Episode #18 Department for Despair

In this episode, Greg and Caiti begin with ACPUE, who are back to reassure everyone that their work is absolutely not a targeted attack on AERO, despite it appearing as though it is exactly that. We look at the newest defence of their work and how that stands up against their own claims and the broader suite of future projects listed on their website. From there, we head to the UK (figuratively) and Lucy Powell’s address on the future of schooling, including proposals for new vocational pathways, all coming through the wonderfully optimistic-sounding Department for Hope. Unfortunately, the proposals and history of education reforms in the UK might suggest that there are lesser grounds for hope than one might hope with these new pathways.Then it’s back to Australia for a discussion of ten strawmen of the Science of Learning. We work through some of Penny Van Bergen’s terrific arguments against the made-up versions of the Science of Learning that are often seen posted all over media.And finally, just when we thought we were done, a university posts something that stops us in our tracks. Listen to find out more about the big shocker.Want to get in touch? Reach out on our socialsGet in touch on any of our socials below! We get a lot of listener requests, but will try to cover as many of your suggestions as possible.Greg AshmanGreg is a school leader at Ballarat Clarendon College and holds a PhD in instructional design from UNSW.Substack – Filling the PailLinkedIn – Greg AshmanX/Twitter – @greg_ashmanIf you’re interested in working with Greg at Ballarat Clarendon College, please see here for open roles and expressions of interest.Caiti WadeCaiti is a leader of pedagogy at a boys’ secondary school in Brisbane, education consultant and is doing her doctorate in cognitive science.Substack – The Disruptive EducatorLinkedIn – Caiti WadeX/Twitter – @caiti_wadeEpisode resources* Academics behind new AERO critique say it’s no targeted take down — EducationHQ* Episode #16 A Load of ACPUE | When Will They Learn? Podcast | Caiti Wade and Greg Ashman* Attacking AERO the pedantic way | Greg Ashman, Filling the Pail* Who is behind the Australian Centre for the Public Understanding of Education? | Greg Ashman, Filling the Pail* what’s the deal with acpue? | Caiti Wade, The Disruptive Educator* Projects · Australian Centre for the Public Understanding of Education | ACPUE* Deputy leader Lucy Powell addresses party conference - her speech in full - LabourList* Bringing back stupid - by Greg Ashman - Filling The Pail* The Ten Strawmen of the Science of Learning - EduResearch Matters | Penny Van Bergen* Find out what kind of learner you are | Open Universities* Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence - PubMed | Pashler et al. Acknowledgement of countryWe would like to acknowledge The Tra