Talking Teaching

• Wellbeing Literacy: Teachers and students using language to enhance wellbeing

  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, but to regulate emotions, build community, and support learning across all stages. From arts-based programs in the Goulburn Valley to play-based learning in early years, this conversation highlights the real-world potential of integrating Wellbeing Literacy into everyday educational practice. Professor Lindsay Oades is the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Jacqui Francis is a Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science and Lisa Baker is a Project Officer at the REEaCh Centre. Click the episode link for more information and key resources. Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

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• Expanding How We Learn with Professor Guy Claxton

  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 oversimplified teaching models and the central ideas behind his new book, Bodies of Learning. Professor Claxton reflects on the importance of integrating explicit instruction with inquiry, and highlights the role of embodiment, including movement and gesture, in deepening student understanding. Guy Claxton is an Emeritus Professor of the Learning Sciences at Winchester’s Centre for Real-World Learning and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. Click the episode link for more information and key resources. Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

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• Navigating AI in Mathematics Education: Insights for all educators

  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, or hinder, student engagement. Drawing on research and classroom practice, the guests unpack the variability of AI-generated content, the need for critical reflection, and the ethical considerations of AI in schools.Dr Scott Cameron is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Education with an interest in using technology and AI to support teaching and learning.Dr Carmel Mesiti is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and expert in mathematics pedagogies for both primary and secondary education.Mr Luke Clift is a practicing teacher at Kardinia International College, trialling AI in lesson planning and its use and impact in the classroom.More information and useful links are available via this ⁠link⁠.Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

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• The Purpose of Education: In Conversation with Professor Gert Biesta

  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 in fostering student agency, the importance of high expectations, and the idea of world-centred education in an age of complexity. Gert Biesta is a Professor of Public Education in the ⁠Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy⁠, Maynooth University, and Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy at the ⁠Moray House School of Education and Sport⁠, University of Edinburgh.More information and useful links are available via this ⁠link⁠. Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

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• Creative Lesson Planning: practical strategies to enhance learning and empower 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 combines backward design with inquiry-based learning, and share practical examples of how creative, collaborative planning is making a difference in the classroom. John Quay is a Professor at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education.Rhian ap Rees is Assistant Principal at Auburn South Primary School.Darien Hunte teaches Year 4 at Auburn South Primary School. More information and useful links are available via this ⁠link⁠.Talking Teaching is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

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