In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee and Dr. Zach Groshell (Host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast) collaborated in the first of a series of episodes together. The theme for this episode was around what are the main principles that teachers need to understand about how learning happens and what are the key mechanisms of effective instruction.

Zach’s 4 points were:

1. Intrinsic motivation is a lofty goal but can't be depended upon.
2. Use generative learning strategies after building prior knowledge - and without the help of AI.
3. The environment is not the "Third Teacher" but it can be designed optimally.
4. We might underestimate how much students appreciate receiving feedback.

Brendan’s 4 points were:

1. The instructional hierarchy is the single most important thing for teachers to know
2. Desirable difficulties optimises learning
3. Attaining and retaining attention is easier said than done
4. Designing learning is more than just sequencing concepts in small steps

Resources mentioned:

• Haring and Eaton’s Instructional Hierarchy
• Bjork and Bjork’s Desirable Difficulties
• Fiorella and Mayer - Eight Ways to Promote Generative Learning
• Stanislas Dehaene - How we learn
• Daniel Willingham - Why don’t students like school
• Amanda VanDerHeyden
• Dylan Wiliam

You can connect with Zach:

Twitter: @mrzachg

Podcast: Progressively Incorrect

Website: educationrickshaw.com

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Charlotte Peverett, an experienced learning specialist and inclusion outreach coach, who shares her journey into teaching and special education. Charlotte discusses the significance of structures and routines in creating a safe and consistent learning environment. Charlotte also emphasises the importance of high expectations for all students and the role of teachers in preparing them for adulthood and functioning in society. In this conversation, Charlotte and Brendan discuss the importance of positive reinforcement and effective implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. They also speak the role of leadership in planning and using data to drive improvement.

Resources mentioned:

• Tom Bennett
• La Trobe University - SOLAR Lab
• Sherrington & Caviglioli - Teaching Walkthrus
  • You can listen to Tom speak about this on episode 5 of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast
• Christopher Such - The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading
  • You can listen to Chris speak about this on episode 17 of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast
• Rosenshine’s Principles

You can connect with Charlotte:

Twitter: @lifeoflottie

Facebook: Science of Learning - Special Education Australia

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

Charlotte is an autistic, special education Learning Specialist/Inclusion Outreach Coach in South-West Victoria. Her specialty is literacy and language intervention with a passion to introduce research and evidence-based practices into mainstream and specialist settings. Charlotte has her Master of Education (LIHI) and is a postgraduate research student with the Latrobe University SOLAR Lab and is an Honorary Affiliate member of the Institute of Special Education (InSpEd). Charlotte has presented at numerous conferences and works with schools to change systems and practices to ensure all students are reaching their full potential.

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Professor Jonathan Sharples from the Education Endowment Foundation. He has led the recent update to the EEF’s A School’s Guide to Implementation and in this conversation we unpack the paper. Professor Sharples details the updates and why they were made. He also digs into each of the key elements. As Jonathan highlights, how something is done is as important as what is done and throughout this episode, he provides a number of practical strategies that schools can follow.

Resources mentioned:

• Education Endowment Foundation: A School’s Guide to Implementation - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/implementation
• Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/teaching-assistants
• Darren Moore
• Martin Weswell
• Research Core Network
• Active Implementation Hub
• National Implementation Research Network
• Robin Mildon
• Centre for Evidence and Implementation

You can connect with Jonathan:

Twitter: @Sharples_J

Website: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast