Talking Teaching

• 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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• 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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• 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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• 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.

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• Rethinking Technology’s Role in Students’ Mental Health

  Guests: Professor Nikki Rickard is a professor of Wellbeing Science in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, with a focus on digital mental health and emotional regulation. Dr David Bakkar is a clinical psychologist, researcher and the Founding Director of MoodMission. Description: In this episode, Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Backer 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 a collaborative approach, including young people, in shaping healthier digital environments for students. Helpful Links for Teachers and Parents: Mood Mission - an evidence-based app designed to empower you to overcome feelings of depression and anxiety by discovering new and better ways of coping MoodPrism - a mood tracking app with advanced data collection abilities Beacon (created for parents, easy to use, lots of info in a digestible format, recommends safe apps kids and family, developed by Telethon Kids Institute and Dolly’s Dream)  MIND (M-Health Index and Navigation Database) – searchable data base with practitioner reviews  Mindtools.io – smaller database, includes ratings and reviews­­ Reachout/tools-and-apps Research: Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of three smartphone apps for enhancing public mental health. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 109, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2018.08.003 Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). Development and Pilot Evaluation of Smartphone-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy Strategies for Mood- and Anxiety-Related Problems: MoodMission. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2018.07.002 Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2017). Engagement in mobile phone app for self-monitoring of emotional wellbeing predicts changes in mental health: MoodPrism. Journal of Affective Disorders. Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2019). Engagement with a cognitive behavioural therapy mobile phone app predicts changes in mental health and wellbeing: MoodMission. Australian Psychologist, 54, 245-260. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12383

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