26 - Dr. Tim McDonald On Building A Behaviour Curriculum Knowledge For Teachers podcast

1:38:02

In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, I speak with Amy Haywood and Nick Parkinson, co-authors of the Grattan Institute’s Maths Guarantee report. We unpack what they describe as Australia’s “national problem” with maths underperformance — from the equity gaps to the urgent need for high-quality curriculum materials and teacher support. Amy and Nick share key findings from their research, including a national teacher survey and international case studies, as well as practical insights from some of Australia’s most effective schools. We dive deep into what explicit instruction really looks like, the power of fluency, and how the instructional hierarchy can help teachers better sequence their maths lessons. Whether you're a school leader, instructional coach, or passionate teacher, this conversation will leave you with clarity, evidence, and next steps to improve maths teaching in your school. Resources mentioned: The Maths Guarante e (Grattan Institute report) The Maths Guarantee: A guide for principals (Grattan Institute) Teach Like a Champion – Doug Lemov Teaching Primary Mathematics – George Booker Eddie Wu Craig Barton Ochre Education PR1ME International EAST materials Maths Olympiad Times Tables Rock Stars James Dobson - From Research to Reality: A Primary Maths Resource Toolkit The schools they visited for case studies were: Wattle Grove Primary, a government school in suburban Perth Bentleigh West Primary, a government school in suburban Melbourne Ballarat Clarendon College, an independent school in regional Victoria St Bernard’s Primary, a Catholic school in Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast Charlestown South Public, a government school in Newcastle, NSW The Entrance Public, a government school on the NSW central coast Budgewoi Public, a government school also on the NSW central coast The final three schools are part of the Explicit and Systematic Teaching (EAST) network , a grassroots network which exists to champion explicit teaching in NSW government schools You can connect with Amy: Twitter/X: @Amy_L_Haywood You can connect with Nick: Twitter/X: @NickJParkinson You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net About Amy Haywood Amy Haywood is the Deputy Program Director of Grattan’s Education Program. Amy has a background as an educator and brings this practical experience to her work as an education policy researcher. She is the co-author of several Grattan reports, including Ending the lesson lottery: How to improve curriculum planning in schools , The Reading Guarantee: How to give every child the best chance of success , Spreading success: Why Australia should trial multi-school organisations , and The Maths Guarantee: How to boost students’ learning in primary schools . Amy taught English in secondary schools for five years. During this time, she presented at statewide teaching conferences and wrote several study guides for Macmillan Education. Before joining Grattan, Amy worked as a manager in Deloitte Access Economics’ Education Policy team, where she led schooling projects focused on system design, workforce reform, and teaching practice. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne. As part of her postgraduate degree, she studied international education policy while on exchange at the University of Oulo in Finland. She is a registered teacher. Nick Parkinson Nick is a Senior Associate in Grattan’s Education Program, where he has co-authored reports on whole-school curriculum, multi-school organisation, and primary maths. He also contributed to reports on catch-up tutoring and early reading. Through this research, Nick has conducted case studies of nearly 30 leading schools and analysed more than 5,000 teacher survey results. Nick holds a Master of Teaching from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Before studying teaching, Nick completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Languages at the University of Melbourne. He is a 2022 Westpac Future Leader. Before joining Grattan, Nick worked as a consultant at Nous Group where he contributed to projects on school culture, student assessment, and occupational safety. Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast 🎯 Struggling to know whether to model again or move on? You’re not alone — and this course is for you. Effective Primary Maths Teaching is my live, two-day online course designed to help you stop second-guessing and start teaching with clarity and purpose. Across two highly practical days, I’ll walk you through: ✅ When and why to use explicit instruction, word problems, fluency tasks, and more ✅ How to align your teaching with student readiness ✅ The nuts and bolts of effective daily reviews, worked examples, and fluency practice ✅ A practical framework to help you teach responsively — not reactively Everything’s grounded in the science of learning, backed by real classroom examples, and designed so you can take action straight away. You’ll leave with a workbook, an action plan, and the confidence to use it all on Monday. 🗓️ Dates: Day 1 – Monday 4 August 2025 (9am–3pm AET) Day 2 – Monday 1 September 2025 (9am–3pm AET) 🖥️ Live online (with recordings) | 🧠 10 hours total | 💲 $299 Whether you’re a teacher wanting clarity or a leader building consistency, this is the course people tell me they wish they’d done years ago. ▶️ Register now: events.humanitix.com/effective-primary-maths-teaching The last one sold out — don’t miss out.…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E9 - Making sense of the science of reading with Mandy Nayton 1:23:16

