In this episode of "Teachers Talking Teaching," hosts Pete Whiting (@mr_van_w) and Shawtima Rakovski (@shawtimasmiles) discuss the insightful article "Australian classrooms are among the 'least favourable' for discipline in the OECD. Here’s how to improve student behaviour" from The Conversation. Join them as they unpack the key points and share th…

In this episode, we talk about local competitions and politicians who give teenagers NO QUARTER! Also congrats to Queensland for not ruining the election for the rest of us, in fact well done for being oddly progressive. Generally, we talk about Chile’s largest sensei and about the protective factors of a growth mindset for students from a lower so…

So this episode was recorded a month ago (maybe more) as an answer to some Patreon questions and then our world all fell apart. Between sickness, pandemic and adventures in heart failure (all is good now I promise, just little cardiac-hiccups) we actually thought that this episode was gone. But here it is! If you want to help us be more regular, at…

Look, did you want a quality podcast or did you want quality show notes? In this episode we talk about a more lady-like approach to decision making, apparently. We dive into the research of Dr Johnston et al out of WA regarding the Ethic of Care and this as a framework for our decisions and interactions both within and without the classroom. That c…

In this episode Pete and Shawtima get pumped for the new teaching year and settle in for the new normal. Shawtima mentioned using Tango as a tool for making instructables for team members and also violently threatens her team members. But then Shawtima dives deeply into some teacher wellbeing strategies. It’s not always the big moments and stunt wo…

… not that Pete recognises the UN in any way shape or form. Shawtima talks differentiation this week. Look, differentiation is tricky in the classroom, but it’s worthwhile. There are many aspects of teaching that keep getting harder and harder, but you know what, sometimes that’s the deal. In good news, Pete’s kids have started watching Bluey and i…

In this episode we talk about the impacts of exhaustion. The Culture Wars are alive and well. Schools are the battlegrounds once again. Education is a political act and again we see how the conservatives/trads are looking to push education History and Maths education into a back to basics approach. It makes Shawtima’s tummy hurt. Pete learns about …

Here is the Cancelled podcast that led to our long ramble open https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/cancelled/id1580836614 Shawtima talks (in the most round about way possible) Habits of Mind. Like, it legitimately started that way and ended up talking about LoLs in the classroom instead. Then we get all kinds of pedagogical and talk about Newman'…

In this episode we dive into some listener mail with questions about privilege and then we talk about the Tortoise and Hare thinkers. This involves the systemic bias in artificial examination environments and the harm it does to all of our students. Thanks Revisionist History!

In this episode, we talk about the readjustment of back to home learning for Australian/NSW teachers and the value of non-essential roles in schools. Also, how great is book week! But Pete has a big focus on Inquiry-Based learning and the recent articles by the Conversation and several trad articles that have a real problem on student-centered lear…

This week we discuss metaphor as a privileged types of language, Pete mansplains Sonic the Hedgehog and Shawtima talks about the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. Transfer of knowledge and utilisation of 21st Century Skills also become part of our discussion today. Transfer of knowledge from one area to another is a learnable skill. But most…

In this episode we cover a wide variety of topics including Learning Styles and VARK, a way to introduce welcome to country in an academically valued way and most importantly, science where rats drive cars for education. Hell yeah. Stay Shiny Pony Boy,

Hi TTT Fam, Here we have an episode that almost never made it out of the gates thanks to some dodgy recording. We got the sound good though! Enjoy.

Hey in this episode Pete (@mr_van_w) and Shawtima (@shawtimasmiles) talk about: Stuff. Not gonna lie, there’s some late night energy going on here and Pete ended up spending a considerable amount of time unwell this week (hence the late ep). But here we are. Here is Stile for our Science teacher friends: https://stileapp.com/login no add here but c…

Hey in this episode Pete (@mr_van_w) and Shawtima (@shawtimasmiles) talk about: In this episode we share a win at school with an indigenous program at our nation’s peak STEM body, CSIRO. We delve into Mastery Learning and Education Systems, particularly around the online platform setup by Sal Khan. We also look at the In another win for the Aborigi…

Hey in this episode Pete (@mr_van_w) and Shawtima (@shawtimasmiles) talk about: Thinking Routines (Headlines) and how they've adapted them to suit what they want to do in the classroom. We talk ever so briefly about the authoritarian rise of the Flipped Teacher in an article from Times Higher Education. We talk in more depth about the New Pedagogie…

