Knowledge for Teachers

Brendan Lee

In the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, host Brendan Lee will be chatting to researchers, teachers and experts about what evidence-informed education is and the nuances involved with actually implementing effective and sustainable school based education. read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

S02E07 - Rebecca Birch On Improving Australian Education
Apr 20 2024
S02E07 - Rebecca Birch On Improving Australian Education
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Rebecca Birch, a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She shares her journey from a career in fashion and advertising to becoming an English teacher. Rebecca emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for teachers to be sceptical and critical of educational trends. She also highlights the challenges of implementing explicit instruction and the need for standardised teacher preparation programs. Rebecca calls for a clear hierarchy of importance within teacher standards and the role of teacher preparation in reinforcing those standards. The conversation also touches on strategies for schools to drive improvement without waiting for systemic changes. Resources mentioned: Reimagining Teacher Professionalism. Why standards must be part of ITE reformKnowledge Society - Elena DouglasTrisha Jha What is the Science of Learning? https://www.cis.org.au/publication/what-is-the-science-of-learning/Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences https://www.cis.org.au/publication/implementing-the-science-of-learning-teacher-experiences/ Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert PanelAndrew MartinKate JonesResearchEdAlex Quigley: https://www.theconfidentteacher.com/Anita ArcherHollingsworth and Ybarra - Explicit Direct Instruction You can connect with Rebecca: Twitter: @msrebeccabirch Linkedin: @rebeccabirch Website: https://rebeccabirch.au/ Substack: https://rebeccabirch.substack.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Rebecca Birch Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a learning support officer in diverse settings while she undertook her teacher training after a successful career in advertising and fashion. Rebecca has provided consultation and content services for Ochre Education and Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, and has appeared on panels for ResearchED and the Gonski Institute for Education. Her current research interest is the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing. She writes for publication and through her newsletter (rebeccabirch.substack.com/).
S02E05 - Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem Instruction
Mar 23 2024
S02E05 - Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem Instruction
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks with Sarah Powell. Sarah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She has pretty much dedicated her whole career to researching word problems in maths. She has also contributed to a couple of papers that have recently been released for the Centre for Independent Studies and we touch on those as well.    However, the main focus is Word Problems and we go through everything from Attack Strategies, to the dangers of using keywords and delve into the world of schema instruction. If you care about helping your students improve their ability to solve word problems, then this episode is for you.  Resources mentioned: Lynn FuchsSarah Powell , Elizabeth M. Hughes, Corey Peltier: Myths That Undermine Maths TeachingSarah Powell , Sarah King , Sarah Benz: Maths Practices You Can Count On: Five Research-Validated Practices in Mathematicshttps://www.piratemathequationquest.com/Powell, S. R., Namkung, J. M., & Lin, X. (2022). An investigation of using keywords to solve word problems. The Elementary School Journal, 122(3), 452-473.Powell, S. R., & Fuchs, L. S. (2018). Effective word-problem instruction: Using schemas to facilitate mathematical reasoning. Teaching exceptional children, 51(1), 31-42.Free word-problem intervention is here: https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/Here's a free math intervention course Sarah developed: https://intensiveintervention.org/training/course-content/intensive-intervention-mathematicsAnd free teacher materials can be found here: https://mathspiral.com/ You can connect with Sarah: Twitter: @sarahpowellphd email: srpowell@utexas.edu Website: http://www.sarahpowellphd.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   About Associate Professor Sarah Powell Sarah R. Powell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include developing and testing interventions for students with mathematics difficulties, with a special emphasis on peer tutoring, word-problem solving, mathematics writing, and the symbols and vocabulary within mathematics. She was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2019.
