Episode #4 When Will They Learn?

In this episode, Greg and Caiti unpack key ideas from the recent researchED Ballarat conference, reflecting on some of the takeaways from sessions they attended, including those of the two keynote speakers, David Didau and Bronwyn Ryrie-Jones. They discuss Didau's ‘Two rules for great session (and how to apply them)’, unpacking what these offer in managing the complexities of real classrooms. They then turn to Bron Ryrie-Jones’ keynote, ‘Opportunities to respond (OTR): Pure gold for engagement’, highlighting why these are central to responsive teaching. The conversation then shifts to Dr Ben Jensen’s work with Learning First, focusing on the role of curriculum in driving school improvement. Finally, Greg and Caiti respond to a recent communiqué from AARE, drawing connections to Dr Jenny Donovan’s session and examining broader tensions around evidence, research, and what evidence-informed practice really means.Have something you want us to discuss in a future episode? Or want to find us?Get in touchGreg 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 and is doing her EdD in applications of cognitive load theory to secondary mathematics.Substack – The Disruptive EducatorLinkedIn – Caiti WadeX/Twitter – @caiti_wadeEpisode resources* An important and solemn communiqué from me - by Greg Ashman, Filling the Pail* OTRs: Pure gold for engagement - Bronwyn Ryrie Jones* Five arguments against explicit teaching - Filling The Pail* Putting strong evidence to good use - EduResearch Matters (AARE)* Escape Oppression Now: Disrupt the Dominance of Evidence-Based Practice - EduResearch MattersAcknowledgement of countryWe would like to acknowledge The Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we record this podcast, the lands of the Wadawurrung People, and those of the Jagera and Turrbal Peoples, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whenwilltheylearn.substack.com