Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
By Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Victorian Academy of Teaching and LeadershipApr 08, 2019
Instructional Coaching and getting to know Dr Jim Knight
Hosted by Academy Principal in Residence Simone Eirth, this episode delves into all things instructional coaching with internationally recognised thought leader Dr Jim Knight.
This is a great episode for principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders as it provides practical strategies and insights into supporting and empowering educators and school staff, and how to better understand yourself as a leader. They also touch on compassion and the importance of treating yourself as you would a friend, and how self-criticism can negatively impact not only educators but people in general.
Jim joined the Academy for a 5-day instructional coaching program at our East Melbourne site – 41 St Andrews Place. In partnership with Growth Coaching International, educators from across the state delved into globally significant ideas and techniques aimed at deepening their leadership understanding and skillsets.
Who is Dr Jim Knight?
Dr Jim Knight is a Senior Partner of the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and a research associate at the University of Kansas Centre for Research on Learning.
He is renowned for his expertise in instructional coaching and has authored several influential books on the subject - including "Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction" and podcast series "Better Conversations." With extensive experience in professional learning, Jim Knight works to empower educators and promote instructional excellence.
Learn with the Academy
With online programs and sites all over Victoria, professional learning has never been so accessible. Explore our professional learning to find the training and support you need at your career stage to lead change and improve student outcomes. You can use the filter function on our website to find your closest Academy site. academy.vic.gov.au/professional-learning
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Viviane Robinson and the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework
Academy Principals in Residence, Kendra and Simone, have been working on embedding the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework (ALEF) and to develop resources for schools to foster excellence in educational leadership.
In our latest podcast episode they are joined by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Viviane Robinson, to discuss the ALEF how it can be used by school leaders and leadership teams to identify, develop and support educational leadership excellence across our system. Viviane collaborated with the Academy to create the ALEF and is a thought leader in education and leadership development.
Aimed at school and system leaders, middle leaders, teacher leaders and anyone who aspires to leadership, this episode will help you consider the capabilities, dispositions and domains required to be an effective, excellent leader.
The Academy’s Leadership Excellence Framework sets out the capabilities and dispositions for excellence in leadership, from teacher leader to principal.
The ALEF sets our 3 capabilities and 4 dispositions that enable excellence in leadership:
Capabilities:
- Using relevant knowledge
- Solve complex problems
- Build relational trust
Dispositions:
- Interpersonal courage
- Open-mindedness
- Empathy
- Perseverance
Find out more on the Academy website: www.academy.vic.gov.au/academy-leadership-excellence-framework
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy
Autism and inclusion with the ‘I CAN’ network
Principals in Residence Samantha Jeacle and Justine Mackey are joined by Chris Varney and Rachael Hamilton of the I CAN Network. In this episode, they discuss practical ways educators can support students with autism in the classroom. Chris and Rachael provide insights into how the I CAN Network assists teachers in aiding neurodiverse students and share personal examples of work avoidance.
The I CAN Network
The I CAN Network is an organisation founded by Chris Varney in 2013, with a mission to challenge negative perceptions of autism. Through respectful, peer-based programs, the I CAN Network aims to shift young individuals from an 'I CAN'T' to 'I CAN' mindset by celebrating neurodiverse strengths, passions, and shared experiences. https://icannetwork.online/
Learn with the Academy
With online programs and sites all over Victoria, professional learning has never been so accessible. Explore our professional learning to find the training and support you need at your career stage to lead change and improve student outcomes. You can use the filter function on our website to find your closest Academy site. academy.vic.gov.au/professional-learning
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Partnering with parents – how to talk about mathematics with ACER’s Dr Sarah Buckley
This episode is 3 of 3.
Valuing maths positively impacts student learning outcomes and determines whether a student will continue to engage with maths at school and beyond. This episode discusses a particular type of maths – utility value – and the research backed way to improve it. Hosted by Teaching Excellence Program Master Teacher Ben Allen with guest Dr Sarah Buckley (Australian Council for Educational Research -ACER), this episode is great for both teachers and parents to help support students develop more positive attitudes towards maths. Resources: https://go.vic.gov.au/3TlxyKX
Time stamps:
(01:03) – MAES (maths anxiety engagement strategy) definition and history.
(03:19) – What is positive maths talk?
(04:35) – What does positive maths talk look like at home?
(06:00) – Why is positive maths talk essential?
(08:32) – Dispelling maths myths.
(10:10) – Research and student outcomes.
(14:17) – Resource ‘Why Maths?’
(17:41) – What is different about this resource?
(22:25) – Where is math in our lives and careers?
(25:42) – Presenters key take-aways.
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Improving student perceptions of maths: the importance of personal connection with ACER’s Dr Sarah Buckley
This episode is 2 of 3.