S02E04 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing Skills
Mar 9 2024
S02E04 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing Skills
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He currently works at La Trobe University as a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and the Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs. He is also the founder of Think Forward Educators. Nathaniel first appeared on the Knowledge for Teachers podcast in episode 20 and unpacked some of the FAQ about the science of learning. This time they delve into the messy world of teaching writing. He explains how writing is a complex skill and provides practical strategies for sequencing the teaching of grammar and integrating writing into the curriculum. Resources mentioned: Wexler and Hochman - The Writing RevolutionWilliam Van Cleave - Writing MattersThink Forward EducatorsOchre EducationLa Trobe Short Courses: Masterclass: Developing Great Writing Skills - Once off - 19 March 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/masterclass-developing-great-writing-skillsImproving Writing - The Science and Linguistics of Writing - Starting 16 April 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/improving-writing-the-science-and-linguistics-of-writingThe Science of Teaching Writing - Starting 4 June 2024 (live or asynchronous): https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/the-science-of-teaching-writing     You can connect with:Nathaniel Twitter: @NathanielRSwain Facebook Linkedin Website: www.nathanielswain.com        You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
S02E03 - Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classrooms
Feb 24 2024
S02E03 - Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classrooms
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation. Jenny has led some of the heaviest hitting bits of research in Australia. In her current role with AERO and previous one with NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation, Jenny has been behind the teams that brought cognitive load theory to prominence and highlighted the lack of evidence behind programs like Reading Recovery and Language Learning & Literacy or L3 as it is more commonly known.   Throughout this interview, she discusses her journey into education research and the importance of evidence-based practice. Jenny emphasises the importance of areas such as explicit instruction, classroom management, teacher training, standardised testing like NAPLAN, and accountability in educational practices. It also touches on controversial topics such as fads in education and how to spot and avoid them. Resources mentioned: AERO: Teaching for how students learn: A model of learning and teachingAERO: Engaged classrooms through effective classroom managementNSW CESE: Cognitive load theory: Research that teachers really need to understandNSW CESE: Reading Recovery: a sector-wide analysisNSW CESE: Language, Learning & Literacy (L3) ReviewProject Follow Through You can connect with: Jenny  Twitter: @JennyDonovan2 Linkedin AERO   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
S02E02 - James Dobson Decoding The Foundations Of Teaching Kindergarten
Feb 10 2024
S02E02 - James Dobson Decoding The Foundations Of Teaching Kindergarten
In this conversation, Brendan Lee speaks with James Dobson, an experienced teacher who has been expertly applying the art and science of learning when teaching students in their first year of school (Kindergarten/Prep/Reception/Foundation). He discusses the importance of evidence-based practice, the use of Direct Instruction programs, and the challenges and rewards of teaching young children. James shares insights on maintaining sanity in the classroom while balancing work and personal life. We also delve into James' weekly timetable, looking at phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, writing and mathematics. He really gets into the nitty-gritty of what his lessons look like day-to-day and how they progress throughout the year. Resources mentioned: Siegfried EngelmannStory ChampsHeggerty’s phonemic awareness programLittle Learner’s Love LiteracyCore KnowledgeOchreGrammar ProjectNumber blocksDirect Instruction Mathematics by Marcy SteinDoug Lemov’s Teach Like a ChampionShaping MindsChristopher SUch’s The Art and Science of Teaching Primary ReadingSharing Best PracticeResearchEd   You can connect with James: Twitter: @jdtdobson Instagram: @mr_j_dobson Website: layingthefoundations.weebly.com/  You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About James Dobson James Dobson is a Foundation teacher and Learning Specialist at Campbells Creek Primary School including Guildford Campus in central Victoria. James has worked with students from a diverse range of backgrounds in Victoria and the Northern Territory. During his time in the NT, he implemented a range of Direct Instruction programs and became an accredited DI trainer. He was a finalist for the Outstanding Primary Teacher award as a part of the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. James is passionate about ensuring that all students receive a quality education. This begins by laying a solid foundation.    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
S02E01 - Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School Culture
Jan 27 2024
S02E01 - Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School Culture
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Ray Boyd, the Foundation Principal of Dayton Primary School. Throughout the interview he shares his journey into education leadership and the pedagogic shift he led at his previous school West Beechboro P.S. He reflects on the mistakes made and lessons learned during his time there and discusses the surprises and challenges of starting a new school.  Dr. Boyd also explains the vision and mission of Dayton Primary School and how he communicates it to the community. Dr. Boyd underscores the vital role of fostering success and creating robust support systems within schools. He stresses intentional communication with parents and the cultivation of a positive school culture. Ray delves into strategies for nurturing staff well-being, employing tools like playbooks and coaching. He highlights the importance of revisiting priorities and setting precise goals for professional development. As the discussion concludes, Ray provides valuable tips for a strong start to the school year and recommends resources such as cognitive load theory and educational research books.  Listen to this episode for profound insights and guidance tailored for school leaders. Resources mentioned: James NottinghamLuke GeorgeRachael LehrSteph Le Lievre (features on S01E02 Of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast)James Clear - Atomic HabitsGreg SullivanJohn FlemingED HirschDavid WanstallLorraine HammondKen RoweJohn HollingsworthJoe YbarraLouisa MoatsSimon SinekSpelling MasteryPeter DeWittJohn HattieJoel BirchSeth Godin - Song of SignificanceJim Knight You can connect with Ray: Twitter: @RayBoyd007 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rayboyd007/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast   About Dr. Ray Boyd Dr Ray Boyd, DipT., MSL., Ed.D.. FACELWA., FACEL is the foundation principal of Dayton Primary School. Prior to this he led a school that achieved remarkable improvement, resulting in his team mentoring WA school personnel as a part of the Centre for Excellence in Literacy initiative. Ray’s world is dominated by the need to improve teaching and learning in schools, having done considerable work with state and interstate schools in developing highly effective teaching models alongside their leadership teams. Prior to his career as a school leader, Ray competed at an international level, representing Australia at the World Cross Country Championship, in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Athens, and was a member of the Australian Team that won the International Ekiden Relay Championships in 1995.
