QUT Teacher Podclass QUT

We all remember our first childhood friendships. They shape our memories, but they also shaped the way we learn and develop. In this episode, Dr Maryanne Theobald is joined by educator Megan Laraghy to unpack the power of friendship. They discuss how friendships influence children’s development and share strategies educators can use to help foster positive connections.

If art imitates life, how can students use it to respond to what’s happening in the world around them? Dr Lyndal O’Gorman says that art can be a powerful tool for students to make sense of complex issues like climate change and sustainability. In this episode, Dr O’Gorman is joined by kindergarten director Dr Amanda McFadden to discuss how teachers can use art to help children and young people explore social and environmental issues.

What happens when students are encouraged to have a say on matters important to them at school? Dr Jenna Gillett-Swan says that empowering students to be partners in their own learning can have a positive influence on their engagement and wellbeing. She’s joined by teacher Mitchell Robertson who shares his own experience rolling out a successful school-wide wellbeing framework driven by student voices.

As leaders in learning, teachers have a powerful opportunity to share the history and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their students. Educator Alison Quin says that incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the classroom is a journey all schools and teachers can begin. In this episode, Alison explains the small steps teachers can take to start their journey, and the big impact this can have on enhancing students’ respect for Indigenous cultures.

Traditional classrooms are being transformed by technology. When it comes to digital learning, Dr Chris Blundell says the right strategies and tools can empower teachers to use technology in the classroom with confidence and success. Listen to Dr Blundell and Sue Suter from Brisbane Catholic Education share simple steps to help teachers, parents, and students explore the power of new learning and teaching tools.

Language is at the heart of learning, no matter the subject. In a connected and diverse world, Dr Jennifer Alford thinks teachers have an opportunity to teach content in ways that can help all students, including students with English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D). Dr Alford is joined by QATESOL President and experienced EAL/D teacher Gae Nastasi to share tips on how language can be used to teach different content areas and enhance all students’ learning.