Talking Teaching

In this episode of Talking Teaching , host Dr Sophie Specjal is joined by Professor Therese N. Hopfenbeck , Director of the Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre at the University of Melbourne and Chair of the PISA 2029 Questionnaire Framework Group. Across a rich and wide-ranging conversation, Sophie and Therese explore what assessment is really for, what student voice can tell us that tradit...

Episode 1, Season 10 of Talking Teaching begins with a powerful conversation about one of education's most important challenges: creating schools where every student feels safe, connected, valued, and ready to learn. Host of Talking Teaching, Sophie Specjal PhD is joined by Tom Brunzell, PhD (University of Melbourne) and Bryan Field (Principal, Monterey Secondary College) to explore how schools ca...

In this episode of  Talking Teaching , host Dr Sophie Specjal   explores the story of  Hester Hornbrook Academy , a fee-free, Independent Special Assistance School (SAS School) in Victoria supporting young people aged 15–25 who have experienced significant barriers to education, including trauma, mental health challenges, family violence, housing instability, or prolonged disengagement from school...

In this episode of  Talking Teaching , our host Sophie Specjal sits down with Dr Jennifer Buckingham Dr Jennifer Buckingham to explore the critical intersection of reading, reasoning, and artificial intelligence in contemporary education. Drawing on decades of research and policy experience, Dr Buckingham explains why reading is far more than decoding words; it is foundational to comprehension, cr...

What can Indigenous knowledge teach us about raising and educating children? Anishinaabe visiting scholar Professor Jan Hare , from the M’Chigeeng First Nation and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, joins host Dr Sophie Specjal to explore how Indigenous principles can guide the way we care for and teach children. Professor Hare shares stories such as  The Three...

How do we measure what truly matters in education?  Laureate Professor Emeritus John Hattie  joins host  Dr Sophie Specjal  to reflect on five decades of research, leadership and global influence. From his pioneering work on  Visible Learning  to mentoring over 200 PhD students, Hattie explores the mentors, milestones and moments that defined his career, celebrates teacher expertise, and considers...

To mark 50 years of  NAIDOC Week , Talking Teaching celebrates this year’s theme,  The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy , by spotlighting the work of Dr John Doolah, a proud Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous education lecturer at the University of Melbourne.   In conversation with host  Dr Sophie Specjal , John reflects on his heritage, his research, and the enduring strength of...

How does language shape how we feel, relate, and learn? In this episode, host Dr. Sophie Specjal is joined by  Professor Lindsay Oades ,  Dr Jacqui Francis  and  Lisa Baker  to explore the emerging concept of  Wellbeing Literacy ; the capability to intentionally use language to foster wellbeing, including educational settings. Together, they unpack how language can be used not just to communicate,...

What if learning isn’t just about what we know, but about who we become? Professor Guy Claxton joins  Talking Teaching  to unpack his fascinating journey through psychology and education, and discusses learning as a capacity, calling for a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching.   In this episode, Professor Claxton together with our host, Dr Sophie Specjal, unpacks his critique of...

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into schools, what does it mean for the way we plan lessons, support students, and teach mathematics?   Dr Sophie Specjal explores the evolving role of AI in education with Dr Scott Cameron, Dr Carmel Mesiti, and Mr Luke Clift. They discuss the use of tools like ChatGPT in lesson planning, the impact on teacher workload, and how AI might support,...

Renowned educator Professor Gert Biesta joins Talking Teaching to explore the deeper purpose of education beyond knowledge transfer.   In this episode, Professor Biesta reflects on his journey from post-war Rotterdam to his influential academic career and introduces his three key dimensions of learning: qualification, socialisation, and subjectification. Together, they discuss the role of teachers...

What does effective curriculum design look like in today’s classrooms? And how can planning approaches support both student engagement and teacher agency?   Dr Sophie Specjal speaks with Auburn South Primary School’s Rhian ap Rees and Darien Hunte, along with Professor John Quay from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. They explore a framework developed by Professor Quay that combi...

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...

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 i...

Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Bakker 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 student...

This episode explores the power of play in early childhood education. Learn how play supports brain development, enriches learning, and connects generations through new innovative projects. Learn practical strategies to enhance play in the educational setting without disrupting children's motivation, as well as how to navigate the challenges of new policy reforms and the rollout of universal f...

The use of digital education and artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the new norm. In this episode, we are joined by Carlo Perrotta, an Associate Professor of Digital Education, and Dr. Matthew Fyfield, Deputy Principal of Mazenod College, who explore the intricate world of educational technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Together, they tackle ethical concerns, pedagogical r...

Talking Teaching is joined by distinguished guests Professor Jim Watterston, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Professor Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas. Together, they discuss their recent co-authored book, ' Focused: Understanding, Negotiating, and Maximizing Your Influence as a School Leader, ' offering a practical guide to educational leade...

The release of the Universities Accord earlier this year marks a pivotal moment in higher education policy. Its recommendations address crucial aspects of the evolving higher ed landscape, including equity, funding, HECS/HELP, and living costs. These changes could profoundly influence the decisions of first-year students transitioning from school to higher ed, emphasising the pivotal role schools...

Australian schools are recognising the growing importance of fostering inclusive spaces for neurodiverse students. Teachers play a vital role in creating belonging for these students. But how can we support teachers, to support neurodivergent students in the classroom? We speak to experts Jess Rowlings and Dr Matt Harrison, co-directors of Next Level Collaboration and passionate researchers in neu...

In a world abundant with content, how can we harness literary education as a form of social change? How can we re-invigorate schools to be spaces to engage with uncomfortable truths and delicate subject matter in a respectful way? In this episode, Faculty of Education Deputy Dean and co-founder of the Literary Education Lab, Professor Larissa Mclean Davies, and English teacher and PhD candidate, A...

In this episode, we are joined by two experts, to discuss the Nation School Reform Agreement, currently up for renegotiation. This joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories is designed to lift student outcomes in Australian schools and plays a pivotal role in school funding and addressing equity in education. Prof. Pasi Sahlberg and A/Prof. Glenn Savage, both influential in...

In this episode, we learn how to bolster both climate and sustainability literacy, and support climate action in the classroom. Listeners will discover how we can empower students to not only understand the science but also engage in meaningful conversations about our changing planet. We explore how teachers can create safe spaces for students to process their feelings about climate change and how...

In this episode, we delve into the future of education in Australia, exploring ideas to reimagine the purpose of schools by shifting the focus from academic achievement to whole-child development, paving the way for healthier, more equitable futures for all students. With insights from experts A/Prof, Jon Quach from the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne and Prof. Sharon Goldfeld...

In this episode, we delve into the stories of three remarkable Indigenous women significantly impacting the educational landscape across Australia. From overcoming challenges to integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledges into curriculums, our guests share their wisdom and expertise, providing valuable lessons for anyone passionate about education. Listeners gain insi...