Pete (@mr_van_w) is back with the original Shiny Educator, Shawtima (@ShawtimaSmiles). It's time to introduce some changes, to the podcast but also not really. Mostly, it's the same nonsense you already love. Pete and Shawti are talking about all sorts of stuff in this episode. For example, Dungeons and Dragons in schools for students who are eithe…

Pete (@mr_van_w) shares how his school celebrated International Women's Day and discusses some of the considerations to running genuine activities and conversations. John (@jfcatto) then looks at some Biesta's functions of education and the need for having a conversations about what we value in education. Good education in an age of measurement: On…

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) shares a resource and encourages non-indigenous people to get involved in Aboriginal education and teaching Aboriginal perspectives. John (@jfcatto) then has a whine about the effects of politics on professional development opportunities. Educator Resource: 'But I am NOT ABORIGINAL I don't know how to do this stuff!' - Am…

Hi TTT Family, No John this week so I thought I'd reflect a little on life and my new schools for you. Enjoy, Pete @mr_van_w

This week John (@jfcatto) checks in to see how "Learning Pods" worked out. Are they the silver bullet to combatting school shutdowns? (Spoilers: No). Pete (@mr_van_w) read a couple of books. One he likes and one he doesn't like so much. Articles: Learning Pods Show Their Cracks - Ronda Kaysen https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/style/learning-pods-p…

Welcome to 2021. We made it. More importantly Pete (@mr_van_w) made it. In this episode Pete and John (@jfcatto) reflect on the year that was and hopes for the year that will be. Pete shares his story and looks for silver linings in the lessons learned from this life changing experience.

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) return to some of their trusted wellsprings of pedagogy. John outlines some tips for putting together educational videos. Pete describes a cool twist on the use of solo hexagons in the classroom. How to Create Engaging Instructional Videos - Jenny Gieras https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-create-enga…

On a shaky return to Term 4 our hosts (@Mr_van_w & @jfcatto) compare their struggle with the Black Dog and what their are doing for self-care. They then then discuss two recent books that address classroom management by approaching the profession from vastly different pedagogical viewpoints. Restoring Teaching - Adam Voigt (@adam_voigt) https://ada…

The Agent of Chaos (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) talk about the podcast format, being unbelievably tired, CSU "Taking You Higher", online conferences, TED Talks, genius hour for teachers, how to define an activity as a hobby, differentiation strategies for the top end, attainment grouping discussion on TER before devolving into talking about gami…

Some unnamed bloke (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) talk time zones, Fijian time, roll marking, teaching Peers and Superiors, competing chains-of-command, holiday/pandemic learning loss, the Bloom's lie and removing grades shackles on education. Is Learning "Lost" When Kids Are Out of School - Alfie Kohn https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/loss/ I Hat…

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) discuss some of the comments in the slow chat, clarify that Pete is not anti-data after last weeks tirade, assert that neither Pete nor John are not negative people, laugh at pictures of cycads, insult Primary School teachers. As far as articles go: John discusses some opinions on the current offering …

Once again Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) jaw off about teaching adjacent topics like seating plans and youngsters accessing pornography. John explores the UK trad-prog divide, questioning Michael Gove's effect on the situation. Pete highlights a study showing most teachers want to be mentored beyond the usual induction training. 'Drill and k…

John (@jfcatto) and Pete (@mr_van_w) generally meander around a conversation touching on; some news, coaching, viva voce and high stakes assessment stress. John then talks about some ways that teachers can talk less in the classroom. Pete then enlightens us about the ridiculousness of so called "pod schools". John: 8 ways teachers can talk less and…

This flexible reporting period; we check in with Pete (@mr_van_w) who has been diligently implementing the teaching strategies discussed from previous podcasts. We discuss the efficacy of vertical non-permanent surfaces as compared to horizontal non-permanent surfaces. Pete expresses solidarity with the Police Force in their justifiably heavy hande…

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) discusses ways to explicitly teach problem solving to create a thinking classroom. He introduces John (@jfcatto) to the idea of "keep thinking questions" rather than "stop thinking questions" and students work on "vertical non-permanent surfaces". Building a Thinking Classroom in Maths - Peter Liljedahl https://www.edutop…

John (@jfcatto) discusses some of the ways that self-driven learning can be used to build relationships and meet students at the level they are at. Pete (@mr_van_w) then talks compassion in education and why now might be the right time to change the way we think about inclusive education. Self-Driven Learning Relies on Relationships - Derek Davidso…

In this episode of Teachers Occasionally Talking Teaching. Pete (@mr_van_w) tells John (@jfcatto) about Trauma Informed Teaching and how a school is using blended learning and self-paced mastery to cater for students with low attendance rates. Pete: A Student-Centered Model of Blended Learning - Edutopia https://youtu.be/zrR-KIoggf4 Redbubble: http…

