Teacher Insights from Catalyst

Harnessing the Science of Learning with Dr Nathaniel Swain

In this episode, Dr Nathaniel Swain talks about:
Today's educational landscape
His classroom experiences and how teachers can leverage the Science of Learning fundamentals for success
How educators can strike the right balance between direct instruction and inquiry-based learning in a way that aligns with cognitive science
What makes feedback effective for learning, and some of the common mistakes teachers make when giving feedback
His new book Harnessing the Science of Learning
His charity Think forward Educators
This is a fascinating listen for both those well-versed in the Science of Learning and those eager to learn more

Reflections on Catalyst with Ross Fox

In this episode I chat with Ross Fox, director of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, about his reflections on Catalyst from the last 4 years. After 8 years with CECG, he is stepping away from the role of Director to explore other opportunities. In our episode today we hear about Ross’ reflections about Catalyst, including its effectiveness, implementation and vision. We hear about:
His greatest achievement in the Catalyst space
Where he would like to see Catalyst in 5 years time
What he hopes for the future of HITP
What's next for him on the horizon
The use of time to be as effective and efficient as possible in schools

Implementing, Scaling & Embedding Catalyst with Erin White and Lisa Buckland

In this episode we learn about how the leadership team at St Mary Mackillop Catholic College in Canberra successfully implemented the components of Catalyst and scaled up for a two-campus school with over 2000 students. Erin White and Lisa Buckland share with us their insights about how they started their Catalyst journey and the importance of this work in the Secondary context, discussing what worked well and some of the challenges they faced along the way. We learn about where they prioritised, invested their time, supports and resources and how they keep momentum with over 200 staff. Everything shared has relevance for all school contexts, making this an interesting episode for all.  

English and Mathematics Primary Curriculum with Gillian Forrester and Jaime Kemp

In this episode Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) Teaching and Learning Officers, Jamie Kemp and Gillian Forrester, talk about CECG’s Primary Mathematics and English curriculum and how to effective implemented the lessons and use the accompanying resources. They answer some frequently asked questions about the CECG Mathematics and English materials and outline the importance of a low variance, knowledge rich curriculum.

Creating a Knowledge Rich Curriculum with Reid Smith

In this episode Reid speaks about curriculum, diving into Ochre Education and their partnership with CECG in developing high quality curriculum resources, prioritising Explicit Instruction and High Impact Teaching Practice.  Reid speaks about the importance of a knowledge rich, low variance curriculum and what we should be aspiring to. He also speaks about why Ochre and CECG have designed their lessons using slide decks and how to best teach with them.  
Resources mentioned 
Hirsch, E. D. (2016). Why knowledge matters: Rescuing our children from failed educational theories. Harvard Education Press. 
Ashbee, R. (2021). Curriculum: Theory, culture and the subject specialisms. Sage Publications. 
Australian Education Research Organisation. (2024). A knowledge-rich approach to curriculum design. https://www.edresearch.edu.au/research/research-reports/knowledge-rich-approach-curriculum-design 

High Impact Teaching Practice with Ingrid Sealey

This episode features Ingrid Sealy, Director and founder of TeachWell. Ingrid brings to light many aspects of High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP). Her wealth of knowledge and experience is extensive in this area. Ingrid is a HITP instructional coach working with some of our schools through the Catalyst program. We discuss the following:
How TeachWell is supporting CECG
How teachers can use videoing to improve instructional practice, and why it is so effective
The most effective instructional strategies for teaching
The type of reviews and how their importance
The number one thing that leaders can do to improve instructional practice in schools
How HITP practices allow students to take ownership (agency) in their learning
Ingrid references the following people, websites, organisations and readings:
Rebecca Birch, English teacher and Leader
Rebecca Birch
The Learning Scientists
The Learning Scientists
Podcast Episodes — The Learning Scientists
Pooja K. Agarwal, Ph.D.
Unleash the Science of Learning – Retrieval Practice
Welcome to AERO | Australian Education Research Organisation (edresearch.edu.au)

Implementing Direct Instruction with Sally Power and Susan Tighe

In this episode Sally Power (instructional leader and 5/6 teacher) and Susan Tighe (principal) discuss about Direct Instruction (DI) at St Joseph’s Primary School, Bombala with reference to InitialLit, Connecting Maths Concepts (CMC) and Spelling Mastery. We discuss:
Implementation of Direct Instruction programs
Advantages of a low variance curriculum and Direct Instruction
Misconceptions of Direction Instruction

Direct Instruction featuring Jessica Colleu Terradas

In this episode Jessica explains the difference between ‘big’ DI and ‘little’ di. She delves into the research behind Direct Instruction, dispelling the myths about DI. Jessica lists its key instructional features and talks about what makes a Direct Instruction program effective. We hear about her Churchill Fellowship research and about the time when she met with Engelmann’s sons. Jessica refers to many podcasts, books and research in this episode, which are listed below.
Resources and References mentioned during the episode:
https://educationrickshaw.com/2024/02/04/s3e7-kurt-engelmann-and-bryan-wickman-on-direct-instruction-di/?s=09
Clear teaching. With Direct Instruction, Siegfried Engelmann discovered a better way of teaching. Written by the American journalist Shepard Barbash in 2012, here
The podcast ‘Progressively Incorrect’ Season 2 Episode 21 with Marcy Stein
The podcast ‘Teachers change lives’ led by fellow Sharyn Angel (also CogLearn coach for CECG) who interviewed Engelmann’s twin sons during Jessica’s visit to the DI conference last July:
Season 3 Episode 5 with Kurt Engelmann
Season 3 Episode 7 with Owen Engelmann and Evan Haney
The official website of the National Institute For Direct Instruction
One of Engelmann’s best-selling book: teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons (resource for parents) here This is a complete, step-by-step program that shows parents simply and clearly how to teach their children to read in 20 minutes a day.
The theory of instruction: Principles and Applications by Engelmann and Carnine here. 400 pages to read if you wish to become an expert in designing DI programs/sequences.
War against the schools’ academic child abuse where Zig declares war upon educational practices and systems that fail our students. here

The Syntax Project featuring Penny Lucas

In this episode we welcome Penny Lucas, Instructional leader of Literacy and Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 teacher at Trinity Catholic Primary school in Murrumburrah, NSW. Penny is a contributor to the Syntax Project, of which she explains in the conversation and how this links in with Catalyst. Click here to link to the resources mentioned in.

Leading Catalyst with Patrick Ellis

In this episode, Patrick Ellis, Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn’s Education Lead, Patrick Ellis, shares with us:
The inspiring initiatives that he has seen across the archdiocese during 2023.
Some of the exciting progress that the system has made after 3 years of Catalyst implementation.
Some advice for Leadership teams in regard to Catalyst
What's next for CECG and Catalyst future state