Navigating AI in Mathematics Education - Insights for all educators
Guests:Dr Scott Cameron is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Education with an interest in using technology and AI to support teaching and learning.Dr Carmel Mesiti is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and expert in mathematics pedagogies for both primary and secondary education.Mr Luke Clift is a practicing teacher at Kardinia International College, trialling AI in lesson planning and its use and impact in the classroom.Description:In this episode, Dr Sophie Specjal explores the evolving role of AI in mathematics education with Dr Scott Cameron, Dr Carmel Mesiti, and Mr Luke Clift. Together, they unpack the opportunities and challenges of using tools like ChatGPT for lesson planning, teacher workload, and student engagement. Drawing on research and classroom experience, the guests discuss the variability of AI-generated content, the importance of critical reflection, and the ethical implications of AI use in schools. This conversation offers valuable insights for educators across all disciplines.
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32:26
The Purpose of Education: In Conversation with Professor Gert Biesta
Guests:Gert Biesta is a Professor of Public Education in the Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy, Maynooth University, and Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. Description:In this episode, Dr Sophie Specjal speaks with global education thought leader Professor Gert Biesta about the purpose of education beyond knowledge transfer. He shares his journey from post-war Rotterdam to his influential academic career, introducing his three-dimensional approach to learning—qualification, socialisation, and subjectification. They discuss the importance of high expectations, student engagement, and world-centered education, exploring how teachers can help students navigate the complexities of learning and life.
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41:06
Creative Lesson Planning - practical strategies to enhance learning and empower teachers
Professor John Quay is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education
Rhian ap Rees is the Assistant Principal at Auburn South Primary School
Darian Hunte is the Year 4 Teacher at Auburn South Primary School
For the first episode of season 9, Dr Sophie Specjal explores curriculum design and unit planning with Auburn South Primary School’s Rhian ap Rees and Darien Hunte, alongside Professor John Quay from the Faculty of Education. They unpack a framework designed by Professor Quay, that blends backward design with inquiry-based learning to centre on student interests and teacher agency. Rhian and Darien share practical classroom examples, highlighting how creative, collaborative planning can boost students’ motivation and engagement.
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34:18
A New Approach to Measuring Student Success with Melbourne Metrics
Guests:
Professor Sandra Milligan is the Executive Director of Melbourne Metrics and expert in Assessment Research
Jonathan Walter is the Principal of Carey Baptist Grammar School
Description:
In our final 2024 episode, 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 discuss the limitations of traditional metrics like ATAR and the development of alternative tools like the 'ATAR Plus' model. This approach balances academic rigor with personal growth, offering a more holistic view of student achievement. Hear how this new model is positively impacting students, parents, and schools, shaping the future of assessment.
Links:
Melbourne Metrics
New Metrics
Australian Learner Competency Credential
Breaking the ATAR mould: A vision for change – The Educator 2024
A future without exams? It's closer than you think – ABC Brightside 2024
Could Victoria replace the ATAR? – ABC Radio 2024
School-university partnership aims to boost students’ key life competencies – The Educator 2024
Future proofing Australian students with ‘new credentials’ – Pursuit 2020
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31:59
Fostering Motivation and Wellbeing in Education
Guests:
Dr Lara Mossman is a Wellbeing science expert and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science
Dr Rachel Colla is a Teaching and Learning Innovation Lead and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science
Description:
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 share their "Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design" framework, offering practical tips on incorporating choice, fostering connection, and using theories like flow and achievement goals.
Links:
Self-Determination Theory in Education
Coursera - Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson's class on Positive Psychology
Centre for Wellbeing Science at FoE
Colla, Rachel HH, and Lara H. Mossman. ‘Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design Framework: A Multi-Layered Approach to Facilitating Wellbeing Education through Learning Design and Educational Practice’. FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION, vol. 8, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1216658.
Colla, RH, and CF Kurtz. ‘Storying Research: Exploring the Benefits of Participatory Narrative Inquiry as a Methodology for Wellbeing Research’. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-024-00147-4.
Oades, LG, and L. Mossman. ‘The Science of Wellbeing and Positive Psychology’. Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316339275.003.
Tune in to Talking Teaching and join the lively discussion about effective and evidence-based classroom practice, as well as the latest in educational thinking. In each episode, leading educators and thinkers from around the world, including our own from the Faculty of Education, share their thoughts and unique perspectives.