17 days ago1:23:16

1:23:16

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers , Brendan Lee sits down with Mandy Nayton — CEO of the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation and president of AUSPELD — for a deep and timely conversation about how students really learn to read. Mandy draws on decades of experience to unpack what the science of reading actually is (and what it isn’t), why explicit instruction matters, and how effective intervention can change the trajectory for struggling students. They explore key frameworks like the Simple View of Reading, Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and the Cognitive Foundations Framework — and dig into DSF’s new Word Origins program, designed to transform how spelling is taught in Years 3–6 by building deep morphological and etymological knowledge. Whether you're just starting to explore structured literacy or you're leading change in your school, this conversation is packed with insight, clarity, and practical takeaways. 🎧 Listen now and explore how teacher knowledge is the most powerful tool we have to improve literacy outcomes. Resources mentioned: Word Origins Literacy Frameworks & Models Simple View of Reading (Gough & Tunmer) Scarborough’s Reading Rope Cognitive Foundations Framework (Hoover & Tunmer) Dehaene’s Four Pillars of Learning Instructional & Program Resources DSF’s Word Origins Program Direct Instruction Phonics Manual Others Kathy Rastle National Reading Panel (2000) Reid Lyon John Hattie You can connect with Mandy: Twitter/X: @mandynayton Facebook: @dyslexiaspeld Linkedin Website: https://dsf.net.au/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E08 - Craig Barton on Becoming a Better Maths Teacher 1:48:02

4 weeks ago1:48:02

1:48:02

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by the legendary Craig Barton—maths educator, best-selling author of How I Wish I Taught Maths and Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain , creator of variationtheory.com and tipsforteachers.co.uk, and one of the original voices in education podcasting. In this conversation, Craig opens up about the highs and lows of teaching, the lessons he’s learned from observing thousands of classrooms, and how he’s navigated public criticism and personal growth. They dive deep into his evolving views on instruction, feedback, and what really moves the needle in student learning. The discussion covers things like: Mini whiteboards Diagnostic questions Intelligent Practice Atomisation Responsive teaching We also touch upon his milestone 200th episode of the Mr. Barton Maths podcast and get a sneak peek at his upcoming "Becoming a Better Maths Teacher" tour of Australia with Ollie Lovell in June. It’s honest, reflective, and packed with insights every teacher can relate to. Resources mentioned: Books by Craig Barton: How I Wish I Taught Maths Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain Tips for Teachers Responsive Coaching by Josh Goodrich Some of Craig's Websites: mrbartonmaths.com diagnosticquestions.com variationtheory.com tipsforteachers.co.uk Podcasts: Mr Barton Maths Podcast You can connect with Craig: Twitter/X: @mrbartonmaths Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Craig Barton Craig Barton loves teaching, doing, speaking and thinking about mathematics. He taught maths in secondary schools for 15 years, and was TES Maths Adviser for 10 years. He is now the Head of Education at Eedi. Craig is the author of three best-selling books: How I wish I’d taught maths, Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain and Tips for Teachers, the host of the Mr Barton Maths podcast and the Tips for Teachers podcast, and the creator of far too many websites, including eedi, diagnosticquestions, tipsforteachers, mrbartonmaths, variationtheory, and ssddproblems. Craig has been lucky to teach maths and work with teachers and students worldwide. In 2020, he was appointed as a Visiting Fellow at the Mathematics Education Centre at the University of Loughborough. His two proudest achievements are convincing Kate to marry him (and stay married), and being the father to our wonderful boys, Isaac and Jacob. Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities: Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025 Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025 Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025 Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools 1:46:26