Valuing maths positively impacts student learning outcomes and determines whether a student will continue to engage with maths at school and beyond. This episode is hosted by Teaching Excellence Program Master Teacher Emma Moore and features Dr Sarah Buckley from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
This episode covers types of maths (eg., utility value) and discusses research backed ways to improve it. The episode will also introduce a new publicly available information resource for teachers, co-developed by ACER and the Academy. This episode may also be of interest to parents to help support their children develop more positive attitudes towards maths. Resources: https://go.vic.gov.au/3TlxyKX
Time stamps:
(01:36) – MAES (maths anxiety engagement strategy) definition and history.
(03:52) – Motivation definition in MAES and Expectancy value theory.
(07:25) – What is maths utility value?
(12:45) – Intervention in this context.
(14:40) – How to build utility value and use the resources in the notes.
(17:30) – Examples of how to build utility value in a primary and secondary context.
(27:05) – Finding the value in mathematics resource (from the notes).
(30:06) – Presenters key messages.
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Maths anxiety – how to support secondary students with ACER’s Dr Sarah Buckley
This is episode 1 of 3.
Maths anxiety is an emotion experienced by students all over Australia and can significantly impact learning. Hosted by Head of Mathematics at Albert Park College and Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Alumni Rachael Gore, this episode will discuss a model for understanding Maths anxiety and strategies for addressing causes and symptoms. Featuring the Australian Council for Educational Research's (ACER) Senior Research Fellow Dr
Sarah Buckley, this episode and associated strategies complement techniques that are widely used in classrooms. Resources: go.vic.gov.au/3TlxyKX
Time stamps:
(01:12) – MAES (maths anxiety engagement strategy) definition and history
(02:32) – Key barriers to learning and participation in maths
(03:33) – What is maths anxiety?
(05:35) – Symptoms of maths anxiety: physiological and cognitive.
(08:50) – Causes of maths anxiety.
(13:08) – Strategies to help students with maths anxiety.
(18:12) – Strategies to give students control over the symptoms of anxiety.
(20:57) – What do we mean by mindfulness?
(21:44) – Expressive writing and drawing as a strategy to control symptoms of anxiety.
(23:37) – Positive reframing as a strategy to control symptoms of anxiety.
(25:21) – Addressing the causes of maths anxiety.
(26:23) – Maths metaphors to identify types of thinking.
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Leading from the middle
Attention all school ‘middle leaders’! Hosted by 2023 Academy Principal in Residence Greg Lacey, this episode features EC by Go1 CEO Dave Faulkner and learning designer and facilitator Glenn Solomons. In this episode Greg, Dave and Glenn cover all things middle leadership and the impact they can have as “the engine room of change in schools”.
Meet the EC team
EC (by Go1) is a Melbourne based and globally connected provider of online professional learning. This organisation partners with the Academy to support Victorian educators (especially middle leaders) in their professional development and further education. Dave Faulkner has worked in K-12 education for more than two decades as a teacher, principal, system leader and thought leader. Dave is the co-founder and CEO of professional learning provider EC (by Go1). His questions about why early career teachers were leaving the profession, led him to begin work in professional learning that better prepared them for leadership and gave them greater personal fulfillment in their roles as educators. Glenn Solomons is a key EC facilitator and learning designer, who contributes to, many of EC’s professional learning programs. Glenn brings a decade of classroom and school leadership experience to the EC team and has experience in the Catholic education system.
Learn with the Academy
With online programs and sites all over Victoria, professional learning has never been so accessible. Explore our professional learning to find the training and support you need at your career stage to lead change and improve student outcomes. You can use the filter function on our website to find your closest Academy site. academy.vic.gov.au/professional-learning
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Dr Judy Willis on the neuroscience of learning and implications for teaching
Teaching Excellence Program Master Teachers Lorena Pellone-Gismondi and Francés Braithwaite are joined by neurologist, former teacher and change maker Dr Judy Willis to discuss the connections between neuroscience, teaching and learning. This is a great episode for teachers of all year levels looking for practical strategies they can apply within their classrooms to motivate and engage students.
Who is Dr Judy Willis?
Dr Judy Willis is an expert in education neuroscience, with 15 years’ experience as a board-certified neurologist and an additional 10 years as a classroom teacher. Dr Willis has written 7 books and over 200 articles on applying neuroscience learnings and research to successful teaching approaches.
Dr Willis is on the adjunct faculty of Williams College and delivers international presentations, workshops, and consulting while continuing to write books. She has been selected by Edutopia as one of their “Big Thinkers on Education” and joined the Academy as part of the 2023 Teaching Excellence Program.
