After the success of Podclass season 1, I was delighted to support the production of a second season of our podcast series for teachers and educators which launched in March. Hosted again by award-winning journalist Madonna King, this season our researchers are joined by practitioners to offer more real-world tips and advice on topics important to anyone in the profession.
6 things teachers will learn in Podclass season 2
As the term 1 school holidays approach, we invite you to put your feet up and be entertained and enriched in education. If you’d like a taste of the episodes, here are six things you’ll learn after listening to Podclass:
- Language isn’t just for English teachers
Dr Jennifer Alford is a Senior Lecturer in TESOL and her passion for language is infectious. In this episode, she discusses how all teachers can use language to enhance students’ learning. Whether you teach maths, science, geography or technology; in a connected and diverse world, understanding how language works is vital to teaching success. Listen to For the love of language.
- Connection to country in the classroom can be simple
Educator Alison Quin says that incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the classroom is a journey all schools and teachers can begin. This episode will open your mind and heart to the importance of sharing the history and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with your students – and it’s a lot easier to start than you think. Listen to Our land, our stories, our classrooms.
- Students have a right to have their say
What happens when students are encouraged to have a say on matters important to them at school? According to Dr Jenna Gillett-Swan, giving students a voice can have an enormously positive influence on their engagement and wellbeing – and therefore, their ability to learn. You’ll love hearing teacher Mitchell Robertson talk about his own success rolling out a school-wide wellbeing framework driven by student voices. Listen to The right to voice.
- Technology is a tool for success
According to Dr Chris Blundell, teachers use routine as a tool for managing dynamics in the classroom. So it can be a challenge when things like new technology disrupts or alters their routines. But with the right strategies and tools, teachers can use technology in the classroom with confidence and success.
- Friendships are a foundation for learning
Do you remember your first childhood friendships? Dr Maryanne Theobald’s interesting research looks at how friendships are formed in the early years and the positive impact it can have on children’s development. So what can educators do to help foster friendships? Dr Theobald is joined by educator Megan Laraghy to offer practical strategies and advice. Listen to The friendship factor.
Listen to Education in the digital age.
- Art can be used as environmental expression
Children in early education settings are just starting to figure out who they and the world around them. So how can we help them make sense of complex issues like sustainability? Dr Lyndal O’Gorman shares advice on how educators can use art as a powerful tool to help young children learn and express their thoughts on important environmental issues. Listen to A picture paints a thousand thoughts.
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