Talking Teaching

To mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week, Talking Teaching celebrates this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, by spotlighting the work of Dr John Doolah, a proud Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous education lecturer at the University of Melbourne.

In conversation with host Dr Sophie Specjal, John reflects on his heritage, his research, and the enduring strength of Indigenous knowledge systems. He shares how Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing can be meaningfully embedded in classrooms through respectful collaboration and cultural understanding, not as an add-on, but as central to learning. This episode invites educators to reflect, learn, and take part in shaping a future that honours both the legacy of Elders and the vision of emerging Indigenous leaders.

Dr John Doolah is a proud Torres Strait Islander of Erubam le (Erub person) and Meriam le (Mer person) heritage. John belongs to the sager people of Mer and his Mer nosik (clan) division, is Samsep-Meriam. He is a lecturer in Indigenous Education at the University of Melbourne and a Ngarrngga post-doctoral fellow.

Click the episode link for more information and key resources.

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].

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

How does language shape how we feel, relate, and learn? In this episode, host Dr. Sophie Specjal is joined by Professor Lindsay Oades, Dr Jacqui Francis and Lisa Baker to explore the emerging concept of Wellbeing Literacy; the capability to intentionally use language to foster wellbeing, including educational settings.

Together, they unpack how language can be used not just to communicate, but to regulate emotions, build community, and support learning across all stages. From arts-based programs in the Goulburn Valley to play-based learning in early years, this conversation highlights the real-world potential of integrating Wellbeing Literacy into everyday educational practice.

Professor Lindsay Oades is the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Jacqui Francis is a Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science and Lisa Baker is a Project Officer at the REEaCh Centre.

Click the episode link for more information and key resources.

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].

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

What if learning isn’t just about what we know, but about who we become? Professor Guy Claxton joins Talking Teaching to unpack his fascinating journey through psychology and education, and discusses learning as a capacity, calling for a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching.

In this episode, Professor Claxton together with our host, Dr Sophie Specjal, unpacks his critique of oversimplified teaching models and the central ideas behind his new book, Bodies of Learning. Professor Claxton reflects on the importance of integrating explicit instruction with inquiry, and highlights the role of embodiment, including movement and gesture, in deepening student understanding.

Guy Claxton is an Emeritus Professor of the Learning Sciences at Winchester’s Centre for Real-World Learning and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol.

Click the episode link for more information and key resources.

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].

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

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into schools, what does it mean for the way we plan lessons, support students, and teach mathematics?

Dr Sophie Specjal explores the evolving role of AI in education with Dr Scott Cameron, Dr Carmel Mesiti, and Mr Luke Clift. They discuss the use of tools like ChatGPT in lesson planning, the impact on teacher workload, and how AI might support, or hinder, student engagement. Drawing on research and classroom practice, the guests unpack the variability of AI-generated content, the need for critical reflection, and the ethical considerations of AI in schools.

Dr Scott Cameron is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Education with an interest in using technology and AI to support teaching and learning.

Dr Carmel Mesiti is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and expert in mathematics pedagogies for both primary and secondary education.

Mr Luke Clift is a practicing teacher at Kardinia International College, trialling AI in lesson planning and its use and impact in the classroom.

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].

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

Renowned educator Professor Gert Biesta joins Talking Teaching to explore the deeper purpose of education beyond knowledge transfer.

In this episode, Professor Biesta reflects on his journey from post-war Rotterdam to his influential academic career and introduces his three key dimensions of learning: qualification, socialisation, and subjectification. Together, they discuss the role of teachers in fostering student agency, the importance of high expectations, and the idea of world-centred education in an age of complexity.

Gert Biesta is a Professor of Public Education in the ⁠Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy⁠, Maynooth University, and Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy at the ⁠Moray House School of Education and Sport⁠, University of Edinburgh.

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].

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

What does effective curriculum design look like in today’s classrooms? And how can planning approaches support both student engagement and teacher agency?

Dr Sophie Specjal speaks with Auburn South Primary School’s Rhian ap Rees and Darien Hunte, along with Professor John Quay from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. They explore a framework developed by Professor Quay that combines backward design with inquiry-based learning, and share practical examples of how creative, collaborative planning is making a difference in the classroom.

John Quay is a Professor at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education.

Rhian ap Rees is Assistant Principal at Auburn South Primary School.

Darien Hunte teaches Year 4 at Auburn South Primary School.

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].

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

Talking Teaching explores how Melbourne Metrics is transforming student assessment by going beyond academics. We speak with Professor Sandra Milligan from the University of Melbourne, leading Melbourne Metrics, and Principal Jonathan Walter of Carey Baptist Grammar School, an early adopter. They discuss the limitations of traditional metrics like ATAR and the development of alternative tools like the 'ATAR Plus' model. This approach balances academic rigor with personal growth, offering a more holistic view of student achievement. Hear how this new model is positively impacting students, parents, and schools, shaping the future of assessment.

Professor Sandra Milligan is the Executive Director of Melbourne Metrics and expert in Assessment Research

Jonathan Walter is the Principal of Carey Baptist Grammar School

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].

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

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Colla and Dr. Lara Mossman from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education about teaching for wellbeing. They discuss the difference between teaching wellbeing skills and creating a classroom environment that fosters motivation and wellbeing. They share their "Wellbeing Integrated Learning Design" framework, offering practical tips on incorporating choice, fostering connection, and using theories like flow and achievement goals.

Dr Lara Mossman is a Wellbeing science expert and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science

Dr Rachel Colla is a Teaching and Learning Innovation Lead and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Wellbeing Science

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].

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

Professor Nikki Rickard and Dr David Bakker explore the effects of digital technologies on student mental health. They discuss the risks and benefits of apps, gaming, and social media, emphasising the need for balance. With a focus on digital hygiene education and teacher training, they call for a collaborative approach, including young people, in shaping healthier digital environments for students.

Professor Nikki Rickard is a professor of Wellbeing Science in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, with a focus on digital mental health and emotional regulation.

Dr David Bakker is a clinical psychologist, researcher and the Founding Director of MoodMission.

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].

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

This episode explores the power of play in early childhood education. Learn how play supports brain development, enriches learning, and connects generations through new innovative projects. Learn practical strategies to enhance play in the educational setting without disrupting children's motivation, as well as how to navigate the challenges of new policy reforms and the rollout of universal funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.

Dr Sarah Young  is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood (REEaCh) Centre in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne.

Nicole Pilsworth is the Executive Manager, Early Learning at Gowrie Victoria and the Chair of the Victorian committee of Early Childhood Australia.

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].

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