Learn with the Academy
With online programs and sites all over Victoria, professional learning has never been so accessible. Explore our professional learning to find the training and support you need at your career stage to lead change and improve student outcomes. You can use the filter function on our website to find your closest Academy site. academy.vic.gov.au/professional-learning
This podcast series explores, challenges and considers insights into education, school leadership and classroom learning. Views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not represent the Academy.
Student Engagement with Yong Zhao
This episode was originally recorded as a live webinar. While the audio quality may not be what you're used to on our channel we know the ideas raised will help challenge and advance educator understanding.
Join Principal in Residence Kendra Parker and international thought leader Professor Yong Zhao to better understand and support student engagement. Suitable for all Victorian educators, this episode allows you to critically think about what education means in a globalised world and the role of teachers and school leaders in supporting student engagement. Watch the original recording and see the slide deck here: https://go.vic.gov.au/3PA4cqe
Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia.
Yong Zhao has received numerous awards including the Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association, Outstanding Public Educator from Horace Mann League of USA, and Distinguished Achievement Award in Professional Development from the Association of Education Publishers. He has been recognised as one of the most influential education scholars.
Dr Gary Stager on unlocking children’s mathematics potential
With a focus on mathematics, Academy Master Teacher Emma Moore is joined in this podcast by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager. In this episode they discuss how educators can use technology to create better mathematical thinking and learning experiences for students. This episode also touches on how computers and technology can create valuable learning adventures for students and teachers alike.
This podcast is 1 of 3 episodes featuring Dr Gary Stager. In these, thought-provoking episodes, Gary aims to challenge educators to rethink the traditional ways of teaching mathematics and consider alternative methods for engaging students.
Who is Dr Gary Stager?
Dr Gary Stager is an international thought leader who has spent decades helping school leaders embrace computer technology to amplify the learning potential of students. In 1990, Dr. Stager led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools and played a major role in the early days of online education. He has also earned a Ph.D. in science and mathematics education.
What is a computational environment?
A computational environment is the technology infrastructure and software platforms used to develop, test, deploy, and run software. In short, a computational environment is the software and physical technology used to enhance a learning experience. For example, a computational environment includes the computer or iPad a student may use in a lesson, the app/program they use and the technology behind both the physical device and software that powers it.
Dr Gary Stager and the new, now, wow in technology
With a focus on mathematics, Academy Master Teacher Colin Chapman is joined by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager. This episode delves into the ever-evolving technology and computational environments used to support both student and educator learning. With a focus on practical and engaging project-based numeracy development, this a must-listen episode for classroom teachers with the desire to improve student outcomes in mathematics.
This podcast is 1 of 3 episodes featuring Dr Gary Stager. In these thought-provoking episodes, Gary aims to challenge educators to rethink the traditional ways of teaching mathematics and consider alternative methods for engaging students.
Software and applications for consideration in the classroom
Scratch, Snap!, MakeCode, Turtle Art, Lynx, Beetleblocks, Turtle Stitch, microBlocks, and Wolfram Language.
Who is Dr Gary Stager?
Dr Gary Stager is an international thought leader who has spent decades helping school leaders embrace computer technology to amplify the learning potential of students. In 1990, Dr. Stager led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools and played a major role in the early days of online education. He has also earned a Ph.D. in science and mathematics education.
What is a computational environment?
A computational environment is the technology infrastructure and software platforms used to develop, test, deploy, and run software. In short, a computational environment is the software and physical technology used to enhance a learning experience. For example, a computational environment includes the computer or iPad a student may use in a lesson, the app/program they use and the technology behind both the physical device and software that powers it.
Dr Gary Stager on artificial intelligence – origins, misconceptions and applications
With a focus on mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI), Academy Master Teacher Anam Javed is joined by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager.
This episode discusses the mathematical limitations and possibilities of AI in the classroom and the presence of programs such as ChatGPT. Also up for discussion is ‘symbolic programming’, data analysis and how teachers can use technology to reengage students and bring back their wonder, amazement and curiosity for mathematics.
This podcast is 1 of 3 episodes featuring Dr Gary Stager. In these thought-provoking episodes, Gary aims to challenge educators to rethink the traditional ways of teaching mathematics and consider alternative methods for engaging students.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI for short) is the science of making machines that can think like humans. AI technology can process large amounts of data, respond to complex questions, provide answers, calculate mathematics, edit text and much more.
Who is Dr Gary Stager?
Dr Gary Stager is an international thought leader who has spent decades helping school leaders embrace computer technology to amplify the learning potential of students. In 1990, Dr. Stager led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools and played a major role in the early days of online education. He has also earned a Ph.D. in science and mathematics education.
What is a computational environment?
A computational environment is the technology infrastructure and software platforms used to develop, test, deploy, and run software. In short, a computational environment is the software and physical technology used to enhance a learning experience. For example, a computational environment includes the computer or iPad a student may use in a lesson, the app/program they use and the technology behind both the physical device and software that powers it.