6 weeks ago1:46:26

1:46:26

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanette Breen — Learning Specialist at Templestowe Heights Primary School and Head of Global Partnerships at No More Marking — to unpack insights from her recent tour of some of the highest-performing schools across the UK. From standalone primaries to schools within trusts like Ark Academy, and even the renowned Michaela Community School, where she met Katharine Birbalsingh, Jeanette explored what’s making a real impact in classrooms and leadership teams. What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from: Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team Matt Burnage - Ark Soane Claire Stoneman - 4 Dwellings Academy, Birmingham Michael Eggleton - Charles Dickens Primary Stuart Houghton - Ribbon Academy, Murton Dr Haili Hughes - Professor of teacher coaching & mentoring, Academica University oas, Director of Education, IRIS Connect. ECF & NPQ facilitator Bruno Reddy - CEO Times Tables Rock Stars and former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy If you're looking to sharpen your teaching, rethink your curriculum, or get inspired by what’s working in leading schools abroad, this episode is packed with gold. Resources mentioned: Daisy Christodoulou - Seven myths in education and Making good progress The Rose report StepLab Teach Like A Champion New wave maths books The Writing Revolution TimesTable Rockstars Grattan report on multi-school organisations Think Forward Educators Core knowledge units Numeracy screener being trialed by the Center for Independent Studies (CIS) White Rose Maths What Works Series ResearchED No More Marking You can connect with Jeanette: X/Twitter: @jettybe3 Linkedin e-mail: jeanette.breen@education.vic.gov.au or jeanette@nomoremarking.com You can connect with Brendan: X/Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Jeanette Breen Jeanette is an experienced teacher, presenter, and liaison for the creation of partnerships and professional learning opportunities. In addition to her school-based role at Templestowe Heights PS Victoria, Jeanette works with UK company No More Marking as the bridge for schools using innovative writing assessment. She leads a Writing Network with Think Forward Educators and is a founding member of Sharing Best Practice. Jeanette holds a Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Masters in Instructional Leadership. Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities: Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025 Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025 Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025 Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E06 - Dr. Carl Hendrick on Five Things Every Teacher Should Do 1:33:28

11 weeks ago1:33:28

1:33:28

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Carl Hendrick, a leading voice in education and co-author of What Does It Look Like in the Classroom? , How Learning Happens , and How Teaching Happens . Carl has been instrumental in helping teachers bridge the gap between research and practice, addressing the key question: That all sounds great, but what does it mean for me? Together, they explore five essential things every teacher should do Being open to powerful evidence Using retrieval practice Checking for understanding Aligning curriculum and assessment, Embracing the illusion of instruction. This episode is packed with actionable insights to support and enhance teaching practice. Resources mentioned: What Does It Look Like in the Classroom , How Learning Happens , How Teaching Happens , and Illusions of Instruction (forthcoming, co-authored with Paul Kirschner and Jim Heal) Dan Willingham’s Ask the Psychologist pieces for the AFT Research by Paul Kirschner ResearchEd, founded by Tom Bennett Work by Tom Bennett and Daisy Christodoulou Ignaz Semmelweis’ paper on puerperal fever A 2021 EF review on cognitive science in the classroom by Thomas Perry Research on working memory by George Miller and Nelson Cowan The 1960s Follow Through study on direct instruction Barak Rosenshine’s principles of instruction David Ausubel on the importance of prior knowledge Madeline Hunter on checking for understanding Engelmann and Carnine on Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) Peps McCrea’s Evidence Snacks newsletter Robert and Elizabeth Bjork on desirable difficulties The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande John Biggs on constructive alignment Christine Counsell on curriculum as a narrative The How Learning and Teaching Happens eLearning course through Academica No More Marking, where Jeanette Breen works You can connect with Dr. Carl Hendrick: Twitter/X: @C_Hendrick Linkedin Websites: https://carlhendrick.substack.com/ and https://carlhendrick.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E05 - The ABCs of Effective Behaviour Management: A Practical Guide for Teachers with Dr. Brandi Simonsen 1:25:42

13 weeks ago1:25:42

1:25:42

In this episode, we're focusing on a key element of successful schools: understanding and supporting positive student behaviour. Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brandi Simonsen, a professor of special education at the University of Connecticut and co-director of the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Brandi shares her practical insights into PBIS, exploring the crucial links between behaviour, attendance, and academic success. We delve into the ABCs of behavior and uncover effective, evidence-based strategies for creating positive classroom environments, from setting clear expectations to the power of specific praise. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to enhance your practice, this episode offers valuable knowledge and actionable takeaways on implementing Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports. Resources mentioned: Brandi Simonsen and Diane Myers: Classwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A Guide to Proactive Classroom Management Diane Myers, Brandi Simonsen and Jennifer Freeman: Implementing Classwide PBIS: A Guide to Supporting Teachers, which I highly recommend. National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) You can connect with Brandi: Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E04 - Dr. Matthew Burns on Effective Assessment: Using Data to Drive Reading & Maths Intervention 1:16:16

