In this episode of Talking Teaching, our host Sophie Specjal sits down with Dr Jennifer Buckingham Dr Jennifer Buckingham to explore the critical intersection of reading, reasoning, and artificial intelligence in contemporary education.

Drawing on decades of research and policy experience, Dr Buckingham explains why reading is far more than decoding words; it is foundational to comprehension, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The discussion traces the evolution of reading instruction in Australia, highlighting the importance of systematic phonics and evidence-based practice in improving literacy outcomes.The conversation also turns to the challenges faced in secondary schooling when reading difficulties persist, the impact of screen-based reading on comprehension, and what the rise of AI means for literacy, learning, and thinking. Throughout, Sophie and Jennifer discuss the enduring importance of fostering a love of reading, building strong teacher knowledge, and ensuring all students have the opportunity to become confident, capable readers, now and into the future.

More information and useful links are available via this ⁠⁠⁠⁠link⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Talking Teaching is available on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts.

We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to ⁠[email protected]⁠ or contact host ⁠⁠Dr Sophie Specjal⁠⁠ [email protected]. Sophie would love to hear from you.

This podcast is produced by the ⁠Faculty of Education⁠, University of Melbourne