Pedagogy to Practice

Explicit instruction is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't be the only one. In this episode, Sunny and Beth explore the limits of teacher-led learning and unpack the evidence behind strategies that can have an even greater impact on student achievement. From collaborative learning and problem-solving to self-assessment and student ownership, discover practical, research-backed approaches that help...

In the latest episode of Pedagogy to Practice , Beth sits down with psychologist and wellbeing advocate Dilek who explores how teachers can prevent burnout and build long-term resilience in demanding school environments. She shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing emotional load, recognising the early signs of burnout, and creating sustainable daily habits that support wellbei...

In this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny take an honest and practical look at what it feels like when a lesson goes off track, and what teachers can actually do about it. They unpack the reality that even the most well-planned classes can unravel, particularly for early-career teachers, and explore how to recognise the warning signs before things escalate. The conversation moves thr...

On this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Sunny reflects on how to make the most of limited planning time in a busy teaching schedule. From managing the demands of VCE classes and the challenges of marking creative writing, to using the 80/20 rule and whole-class feedback to reduce overwhelm, this episode is all about how Sunny uses Beth's strategies to work smarter, not harder. Sunny also reflects...

Beth and Sunny are back for the new year with a question every teacher has asked themselves at least once: “I have a free period… what should I do?” In this episode, Beth explores research-supported strategies for making the most of your free sessions. She unpacks practical ways teachers can structure their planning time, avoid common time leaks , and even looks at research around the most effecti...

In this bonus episode of Pedagogy to Practice Sunny sits down with Assistant Principal Deb Kirk and Principal Steven Bourbon who share insights for graduate teachers. Steve highlights the importance of building relationships for learning and fostering curiosity and inquiry among students. He also reflects on his experiences in both primary and secondary education, noting the unique strengths and c...

In this episode, Beth and Sunny dive into their pits and peaks from the past two weeks. Beth shares stories from her time back in Australia, while Sunny reflects on the final stretch of Term 3 and her focus on creating more Opportunities to Respond (OTRs) in the classroom. She unpacks practical strategies for boosting student participation and the powerful role of data in tracking progress. Despit...

In this special fact to face episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny delve into the concept of Opportunities to Respond (OTR), a crucial element of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0. They explore the significance of providing students with frequent opportunities to engage and respond during lessons, highlighting how this practice enhances student engagement and learning...

In this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, join Sunny and Beth as they reflect on the past two weeks and Sunny's classroom experiences after implementing strategies from the previous episode on teaching boys. While this episode focuses on approaches that support boys’ learning, here at pedagogy to practice, we emphasise that these strategies are applied with respect for all gender identities, foster...

In this conversation, Beth and Sunny discuss their pits and peaks of the last month, the beginning of term 3 and the dynamics of teaching boys in a classroom setting. They explore personal experiences, the wins and challenges of managing a classroom with a majority of boys, and the importance of understanding adolescent brain development. The discussion also touches on strategies for engaging boys...

In this conversation, Sunny sits down with Zuzi, Lynda and Robyn- three incredible education support staff members. They discuss the essential elements of creating an effective classroom environment, explore the importance of engagement, the role of graduate teachers as well as the challenges they face, and strategies for supporting students with additional learning needs. The discussion emphasise...

In this episode, Sunny reflects on her teaching experiences over the past two weeks, focusing on strategies that Beth shared last episode on checking for understanding in the classroom. They discuss the importance of peer feedback, building a culture of error, and adapting teaching methods to engage students effectively. Sunny shares insights from a recent visit to a primary school, highlighting e...

In this episode of Pedagogy to Practice , Beth and Sunny dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of teaching: Checking for Understanding. Together, they unpack why this strategy is essential across every subject area and year level. Beth shares a toolkit of invaluable, research-backed techniques that every teacher can implement straight away. She also explores the power of fostering a "cult...

In part 2 of Explicit Instruction, Sunny and Beth kick things off by sharing highlights from their week, before Sunny dives into her journey of using explicit instruction more deliberately in the classroom. The conversation explores how explicit instruction can look across different subject areas—including English, Science, and P.E.—before narrowing in on how Sunny applied it in her Year 10 Litera...

In this episode, Beth unpacks the power of explicit instruction and shares evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference in the classroom. Drawing on current research and practical experience, she explores what effective explicit teaching looks like—and how teachers can use it with intention and clarity. The episode also emphasises the importance of understanding your school’s instruct...

In this bonus episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny are joined by the incredible Aimee from Base Planners—teacher, business founder, and AITSL Lead Teacher. Aimee dives into all things organisation: how to stay on top of your workload, create systems that actually work for you, and why looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your students. They chat about her journey...

In Part 2 of Making Connections , Sunny reflects on the final weeks of Term 1 and the small, intentional ways she built rapport with her students. From bonding over shared interests in books and music to bringing props onto yard duty, she highlights how these seemingly simple moments can leave a lasting impact. Beth offers insight into the world of relief teaching, where time is limited but opport...

As Victorian schools approach the final weeks of term, Beth and Sunny reflect on the importance of building connections with students. Beth shares strategies for being fun, firm, and fair, engaging with quieter students, and using restorative practices to repair damaged relationships. She also discusses how turning students into allies can help them find a sense of purpose in the classroom. Sunny...

In Part 2 of Routines , Beth and Sunny reflect on their pits and peaks of the week before diving into Sunny’s experiences implementing routines in her classroom. From structured session openers to effective free writes and discussion starters, Sunny shares her reflections on the past few weeks. Beth highlights how routines foster connections, set expectations, and provide stability for students wh...

In this conversation, Beth and Sunny discuss the significance of establishing routines in the classroom as the school year begins. They share personal experiences and insights on how routines can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The discussion covers various strategies for implementing effective classroom routines, managing student behaviour, and fostering a positive learning envi...