Talking Teaching

Guests: Dr Lara Mossman is a Wellbeing science expert and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science Dr Rachel Colla is a Teaching and Learning Innovation Lead and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Colla and Dr. Lara Mossman from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education about teaching for wellbeing. They discuss the difference between teaching wellbeing skills and creating a classroom environment that fosters motivation and wellbeing. They share their "Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design" framework, offering practical tips on incorporating choice, fostering connection, and using theories like flow and achievement goals. Links: Self-Determination Theory in Education Coursera - Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson's class on Positive Psychology Centre for Wellbeing Science at FoE Colla, Rachel HH, and Lara H. Mossman. ‘Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design Framework: A Multi-Layered Approach to Facilitating Wellbeing Education through Learning Design and Educational Practice’. FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION, vol. 8, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1216658. Colla, RH, and CF Kurtz. ‘Storying Research: Exploring the Benefits of Participatory Narrative Inquiry as a Methodology for Wellbeing Research’. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-024-00147-4. Oades, LG, and L. Mossman. ‘The Science of Wellbeing and Positive Psychology’. Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316339275.003.

Guests: Professor Nikki Rickard is a professor of Wellbeing Science in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, with a focus on digital mental health and emotional regulation. Dr David Bakkar is a clinical psychologist, researcher and the Founding Director of MoodMission. Description: In this episode, Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Backer explore the effects of digital technologies on student mental health. They discuss the risks and benefits of apps, gaming, and social media, emphasising the need for balance. With a focus on digital hygiene education and teacher training, they call for a collaborative approach, including young people, in shaping healthier digital environments for students. Helpful Links for Teachers and Parents: Mood Mission - an evidence-based app designed to empower you to overcome feelings of depression and anxiety by discovering new and better ways of coping MoodPrism - a mood tracking app with advanced data collection abilities Beacon (created for parents, easy to use, lots of info in a digestible format, recommends safe apps kids and family, developed by Telethon Kids Institute and Dolly’s Dream)  MIND (M-Health Index and Navigation Database) – searchable data base with practitioner reviews  Mindtools.io – smaller database, includes ratings and reviews­­ Reachout/tools-and-apps Research: Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of three smartphone apps for enhancing public mental health. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 109, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2018.08.003 Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2018). Development and Pilot Evaluation of Smartphone-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy Strategies for Mood- and Anxiety-Related Problems: MoodMission. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2018.07.002 Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2017). Engagement in mobile phone app for self-monitoring of emotional wellbeing predicts changes in mental health: MoodPrism. Journal of Affective Disorders. Bakker, D., & Rickard, N. (2019). Engagement with a cognitive behavioural therapy mobile phone app predicts changes in mental health and wellbeing: MoodMission. Australian Psychologist, 54, 245-260. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12383

Guests: Dr Sarah Young  is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood (REEaCh) Centre in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. Nicole Pilsworth is the Executive Manager, Early Learning at Gowrie Victoria and the Chair of the Victorian committee of Early Childhood Australia. Description: This episode explores the power of play in early childhood education. Learn how play supports brain development, enriches learning, and connects generations through new innovative projects. Learn practical strategies to enhance play in the educational setting without disrupting children's motivation, as well as how to navigate the challenges of new policy reforms and the rollout of universal funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria. Links: Teacher participation in young children’s dramatic play - S Young, S Edwards, J Nuttall Examining early childhood teachers' attitudes and responses to superhero play - Megan Wiwatowski, Jane Page, Sarah Young The EDGE Study Gowrie Victoria A Continuum of Play-Based Learning: The Role of the Teacher in Play-Based Pedagogy and the Fear of Hijacking Play – Angela Pyle and Erika Danniels

The use of digital education and artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the new norm. In this episode, we are joined by Carlo Perrotta, an Associate Professor of Digital Education, and Dr. Matthew Fyfield, Deputy Principal of Mazenod College, who explore the intricate world of educational technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Together, they tackle ethical concerns, pedagogical responsibility, and the need for clarity in understanding digital tools, while envisioning what this all means for teachers.