For the love of language
Language is at the heart of learning, no matter the subject. In a connected and diverse world, Dr Jennifer Alford thinks teachers have an opportunity to teach content in ways that can help all students, including students with English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D). Dr Alford is joined by QATESOL President and experienced EAL/D teacher Gae Nastasi to share tips on how language can be used to teach different content areas and enhance all students’ learning.
Education in the digital age
Traditional classrooms are being transformed by technology. When it comes to digital learning, Dr Chris Blundell says the right strategies and tools can empower teachers to use technology in the classroom with confidence and success. Listen to Dr Blundell and Sue Suter from Brisbane Catholic Education share simple steps to help teachers, parents, and students explore the power of new learning and teaching tools.
Our land, our stories, our classrooms
As leaders in learning, teachers have a powerful opportunity to share the history and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their students. Educator Alison Quin says that incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the classroom is a journey all schools and teachers can begin. In this episode, Alison explains the small steps teachers can take to start their journey, and the big impact this can have on enhancing students’ respect for Indigenous cultures.
The right to voice
What happens when students are encouraged to have a say on matters important to them at school? Dr Jenna Gillett-Swan says that empowering students to be partners in their own learning can have a positive influence on their engagement and wellbeing. She’s joined by teacher Mitchell Robertson who shares his own experience rolling out a successful school-wide wellbeing framework driven by student voices.
A picture paints a thousand thoughts
If art imitates life, how can students use it to respond to what’s happening in the world around them? Dr Lyndal O’Gorman says that art can be a powerful tool for students to make sense of complex issues like climate change and sustainability. In this episode, Dr O’Gorman is joined by kindergarten director Dr Amanda McFadden to discuss how teachers can use art to help children and young people explore social and environmental issues.
The friendship factor
We all remember our first childhood friendships. They shape our memories, but they also shaped the way we learn and develop. In this episode, Dr Maryanne Theobald is joined by educator Megan Laraghy to unpack the power of friendship. They discuss how friendships influence children’s development and share strategies educators can use to help foster positive connections.
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Season 1
Welcome to QUT Teacher Podclass
Teacher Podclass is a fascinating seven-part interview series hosted by Madonna King. In this trailer we’ve condensed hours of chats down to a couple of minutes so you can get a quick overview of the topics and a sense of just how Teacher Podclass could have a positive impact on the lives of everyone who is passionate about teaching.
Taking leadership in your stride
Principals aren’t the only leaders in our schools. Teachers have the communication and collaboration skills that are the foundation of effective leadership. Our students can be leaders too, and their ability to listen, to solve problems within a group and empathise with others can be encouraged at a very young age. Listen as Associate Professor Sue Irvine explains just what it means to be a leader, and how we can all embrace leadership roles with confidence.
Thinking outside the classroom
Dr Bronwyn Ewing loves maths, but she knows not everybody feels the same way. That’s why she’s devoted herself to encouraging positive engagement with maths through contextualised learning. Hear how using everything from turtle eggs to cemetery headstones can give maths a real-world context and get students of all ages engaged and participating in learning.
Honouring your health and wellbeing
Teachers are often so dedicated to helping others, they can fail to recognise that their own wellbeing is at risk. In this podcast Dr Rebecca Spooner-Lane points out some of the early signs of burnout. She also talks about simple steps teachers can take to look after themselves.
Who’s your classroom buddy?
Dr Rebecca Spooner-Lane discusses why having a mentor can be an effective way to boost wellbeing. Rebecca talks about her own experience with mentors, good and not so good. Plus, she gives us tips on how to find the mentor that’s right for you.
Dear guidance counsellor
Where should teachers go to for career support and guidance? Professor Donna King believes there are lots of avenues to pursue, including talking to a guidance counsellor. Donna is also a big believer in the value of planning. Listen to her own journey from straight-A student to teaching and on to a special role at QUT where she now leads the people inspiring our future teachers.
Is inspiration just a tweet away?
Teachers love finding fresh ideas to bring into the classroom. But where should they look for them? Dr Kay Oddone says you can unearth gems of inspiration from the other side of the planet. You just need to know how to get the best out of social media. Listen to Kay as she explains the value of a Professional Learning Network (PLN) and talks you through how to create one of your own.
Start the day with a song
If self-regulation skills are the foundation of effective learning, how do we build them? Dr Kate Williams believes the answer can be found in music. In this episode she explains how dancing, singing and playing musical instruments at the start of a school day can get young minds in tune with the first lesson. Don’t have any instruments? Don’t worry. Kate believes clapping, chanting and drumming with pencils can do wonders.
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