27 - Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of math
Dec 2 2023
27 - Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of math
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Corey Peltier who is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. He also contributes to The Science of Math movement that is focused on disseminating research-informed recommendations to enhance math instruction and outcomes for students and this is the area that is unpacked in this episode.  In this conversation, they look at some of the points from the paper, Myths That Undermine Maths Teaching that he co-authored with Sarah Powell and Elizabeth M. Hughes. He also explains how teachers can use the Instructional Hierarchy to improve student performance, why curriculum-based measurements are useful, how we can build math fact fluency and much more.   Resources mentioned: Sarah PowellAmanda VanderHeydenRobin CoddingJournal of Behavioral EducationThe ABCs of CBM by Michelle K. Hosp, John L. Hosp, and Kenneth W. Howell.Brian Poncy - https://brianponcy.wixsite.com/mindDoug and Lynn FuchsPirate Math - https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/Self-Regulate Strategy DevelopmentNational Center on Intensive Intervention - https://intensiveintervention.org/Journal of Behavioral Education Special Edition on Instructional Hierarchy - https://www.jstor.org/stable/i40086112Benjamin Solomon and Brian Poncy, A review of common rates of improvement when implementing whole-number operation math interventions: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-70602-005 You can connect with Corey: Twitter: @CoreyJPeltier Website: coreypeltier.substack.com/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
25 - Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students
Nov 4 2023
25 - Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Colleu Terradas the Senior Officer Teaching and Learning Literacy and Instructional Coach in Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Education. In 2022, she travelled to the USA, England and France where she met with leading experts to investigate effective literacy screening and instructional practices to support older struggling readers as part of her Churchill Fellowship. She details some of the findings from her report in this chat.   She speaks about her amazing experience meeting people like Anita Archer and Stanislas Dehaene and goes through some case studies of schools that have implemented a Multi-Tiered System of Support framework effectively. Resources mentioned: Jessica Colleu Terradas Churchill Fellowship: To identify effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students Anita ArcherStanislas Dehaene - How We Learn2 reports on better supporting students who enter secondary school with gaps in their foundational literacy and numeracy skills and guide about MTSS, published/funded by AERO in partnership with Monash Uni: https://www.edresearch.edu.au/resources/supporting-secondary-students-lacking-foundational-literacy-and-numeracy-skills-research-summaryEEFDiane and James Murphy’s book ‘Thinking Reading: what every secondary teacher need to know about reading’ https://www.amazon.com.au/Thinking-Reading-Every-Secondary-Teacher/dp/1911382683Improving literacy in secondary schools, by the Education Endowment Foundation: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/literacy-ks3-ks4The national Institute for Direct Instruction (official website): https://www.nifdi.org/The Theory of Instruction: applications and strategies (1982 Ed.) by Engelmann & Carnine: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Doug-Carnine/publication/303721842_Theory_of_Instruction_Principles_and_Applications/links/574f661a08aef199238ef8b6/Theory-of-Instruction-Principles-and-Applications.pdf (download a revised copy) . Order a copy: https://www.amazon.com.au/Theory-Instruction-Applications-Siegfried-Engelmann/dp/1880183803 Podcast: the Science of Reading platform with Susan Lambert https://amplify.com/science-of-reading-the-podcast/   You can connect with Jess: Twitter: @JessicaColleu LinkedIn: @jessicacolleu/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
24 - Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia
Oct 21 2023
