Teacher Insights from Catalyst

In this rich and highly practical conversation, I sit down with Dr Nathaniel Swain and Rebecca Birch - two of Australia’s leading voices in evidence‑based teaching - to explore how the science of learning can transform teaching and learning in secondary schools, with a deep dive into writing instruction. Nathaniel and Rebecca unpack how learning really works, why attention matters so much, how exp...

Today, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Natalie Wexler, an acclaimed education writer and thought leader whose work has shaped conversations around literacy, cognitive science, and equity in education. Natalie is the author of Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning and The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education...

In this episode St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School’s (West Wyalong) assistant principal, Nickey Harland, and classroom teachers, Bree Taylor and Carlie Iverach chat about High Impact Teaching Practices (HITP). Nickey will unpack for us: Insights from HITP implementation and how to keep momentum. How to embed HITP in daily school life, both inside and outside the classroom. Coaching and Supporti...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Carl Hendrick—educator, researcher, and co-author of How Learning Happens, How Teaching Happens, and Instructional Illusions. Carl shares his insights on the evolving educational landscape in Australia, the science of learning, and the myths that often mislead teachers and schools. We explore key ideas from his books, including the “Engagement Illusion,” the importa...

Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with staff from St Patrick’s Primary School Bega, a school that has embraced the Catalyst initiative to transform teaching and learning. From instructional programs to leadership strategies, we explore how this school has aligned its practices to create a knowledge-rich, student-centered environment. School-Wide Impact Catalyst Learnings How Catalyst h...

In this episode, CECG teachers Zoe Cawdron and Lauren Maher unpack the impact of Catalyst on their teaching practice, discussing: Implementing effective classroom routines, attention signals, and engagement norms Leading from the classroom through their Sharing Best Practice vocabulary presentation Using assessment data to tailor instruction, support struggling readers, and extend learning opportu...

In this episode, Dr Greg Ashman talks about: Clarendon College’s consistent record of high academic achievement The role of homework and study methods in supporting student success Insights into Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction How Cognitive Load Theory can inform classroom practice 'Differentiation or Differentiated Instruction’ His PhD research in Instructional Design Inquiry Learning Gr...

In this episode, Dr Nathaniel Swain talks about: Today's educational landscape His classroom experiences and how teachers can leverage the Science of Learning fundamentals for success How educators can strike the right balance between direct instruction and inquiry-based learning in a way that aligns with cognitive science What makes feedback effective for learning, and some of the common mistakes...

In this episode I chat with Ross Fox, director of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, about his reflections on Catalyst from the last 4 years. After 8 years with CECG, he is stepping away from the role of Director to explore other opportunities. In our episode today we hear about Ross’ reflections about Catalyst, including its effectiveness, implementation and vision. We hear about: His greatest...

In this episode we learn about how the leadership team at St Mary Mackillop Catholic College in Canberra successfully implemented the components of Catalyst and scaled up for a two-campus school with over 2000 students. Erin White and Lisa Buckland share with us their insights about how they started their Catalyst journey and the importance of this work in the Secondary context, discussing what wo...

In this episode Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) Teaching and Learning Officers, Jamie Kemp and Gillian Forrester, talk about CECG’s Primary Mathematics and English curriculum and how to effective implemented the lessons and use the accompanying resources. They answer some frequently asked questions about the CECG Mathematics and English materials and outline the importance of a low var...

In this episode Reid speaks about curriculum, diving into Ochre Education and their partnership with CECG in developing high quality curriculum resources, prioritising Explicit Instruction and High Impact Teaching Practice.  Reid speaks about the importance of a knowledge rich, low variance curriculum and what we should be aspiring to. He also speaks about why Ochre and CECG have designed their le...

This episode features Ingrid Sealy, Director and founder of TeachWell. Ingrid brings to light many aspects of High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP). Her wealth of knowledge and experience is extensive in this area. Ingrid is a HITP instructional coach working with some of our schools through the Catalyst program. We discuss the following: How TeachWell is supporting CECG How teachers can use videoi...

