Season 7
Episode #6 // Building Hope: Equity, Funding and the National School Reform Agreement
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 Australian educational policy, help us explore the future of the Agreement, its implications for teachers, and what we can hope for when deliberation concludes in December 2024.
Episode #5 // Empowering the Next Generation: Climate Education in Schools
In this episode, we learn how to bolster both climate literacy and support climate action in the classroom. Listeners will discover how teachers can create safe spaces for students to process their feelings about climate change and how schools are implementing sustainable practices, fostering a sense of agency and hope. We speak with three academics from the Faculty of Education: Professor Marcia McKenzie, the Associate Dean (Sustainability) and Director of the MECCE Project, as well as Associate Professor Kate Coleman and Dr. Sarah Healy, the co-directors of the Speculative Wanderings in Space and Place (SWISP) Lab. Additionally, Jenny Williams, Principal of Firbank Grammar, shares insights from a school perspective.
Episode #4 // Reinventing Schools: Elevating student learning, wellbeing and health
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 from Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital, along with educators Erin Brass from St. Ambrose Parish School and Karlie Price from St. Peters Primary School, we'll discuss the importance of equally prioritising health and wellbeing with academic achievement.
Episode #3 // Learning from her: celebrating indigenous women in education
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 A/Prof Melitta Hogarth, Rosie Paine and Kylie Captain provide valuable lessons for anyone passionate about education.
Listeners gain insights into their families, experiences and the transformative work they are doing in their communities, highlighting the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping educational policies, practices, and outcomes.
Episode #2 // AI in the classroom: friend or foe?
We de-mystify the question; is AI in the classroom a friend or a foe? As ChatGPT and DALL-E become mainstream, warnings in the media about this new technology are growing, including its impact on education and assessment. But AI also offers exciting opportunities for teachers and students.
Helping us explore this evolving conundrum and share the inspiring possibilities of AI and tips on how teachers can start exploring new tech in their classrooms is renowned educator and researcher in the impact of globalisation and technology on education, Professor Yong Zhao, as well as expert in self-regulation and classroom-based assessment, Professor Therese Hopfenbeck, and expert in digital learning and assessment technology, Lauren Sayer.
Episode #1 // It's not a choice: the real issues behind school 'refusal'
We unravel the complex issues around school attendance. Why do kids refuse to go to school? What approaches work to support students going back to school? How do we support parents and teachers through this process?
We speak with A/Prof Lisa McKay Brown and A/Prof Glenn Melvin who share research and tools for schools. Plus, discover practical insights from teachers at Travencore School, Katie Archibald and Rebecca Plunkett on how they are improving school attendances.
The views expressed in this podcast series are those of presenters and guests and are not necessarily endorsed by the University of Melbourne.
Producers: Genevieve Siggins and Podcast Services Australia