonics International: https://phonicsinternational.com/
Lynn Stone
Castles, A., Rastle, K., & Nation, K. (2018). Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 19(1), 5–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100618772271
MultiLit: https://multilit.com/
The Science of Reading: A Handbook, 2nd Edition
John Walker - Sounds-write
You can connect with Chris:
Twitter: @Suchmo83
Website: https://primarycolour.home.blog/
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net