24 - Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Del Rio the government and public finance lead at Equity Economics. She has recently been involved in a couple of major reports that have highlighted the poor literacy standards across Australia.  Raising the grade: How schools in the Australian Capital Territory can lift literacy outcomes for students and the economy, written for the ACT Alliance for Evidence-Based Education and funded by the Snow Foundation Saving Money by Spending: Solving Illiteracy in Australia, commissioned by Code Read Dyslexia Network Australia In this conversation, Jess will tell us how bleak our current situation is, what needs to be done, what will happen if changes aren’t made and go through some examples of who is doing this well. Resources mentioned: Rowe, K., & National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (Australia). (2005). Teaching Reading: Report and Recommendations. Department of Education, Science and Training. https://research.acer.edu.au/tll_misc/5Knowledge for Teachers Podcast14 – Ross Fox on how Catalyst is transforming lives through learning (Catalyst Part 1)15 – Patrick Ellis on considerations for change (Catalyst Part 2)16 – St Bernard’s P.S. Transformational Change Through Catalyst (Catalyst Part 3)Nancy YoungCode READ Dyslexia NetworkFogarty FoundationCatalystThink Forward EducatorsSharing Best PracticeAustralian PISA reports and data filesGrattan Institute: Widening gaps: what NAPLAN tells us about student progressMelissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast - Ep. 100 Trauma and Reading with Dr. Steven Dykstra   You can connect with Jess: Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
23 - Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classrooms
Oct 7 2023
23 - Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classrooms
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bruno Reddy CEO of Maths Circle (Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots). He is the former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy and one of the pioneers of mathematics mastery, as we know it today. As you will hear, he is hugely passionate about mathematics and has thought long and hard about what needs to be done to teach it effectively. Some of the things that are just starting to become common practice now, like retrieval practice, spaced practice and variation theory, are things that he was talking about 10 years ago.    Resources mentioned: King Solomon Academy Doug Lemov - Teach Like a Champion Kris Bolton Brendan Lee - 5 Key Principles for Teaching Primary Mathematics Effectively Brendan Lee - A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics (Part 1) Alex Blanksby - Five Ways to use Worked Examples The ResearchED guide to explicit and direct instruction - Adam Boxer John Mason and Anne Watson - Thinkers Episode 18 – Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in Reading Knowledge Society CogLearn Think Forward Educations: Sarah Powell - Maths Intervention Dan Meyer   You can connect with Bruno: Twitter: @BrunoReddyMaths   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net   Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
17 - Christopher Such on the Art and Science of Teaching Reading Fluency
Jul 15 2023
17 - Christopher Such on the Art and Science of Teaching Reading Fluency
In this episode, I chat with Christopher Such. He is the author of, “The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading” and an experienced teacher, school leader and educational consultant. In our conversation, Chris touches on teacher workload, professional development and he goes through the thought behind his book and how his thinking has developed since its release. We then take a deep dive into teaching reading fluency and look at what it is, common misconceptions that teachers have and what it looks like across different year levels. After that, we somehow manage to fit in an overview of comprehension! This episode is not to be missed! Resources mentioned: Kathy Rastle: https://www.rastlelab.com/EPS mid-career prize lecture 2017: Writing systems, reading, and language Reid Smith, Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry & Lorraine Hammond (2021) The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review, Reading Psychology, 42:3, 214-240, DOI: 10.1080/02702711.2021.1888348Chris’ free curriculum resources: https://primarycolour.home.blog/category/free-resources/Debbie Hepplewhite’s Phonics International: https://phonicsinternational.com/Lynn StoneCastles, A., Rastle, K., & Nation, K. (2018). Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 19(1), 5–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100618772271MultiLit: https://multilit.com/The Science of Reading: A Handbook, 2nd EditionJohn Walker - Sounds-write You can connect with Chris: Twitter: @Suchmo83 Website: https://primarycolour.home.blog/   You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net