Advancing the quality and status of teaching with Professor Eric Mazur and Wyndham Tech School
Originally recorded as a video/vodcast, in this episode, Professor Eric Mazur (Harvard University), Dr Claire Brown (Director Teaching Excellence Division - Academy), and Gail Bray (former Director of Wyndham Tech School), discuss what it means to advance the quality and status of teaching.
Eric discusses the ‘moral obligation’ that educators have to develop well-rounded individuals who embrace creativity, diversity, and collaboration. Gail touches on the transformative learning environment Wyndham Tech School provides students and teachers and Claire weighs in on empowering educators to think differently about their work and impact.
View the original video recording and transcript: https://www.academy.vic.gov.au/news/advancing-quality-status-profession
Practitioner inquiry with Christopher Hudson and RMIT's Amanda Berry
2023 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Master Teacher, Christopher Hudson, is joined by educational thought leader, Professor Amanda Berry, from RMIT University.
In this episode Chris and Amanda delve into the power of teachers engaging in practitioner inquiry, both individually and collectively. They unpack self-study and consider the dispositions and traits that teachers need to successfully critique and improve their practice.
What is practitioner inquiry?
Practitioner inquiry is the 'in-classroom' intentional study of teaching practice and student learning.
Who can 'do' practitioner inquiry?
While the Academy's year long Teaching Excellence Program (https://go.vic.gov.au/3IQInQq) involves a practitioner inquiry cycle - all educators can benefit from self-reflection practitioner inquiry by remaining curious about what classroom patterns and approaches generate the best student engagement and outcomes.
Amanda’s paper on tensions:
Berry, A. (2007). Re-conceptualizing teacher educator knowledge as tensions: Exploring the tension between valuing and reconstructing experience. Studying Teacher Education, 3(2), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/17425960701656510
12 - Neil Barker defines leadership as a lifelong learning journey
What are the fundamental skills for successful leadership in education?
Neil Barker discusses the value of leaders continuing their own learning journeys, the meaning of true collaboration, and the importance of a clear leadership vision.
11 - Joanne Quinn unpacks whole-system change
How can we change our education systems to give young people the skills they need to become global citizens? Joanne Quinn talks about the key drivers for transforming learning to prepare students for the future.
10 - Baroness Susan Greenfield explores the neuroscience of teaching, learning and digital technology
How do school leaders get the most out of technology for their teachers and students? Baroness Susan Greenfield knows the brain evolves with every experience. And while technology can be a positive learning tool, its impact on the brain and a young person’s sense of identity still needs further exploration.
09 - Dr Barbara Blackburn uses rigour to motivate and engage
Rigour involves raising expectations and teaching and learning to the highest level. Dr Barbara Blackburn explores the building blocks of motivation and how teachers can implement them in their classroom to create a rigorous learning environment.
08 - Richard Gerver links leadership, passion and purpose in education
How can school leaders empower parents, students and staff to create sustained positive change? Richard Gerver talks about creating the conditions for excellence and enthusiasm within school communities.
07 – Debbie Pushor champions family stories in schools
Parent engagement is one of the strongest predictors of a child's success in school. But what does it look like in an already busy curriculum?
Debbie Pushor explores the high impact teaching strategies of family-centric schools.
06 – Simon Breakspear says agile schools are self-improving schools
Change is complex, because people are complex. How can educational leaders adapt and respond through the change journey to achieve their intended impact? Simon Breakspear says it’s all about being agile.
05 - Viviane Robinson calls for quality conversations
What does effective system leadership look like for schools in an increasingly collaborative world? And how do leaders build good relationships to tackle the ‘tough stuff’ together?
Viviane Robinson talks about being Open to Learning™ to build trust and meaningful improvement in schools.
04 - Steve Munby celebrates imperfect leadership
It’s not paint-by-numbers, and there’s no rule book – so how do we lead ourselves and others to make the biggest difference in our schools?
Steve Munby talks about power and love and the strength of imperfect leadership.
03 - Kathryn Parker Boudett sees beauty in using data wisely
How do we harness the power of data to increase equity in education? Kathy Parker Boudett talks about Data Wise, and helping people to work together to seek the truth through evidence.
02 - Valerie Hannon says we need to question what learning is for
We live in a time of unprecedented change, and thought leader and innovator Valerie Hannon believes our education systems are lagging behind. What future are we preparing our young people for, and how do we lead the transformation necessary for them to thrive?
01 - Tony Mackay knows the power of networks and partnerships
Global educational influencer Tony Mackay talks about the importance of collaboration in driving the ‘good work’ of change. How do we connect with others to do that work collectively?