15 weeks ago1:16:16

1:16:16

In this episode, get ready to dive deep into the world of assessments with Dr. Matthew Burns, as we explore the different categories of assessments, their intended purposes, and how they can be used to inform instruction. Dr. Burns, a researcher with extensive experience in the effective use of assessment data and interventions, shares his expertise on bridging the gap in understanding assessments. The conversation highlights the significance of the instructional hierarchy in understanding student learning phases, as well as the differences between curriculum-based measurements (CBM) and curriculum-based assessments (CBA). Dr. Burns stresses the necessity of aligning data with educational goals and ensuring teachers are equipped with appropriate frameworks to use assessments effectively. He offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening, using data to drive instructional decisions, and implementing effective interventions in reading and maths. Resources mentioned: UFLI Foundations Spring Math PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Strategies) Science of Math: including both the Facebook group and website (thescienceofmath.com). National Center on Intensive Intervention:(intensiveintervention.org). Evidence Advocacy Center (evidenceadvocacycenter.org). Hasbrook and Tyndall fluency norms You can connect with Matthew: Twitter: @burnsmk1 Email: burnsm1@coe.ufl.edu Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ad1ei6p_HOHHhc-T-JnZg You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E03 - Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries 1:04:42

17 weeks ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee speaks with Liana McCurry, a passionate advocate for primary school maths education. Fresh from her Churchill Fellowship, Liana shares findings from her research into mathematical practices across six countries. Listeners will gain insights into the systemic issues contributing to Australia's declining maths performance and discover how to bridge the research-to-practice gap. Liana delves into key topics, including: Mathematical modelling and its surprisingly misunderstood place in the curriculum. The power of multisensory approaches to unlock conceptual understanding. Why fluency in maths is a foundational skill that needs renewed focus. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that equips educators with practical knowledge and strategies to transform maths education in their classrooms. Resources mentioned: Books: Explicit Direct Instruction by Hollingsworth and Ybarra. Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain. Direct Instruction Mathematics by Stein et al Websites: Ochre Science of Math website. Thinking Forward Educators, Brian Poncy's MIND Steve Wyborney's Esti Mysteries Podcasts: Knowledge for Teachers. Dyscastia, hosted by Bill Hansberry and Michael Shanahan. Craig Barton podcast. Progressively Incorrect, hosted by Zach Groshell Chalk and Talk, hosted by Anna Stokke Training and Conferences: Sharing Best Practice conferences. What Works series in Geelong. Orton Gillingham Math, Multisensory Maths training You can connect with Liana: Linkedin Email: liana@sol-education.net Website: sol-education.net You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. REGISTER HERE…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E02 - Shaping the Future: Murat Dizdar on His Vision for NSW Public Education 1:09:04

20 weeks ago1:09:04

1:09:04

This episode features a compelling conversation with Murat Dizdar, the head of the New South Wales Department of Education. Murat shares his inspiring journey from being the son of Turkish immigrants to leading Australia’s largest education system. He discusses the experiences that shaped his vision for public education, his deep passion for the teaching profession, and the key initiatives he’s championing to drive meaningful change. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in education and leadership. Resources mentioned: NSW Department of Education Resource Hub Explicit Teaching Statement High Potential and Gifted Education Policy AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation) Grattan Institute: Ending the lesson lottery You can connect with Murat: Twitter/X: @dizdarm You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. More info https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/ 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S03E01 - Nick Hart on Leading with Responsiveness: A School Leader's Journey 1:24:37

21 weeks ago1:24:37

1:24:37

In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Nick Hart takes us on an inspiring journey from his beginnings in sports science to becoming a school leader in Dubai. A respected voice in educational leadership, Nick shares insights from his blog and books, delving into the evolution of his leadership style. He discusses the critical role of context in decision-making, introduces the concept of the school year’s rhythm for structured improvement and highlights the importance of trust in fostering strong school communities. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking ideas on navigating the complexities of educational leadership. Resources mentioned: Nick Hart’s books: Creating a strong culture and a positive climate in schools Impact: a five part framework for making a difference in schools Nick Hart’s blog posts discussed in this episode: Leadership handbook 5.0 School improvement: Rhythm of the year Culture setting | More than words A model for school improvement Vivianne Robinson Mary Kennedy Dr. Neil Gilbride Bryk and Schneider Ambition Institute - The persistent problems of school leadership AERO You can connect with Nick: Twitter: @MrNickHart Linkedin Website: mrnickhart.wordpress.com You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. More info https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/ 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S02E23 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on Effective School Leadership 56:04

26 weeks ago56:04

56:04

In 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 thriving learning environment for both students and teachers. Zach’s four points were: Leaders need to start minimizing evaluations and start maximizing teacher performance Leaders should view behavior as a system that involves everyone, including them Leaders don’t have to be the best teachers on earth, but they do have to know something about instruction Leaders should move away from one-off PD as the primary means of teacher training. Brendan’s 4 points were: Leaders need to have their fingers on the pulse Clear Communication is key Leaders need to build a diverse team Good leaders don't care about who is right or wrong Resources mentioned: Zach’s newly released book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching Viviane Robinson - Reduce change to increase improvement Daniel Kahnemann - Thinking, Fast and Slow Progressively Incorrect S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning You can connect with Zach: Twitter: @mrzachg Podcast: Progressively Incorrect Website: educationrickshaw.com You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. More info https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/ 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S02E22 - Dr. Leslie Laud - Implementation Science Meets Writing Instruction: ThinkSRSD's Journey to Scalability and Impact 1:13:00

28 weeks ago1:13:00

1:13:00

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Leslie Laud. She is the founding Director of ThinkSRSD, a writing program built upon Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). The discussion covers ThinkSRSD's key strategies, including mnemonics and how to apply them across different grade levels and writing genres. Furthermore, Dr. Laud addresses implementation challenges and provides advice for teachers, emphasising a gradual release of responsibility, the significance of teacher collaboration and the need for professional development that respects teachers' unique contexts. Resources mentioned: thinksrsd.com Facebook Group: think SRSD "Self-Regulated Strategy Development": Releasing Writers Facebook Group: ThinkSRSD New Zealand and Australia SRSD Charles Haynes from Talking to Writing Judith Hochman Writing Revolution Karen Harris Steve Graham Amy Thomas Pooja Patel Nate Hanford, Leslie Laud, and Elizabeth Rinstra: ThinkSRSD A Secondary Analysis Cohort Investigation Carol Sue Engler Linda Mason Linda Darling Hammond and Anne Lieberman Dr. Charles Haynes Dr. Kay Wijekumar Gemma Maddocks - GEM Literacy You can connect with Leslie: Twitter: @LeslieLaud Bluesky: @leslielaud.bsky.social Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Bluesky: @learnwithmrlee.bsky.social Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast Register for my upcoming course: A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics Use the code: MATESRATES for a 10% discount.…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S02E21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Prioritising What Matters: A Deep Dive into the Science of Learning 1:33:07

29 weeks ago1:33:07

1:33:07

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He returns for the third time and this time it’s to unpack his new book Harnessing the Science of Learning. However, as you will hear, they actually go beyond the book and dig into some of the critical considerations that schools and teachers need to be making. They explore how to make teaching and learning the top priority in your school, reclaiming valuable instructional time often lost to distractions. They also unpack the essential elements of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, going beyond the surface level to understand the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit teaching techniques, and structured implementation processes. They look at why teaching should be “Fun in the service of learning, not in spite of Learning” and some of the common barriers that school leaders face when initiating change. Resources mentioned: Think Forward Educators Bentleigh West PS Riverwood PS Churchill PS Challis Community PS Steve Capp Lyn Stone David Morkunas Core Knowledge Foundation Toni Hattan-Roberts Doug Lemov Tom Sherrington Dr. Zach Groshell Dr. Simon Breakspear Katie Roberts-Hull Helen Hughes You can connect with Nathaniel: Twitter: @NathanielRSwain Facebook Linkedin Order Nathaniel's book, " Harnessing the Science of Learning " 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…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S02E20 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on coaching, culture and change 1:03:32

32 weeks ago1:03:32

1:03:32

This 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 fostering teacher judgement. Relationships with teachers should not overshadow the goal of coaching Coaching cycles and drop ins don’t need to take all that long Brendan’s four points were: Coaches need to shrink the change Coaching should feel like a development process, rather than a judgemental one Participants need to own the problem Get granular with goal setting Resources mentioned: Steplab Josh Goodrich - Responsive Coaching Teach Like a Champion Peps Mccrea Jim Knight Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli - Teaching Walkthrus You can connect with Zach: Twitter: @mrzachg Podcast: Progressively Incorrect Website: educationrickshaw.com You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Implementing the Science of Learning - For School Leaders 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast…

Knowledge for Teachers

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S02E19 - Professor Nancy Jordan on Number Sense, Early Numeracy Screeners and Fractions 1:09:23

34 weeks ago1:09:23