In this episode St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School’s (West Wyalong) assistant principal, Nickey Harland, and classroom teachers, Bree Taylor and Carlie Iverach chat about High Impact Teaching Practices (HITP). Nickey will unpack for us: Insights from HITP implementation and how to keep momentum. How to embed HITP in daily school life, both inside and outside the classroom. Coaching and Supporting Others The implementation of three Direct Instruction programs - Connecting Maths Concepts, Spelling Mastery and Reading Mastery, including how this change was communicated with parents Bree and Carlie individually discuss how they implement HITP throughout their day and what this looks like, providing plenty of actionable examples that can be applied to your classroom. You’ll also hear how this sounds in their classroom, with snippets from their lessons.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Carl Hendrick—educator, researcher, and co-author of How Learning Happens, How Teaching Happens, and Instructional Illusions. Carl shares his insights on the evolving educational landscape in Australia, the science of learning, and the myths that often mislead teachers and schools. We explore key ideas from his books, including the “Engagement Illusion,” the importance of prior knowledge, and what is ‘learning’. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or education enthusiast, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer practical strategies for improving learning outcomes. What You’ll Learn Carl’s thoughts of the Catalyst program and educational innovation in Australia How to support autonomy in learners The role of prior knowledge in effective teaching Why popular practices like “discovery learning” may harm learning outcomes How strong teacher-student relationships impact learning The difference between engagement and deep understanding Where technology and AI fit into modern classrooms How to foster creativity while maintaining cognitive rigor Featured Books How Learning Happens – Carl Hendrick & Paul Kirschner How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What How Teaching Happens – Carl Hendrick, Paul Kirschner & Jim Heal How Teaching Happens: Seminal Works in Teaching and Teacher Effectiven Instructional Illusions – by Paul Kirschner (Author), Carl Hendrick (Author), Jim Heal (Author) Instructional Illusions | Hachette Learning Links & Resources Carl Hendrick’s Substack:The Learning Dispatch | Carl Hendrick | Substack Learn more about the Catalyst program: Catalyst - Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn

Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with staff from St Patrick’s Primary School Bega, a school that has embraced the Catalyst initiative to transform teaching and learning. From instructional programs to leadership strategies, we explore how this school has aligned its practices to create a knowledge-rich, student-centered environment. School-Wide Impact Catalyst Learnings How Catalyst has influenced school-wide practices. Implementation of instructional programs: Reading Mastery, Spelling Mastery, InitialLit, and CMC supplemented with units developed in partnership with Ochre. Emphasis on a knowledge-rich curriculum: Teaching deeper, not broader, while meeting outcomes. Curriculum beyond DI Programs School Routines & Behaviour Creating Consistency Aligning expectations around routines and behaviour. Tools and strategies: Behaveability (Ian Luscombe), scripted routines Teaching Practice Teachers share their experiences and reflections on Catalyst’s impact.

In this episode, CECG teachers Zoe Cawdron and Lauren Maher unpack the impact of Catalyst on their teaching practice, discussing: Implementing effective classroom routines, attention signals, and engagement norms Leading from the classroom through their Sharing Best Practice vocabulary presentation Using assessment data to tailor instruction, support struggling readers, and extend learning opportunities This episode offers practical strategies for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes through evidence-informed approaches.

In this episode, Dr Greg Ashman talks about: Clarendon College’s consistent record of high academic achievement The role of homework and study methods in supporting student success Insights into Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction How Cognitive Load Theory can inform classroom practice 'Differentiation or Differentiated Instruction’ His PhD research in Instructional Design Inquiry Learning Greg is Deputy Principal at Ballarat Clarendon College in Victoria, and the author of three books, including The Power of Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction. He also writes a popular Substack newsletter, Filling the Pail. This conversation offers practical insights for educators keen to apply evidence-informed strategies and deepen their understanding of how students learn best.

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

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

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.  

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.

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 

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)

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

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

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.

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

In this episode Stefanie Cook, the K-6 coordinator and Learning Support Leader at St Patrick’s Primary School in Cooma NSW speaks about:  intervention structures for students that require additional support  insights for monitoring progress with DIBELS data  how she collaborates with her Classroom Support Assistants (or CSAs) to effectively implement programs such as Mini Lit and Macq lit.    Stef also shares with us some of her insights from her school immersion trip to Perth. We also hear from Lisa and Alicia, Classroom Support Assistants and their role in supporting students in learning to read.   This is a great episode for anyone who wants to learn more about intervention structures and supports students in learning to read. 

In this episode Natalie Fairfax, Head the International Baccalaureate program at Merici College in Braddon, Canberra, shares the student engagement she has seen as a result of High Impact Teaching Practice. Throughout this episode, you'll hear students reflecting on  How the change in pedagogy to HITP has positively impacted their learning and engagement, including the use of whiteboards, picking non-volunteers with paddle pop sticks and decks of playing cards Their observations of their peers in lessons  The use of Learning Intentions  How HITP has improved their preparation for exams  Natalie also explains how she developed a common vocabulary glossary to support teachers and students in connecting with the curriculum. 

This episode features Maggie Lloyd from St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt ACT. Maggie talks about her inspiration to learn more about the Science of Learning, the Science of Reading and High Impact Teaching Practices. Listed below are some of the literature that Maggie mentions in this episode. This is a great listen for those who’d like to refresh their knowledge of Catalyst or for those who are learning more about the aspects of Catalyst.  Books  Why Knowledges Matters – E.D. Hirsch Jr  Explicit Direct Instruction – Hollingsworth, J. R. and Ybarra, S. E.  Cognitive Load Theory in Action – Lovell, O., Sweller, J., Caviglioli, O.  How we understand concepts better – Sweller, J.  The Knowledge Gap – Wexler, N.  Rosenshines Principles in Action – Sherrington, T.  Make it Stick - Roediger III, H. L., McDaniel, M. A. and Brown, P. C.  Podcasts  ERRR Episode 5 – Pamela Snow 

In this episode Toby talks about Catalyst’s journey at Lumen Christi Catholic College. As Acting Facilitator of Pedagogy, he has a key role in the facilitation of High Impact Teaching Practices. Hear about what Toby and his team have learned from TeachWell and how he implements this practice himself in the classroom. Toby talks about:  Participation tactics and student engagement  Daily Reviews    Learning Intentions  The language of HITP ie ‘reteach’, critical content’  The implementation of Catalyst and where to next 

In this episode of Teacher Insights from Catalyst, join us for a captivating conversation with Peter Collins, teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at St Thomas Aquinas, West Belconnen, Canberra. Peter shares his invaluable experiences and successes in implementing Catalyst and HITP in the classroom. Delve into the world of EDI lessons and Direct Instruction programs like Spelling Mastery, as Peter discusses their transformative impact on student learning outcomes. Discover how Peter enhances students' mathematical understanding through engaging EDI Maths lessons and how he nurtures language skills with specific Vocabulary lessons. In addition, Peter discusses insights into adopting a Knowledge Rich Curriculum and its connection to reading.  Mentioned article: The Coach in the Operating Room | The New Yorker