In this episode Sally Power (instructional leader and 5/6 teacher) and Susan Tighe (principal) discuss about Direct Instruction (DI) at St Joseph’s Primary School, Bombala with reference to InitialLit, Connecting Maths Concepts (CMC) and Spelling Mastery. We discuss: Implementation of Direct Instruction programs Advantages of a low variance curriculum and Direct Instruction Misconceptions of Direc...

In this episode Jessica explains the difference between ‘big’ DI and ‘little’ di. She delves into the research behind Direct Instruction, dispelling the myths about DI. Jessica lists its key instructional features and talks about what makes a Direct Instruction program effective. We hear about her Churchill Fellowship research and about the time when she met with Engelmann’s sons. Jessica refers t...

In this episode we welcome Penny Lucas, Instructional leader of Literacy and Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 teacher at Trinity Catholic Primary school in Murrumburrah, NSW. Penny is a contributor to the Syntax Project, of which she explains in the conversation and how this links in with Catalyst. Click here to link to the resources mentioned in.

In this episode, Patrick Ellis, Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn’s Education Lead, Patrick Ellis, shares with us: The inspiring initiatives that he has seen across the archdiocese during 2023. Some of the exciting progress that the system has made after 3 years of Catalyst implementation. Some advice for Leadership teams in regard to Catalyst What's next for CECG and Catalyst future state

In this episode Stefanie Cook, the K-6 coordinator and Learning Support Leader at St Patrick’s Primary School in Cooma NSW speaks about:  intervention structures for students that require additional support  insights for monitoring progress with DIBELS data  how she collaborates with her Classroom Support Assistants (or CSAs) to effectively implement programs such as Mini Lit and Macq lit.    Stef...

In this episode Natalie Fairfax, Head the International Baccalaureate program at Merici College in Braddon, Canberra, shares the student engagement she has seen as a result of High Impact Teaching Practice. Throughout this episode, you'll hear students reflecting on  How the change in pedagogy to HITP has positively impacted their learning and engagement, including the use of whiteboards, picking...

This episode features Maggie Lloyd from St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt ACT. Maggie talks about her inspiration to learn more about the Science of Learning, the Science of Reading and High Impact Teaching Practices. Listed below are some of the literature that Maggie mentions in this episode. This is a great listen for those who’d like to refresh their knowledge of Catalyst or for those who are...

In this episode Toby talks about Catalyst’s journey at Lumen Christi Catholic College. As Acting Facilitator of Pedagogy, he has a key role in the facilitation of High Impact Teaching Practices. Hear about what Toby and his team have learned from TeachWell and how he implements this practice himself in the classroom. Toby talks about:  Participation tactics and student engagement  Daily Reviews   ...

In this episode of Teacher Insights from Catalyst, join us for a captivating conversation with Peter Collins, teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at St Thomas Aquinas, West Belconnen, Canberra. Peter shares his invaluable experiences and successes in implementing Catalyst and HITP in the classroom. Delve into the world of EDI lessons and Direct Instruction programs like Spelling Mastery, as Peter d...

In this episode Erica speaks about her role in the implementation of Catalyst. She talks about how she led the change process, The Writing Revolution, Macqlit as an intervention program and their use of engagement norms. Specifically, this includes:   How to use The Writing Revolution as a tool to teach writing within HUM (a combination of Humanities, English and Religious Education subjects) Sent...

In this episode Aimee speaks about her classroom routines and gives tips on using engagement and behaviour norms. During her lessons Aimee uses 6 concepts that she likes to ‘tick off her list’. They are:  Providing a high level of active practice from students to keep them engaged.  Asking a large number of questions and check for understandings.  Constant monitoring  Developing fluency and speed ...

Catalyst encompasses the teaching and learning approach of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn. Informed by the Science of Learning and Science of Reading, Catalyst delivers excellent learning experiences for students through evidence-based teaching practice and high-quality resources.  In this episode Ross Fox, Director of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG), speaks about the genesis of...