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto reflect on current events and discuss the duty and tactics for addressing issues of race within our classes. They also answer the cross platforms listener mailbags and announce an exciting new line of merch. Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/i/mask/Teachers-Talking-Teaching-Logo-by-CatfishEd/49592763.9G0…

Unfortunately, due to technical issues last weeks episode will ever be lost in the ether. Obviously our Patreon subscribers will be able to hear John's half of the episode. However, for the rest of us Pete and John discuss online learning and the motivation for the design of the current online learning experience. They also use this time to answer …

Pete and John are back to start another term, different from one they have ever started before. Pete suggests some ways we can build relationships with students despite being physically separated. John explores some of John Hattie's thoughts on online learning. Pete: Connecting with students in the online classroom - Reach Out https://schools.au.re…

As COVID-19 continues to spread uncontrolled around the world, Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) return to the bubble, soon to be their own private bubbles. They discuss the imminent cessation of face-to-face teaching and the move to an online learning environment. Pete: Mr Corona/Covid-19 plea to Admin everywhere - Pete Whiting (@mr_van_w) http…

This week John (@jfcatto) returns to his lane and focuses on effecting change in the classroom through different directed questioning techniques. Then, Pete (@mr_van_w) considers the challenge of teachers' teaching out of their field of expertise. John: No hands up: Rethinking questioning techniques - Daniel Beech (@MrDBeech) https://edu.rsc.org/id…

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) laments the extra workload caused by menial tasks that have no benefit to the teacher or the students but are mandated within schools or systems. New contributor Shawtima (@ShawtimaSmiles) invites us to join her on her quest to improving her workflow and taking some of the power back. John (@jfcatto) comments on a report …

This week John (@jfcatto) wades through the Grattan Institute's mammoth report recommending the implementation of Instructional Specialists and Master Teachers. Pete (@mr_van_w) highlights the idea of Assessment Literacy for teachers and to question what inferences and conclusions can be made from assessments. John: Top teachers: sharing expertise …

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) ponders an interview from one of our our stable mates ERRR that makes him question how progressive is too progressive. John (@jfcatto) then discusses something close to his heart; teacher accreditation at the higher levels of Highly Accomplished Teachers (HAT) and Lead Teachers (LT). Pete: Education Research Reading Room …

Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) return to the 2020 year with a rambling recap of their holidays. Pete identifies some of the obligatory media narratives that need to be trotted out at the start of another school year. John regales us with a parable illustrating the some of the nuances between Direct Instruction and Discovery Learning that are …

In another episode of the occasional podcast Teachers Talking Teaching John (@jfcatto) contemplates the the way in which schools and society frame resilience to children, particularly the ones that need it most. Pete (@mr_van_w) then discusses the equity of the HSC and subsequent university admission system. John: Rethinking 'resilience' and 'grit'…

Another haphazard release finds Pete (@mr_van_w) just returned from ResCon in Brisbane where he was inspired by a presentation to go back to the work of John Dewey. John (@jfcatto) then is impressed by a innovative school but worried about how the motivations affect future implementation. Pete: John Dewey on How to Find Your Calling, the Key to a F…

In a triumphant return-from-hiatus episode John (@jfcatto) and Pete (@mr_van_w) make history by bringing so such synergy to the table that they that they have read the same article. Students don't like the brain-sweats because it hurts their head. Unfortunately, learning is hard. Articles: Pete: Study shows students in 'active learning' classrooms …

This week Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) are back and a bit more upbeat. Pete did a viva voce and really dug it. John discusses Personalised Learning and some peoples worries about privacy of third party companies from Silicon Valley. Pete raises questions of the conduct of student evaluations of teaching, how much credence we put in student …

This is just a quick little episode as a welcome to those new to the profession. It's the best job in the world but it's challenging. Glad to have you on board. Stay shiny Pony Boy!

Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) have finally made Episode 100. Crack out a bottle of champagne and lets' celebrate... actually scrap that this one is a super downer. Listener discretion is advised. Pete, a proud Kamilaroi man, gets super angry and about a teacher gamifying their classroom using the framework of colonialism. John then brightens…

This week/fortnight/month Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) barely manage to get an episode out with John on the editing decks. He's pretty rubbish. John ruminates on a listener comment and laments the perceived goal of edupreneurs of aiming bigger and not wasting their life in the classroom. Pete regales us with the link between teaching and ma…