Let’s Talk Teaching

What is it really like teaching in a rural or remote school? In this episode, we discuss the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of working so far away from inner suburbia.

Schools in rural and remote locations are often at the heart of their local area and provide essential support not just for students, but for their families and the wider community as well. But what this means for educators is connection beyond the classroom - where you see students at the local supermarket, and chat to their mum at the hairdressers!

Our guests, Libby Tudball, Blake Cutler, and Adam Zito offer valuable insights into their personal experiences either working in, or providing support for those who have chosen to leave the city and pursue a career in a rural or remote school setting.

Together, we explore:

• Navigating the experience of moving from a metro to rural area
• Benefits of a ‘nested community’ for preservice teachers in rural placements
• Connections with the local community beyond the classroom
• Exploration of the benefits and opportunities of teaching in rural communities
• Teacher shortages in rural areas
• The importance of induction and mentoring in schools
• Learner-centered education and student agency in behaviour management
• Challenges for teachers in managing diversity in rural school culture
• Building support networks and relationships in rural school communities compared with metro areas

Rural schools need great teachers now more than ever, so if you’re considering teaching in a rural or remote school - this episode of Let’s Talk Teaching may help you make up your mind!

Special Guests:

Professor Elizabeth (Libby) Tudball School of Curriculum Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University

• LinkedIn - Libby Tudball

Blake Cutler Blake Cutler, PhD Candidate, School of Education, Culture and Society, Faculty of Education, Monash University.

• Twitter - @blakeacutler

Adam Zito, Year 9 Pedagogy Leader, Generalist learning mentor & teacher - St Anne's College, Kialla, Victoria 

Connect with Adam at [email protected]

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit Monash Education's learn more page.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/beyond-the-big-smoke-the-pros-and-cons-of-teaching-in-a-rural-community/transcript

Join us as we jump into the world of digital technologies in the classroom, exploring their impact on education and engagement, and whether they allow students to explore and learn in entirely new ways.

From game-based learning to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching practices, it is hard to choose the right tools for our students and classrooms from the many exciting options available.

To help us navigate the benefits and challenges of ‘digital classrooms’ are tech-savvy educators - Jo Blannin, Catherine Newington and Kaylia Tierney - who discuss some innovative and inspiring ways they are using new technology in their curriculum.

Together, we explore:

• Utilising game-based technology including Minecraft, Blocket and Kahoot in achieving learning outcomes
• The benefits of leveraging technology in the classroom
• Exploring technology-enhanced pedagogy
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) - and the impact it may have on education
• The role of literacy and technology in education
• The benefits and value of technology in the classroom post-COVID
• Reflection of technology and its place in classrooms and education

Whether you're already tech-savvy or just starting to incorporate technology into your classroom, this informative and engaging episode of Let’s Talk Teaching is well worth the listen.

Resource recommendations by guests:

Tech Tools Resource Guide: A comprehensive and organised database of the most frequently used technology tools in schools, that is managed by Jo and created by academics around the country as part of the Australian Technology Educators Network (ATTEN). The database is searchable by curriculum area, digital concept and resource type, with direct links to each resource. Link here

‘7 things you should know’ by Educause has articles about tech that are user-friendly and easy-to-read. Catherine’s favourite articles include 7 Things you should know about Teaching and Learning with Video and 7 Things You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning.

Unity - gaming development platform that Catherine preferences for use in classrooms.

Kaylia’s favourite apps

• Blooket - Alternative to Kahoot
• Make Code - Easy introduction to coding for teachers and students
• Canva - Easy-to-use visual presentation software
• Twinkl - Interactive lesson plans, worksheets, Powerpoints and assessment tools (Subscription required)

Special Guests:

• Dr Jo Blannin: Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Master of Teaching, Faculty of Education, Monash University. Twitter profile
• Catherine Newington: ICT Educator's Specialist, Australian Computer Society, and Teaching Associate, Faculty of Education at Monash University
• Kaylia Tierney: Secondary School Teacher and Head of Student Engagement and Enhancement, Healesville High School, Healesville, Victoria, and Teaching Associate, Faculty of Education, Monash University

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit Monash Education's learn more page.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/navigating-digital-technologies-in-education/transcript

In this episode, we're diving into the world of coaching and mentoring and discussing how these practices can significantly impact the development of teachers at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a pre-service teacher just starting out, an early career teacher trying to find your footing, or an experienced educator looking to take on a leadership role, coaching and mentoring can help you grow and improve your teaching practice.

Our guests, George Tissera and Sanja Ivetic and Mary-Claire Relihan share their personal experiences with coaching and mentoring and discuss the vulnerability required to accept and work with feedback.

Together, we explore:

• The importance of school culture in supporting effective coaching and mentoring practices
• The approach to holistic mentoring and coaching within schools towards a more dynamic partnership and continuous learning.
• The benefits of coaching to professional development and student outcomes
• Cultivating personal and group reflection and improvement in teaching practice
• Vulnerability, gratitude, and celebration in mentoring and coaching
• Teaching and mentorship for professional development and personal evolution

This conversation is packed with informative strategies and valuable insights. Tune in today to Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

Special Guests:

• George Tissera - Secondary School Teacher - Bentleigh Secondary College, Bentleigh East, Victoria
• Sanja Ivetic - Primary School Teacher - Rivergum Primary School, Hampton Park, Victoria
• Mary-Claire Relihan - Former teacher, PhD candidate and mentoring and coaching consultant at Monash University

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit Monash Education's learn more page.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/transforming-your-teaching-journey-through-coaching-and-mentoring/transcript

Welcome to the first season of Let's Talk Teaching!

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for creating positive and supportive classroom environments that foster connections, while improving learning outcomes for students.

Our guests and experienced educators, Dr. Maria Gindidis, Schy Prewett, and Callum Mackay share their insights, personal experiences, and successful strategies in managing student behaviour, and establishing respectful and engaging learning environments.

Together, we explore: 

• Self-regulation and mindfulness in education.
• Sustainable practices for managing student behaviour in the classroom including restorative practices, establishing routines and structure and visible learning strategies.
• The importance of having flexibility in your teaching approach.
• Individual strategies and classroom activities to connect with and build relationships with students.
• The power of asking questions in education, including class discussions.
• Strategies for effective teaching.

Don’t miss this conversation packed with personal tips and techniques from our experienced educators on how they manage student behaviours and create supportive classroom environments. Join us today and Let’s Talk Teaching.

Special Guests:

Dr Maria Gindidis - Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, Bachelor of Education (Honours) Faculty of Education, Monash University. 

Schy Prewett - Assistant Principal - Bentleigh Secondary College, Bentleigh East, Victoria. Check out her LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and the school website.

Callum Mackay - Leading Teacher - Brentwood Secondary College, Glen Waverley, Victoria. 

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit the Monash Education website.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/building-better-behaviour-through-effective-classroom-management/transcript

Let's Talk Teaching is a podcast created by teachers for teachers, hosted by Associate Professor Rebecca Cooper. Director of Initial Teacher Education at Monash University’s Faculty of Education. Join Dr. Cooper and her guests as they discuss a range of practical topics, including:

• Coaching and mentoring
• Supporting Student Behaviour (Classroom & Behaviour Management)
• Digital Technologies in the Classroom
• Teaching in Rural/Remote Schools
• Working with parents, carers and communities
• Teacher Identity

Gain valuable insights from experts in Australian classrooms and take their perspectives and strategies back to your own classroom.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and tell us what you think of the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: monash.edu/education/learnmore