What does it really mean to teach students to think for themselves?

In our latest podcast episode, we speak with Dr Merinda Bermingham, whose PhD research in critical thinking — particularly teacher understanding of critical thinking — sits at the heart of her work as an educator. Merinda is driven by a powerful purpose: helping students live empowered, respectful, and innovative lives shaped by moral and intellectual integrity.

She describes the most rewarding moments of teaching as those when students realise they are capable of reading for meaning, thinking independently, and navigating a world filled with competing ideas and agendas. At the centre of her work is a belief that true education is essential not just for individual success, but for the health of a democracy.

This is a thoughtful and deeply important conversation about critical thinking, education, and the kind of citizens our classrooms help shape. Hope you enjoy it!

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