Pedagogy to Practice

Episode 17 "I have a Free What Should I Do?" Reflection

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:13:44 GMT

On this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Sunny reflects on how to make the most of limited planning time in a busy teaching schedule. From managing the demands of VCE classes and the challenges of marking creative writing, to using the 80/20 rule and whole-class feedback to reduce overwhelm, this episode is all about how Sunny uses Beth's strategies to work smarter, not harder. Sunny also reflects on how she used other practical strategies like batching emails, using a base planner to structure your day, and applying the “Do, Decide, Delegate, Set Aside” framework to prioritise tasks, minimise time leaks, and maintain clarity. Plus, a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone- leaning on your team is key.

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Episode 16 "I Have a Free, What Should I Do?"

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 03:38:51 GMT

Beth and Sunny are back for the new year with a question every teacher has asked themselves at least once: “I have a free period… what should I do?”

In this episode, Beth explores research-supported strategies for making the most of your free sessions. She unpacks practical ways teachers can structure their planning time, avoid common time leaks, and even looks at research around the most effective time of day to tackle marking. She also touches on one of the simplest yet most powerful productivity tools for teachers: the Pomodoro Timer.

Sunny reflects on how the year has started in the classroom and shares how she typically spends her free periods, from planning and preparation to the small tasks that quietly pile up throughout the week. Together, Beth and Sunny discuss the importance of intentional time use and set some practical goals for using free sessions more effectively in the weeks ahead.

If you’ve ever finished a free period wondering where the time went, this episode is for you

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Episode 15 Principal Team

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:30:07 GMT

In this bonus episode of Pedagogy to Practice Sunny sits down with Assistant Principal Deb Kirk and Principal Steven Bourbon who share insights for graduate teachers. Steve highlights the importance of building relationships for learning and fostering curiosity and inquiry among students. He also reflects on his experiences in both primary and secondary education, noting the unique strengths and challenges of each setting. Deb shares her journey as an assistant principal, reflecting on the value of relationships in education, and the role of graduates in bringing innovation and energy to schools. Deb also highlights the strategic and supportive nature of her role, aiming to foster a collaborative and vibrant school community. The conversation underscores the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and the supportive role of school communities in nurturing new teachers.

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Episode 14 Opportunities to Respond Reflection

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 03:30:35 GMT

In this episode, Beth and Sunny dive into their pits and peaks from the past two weeks. Beth shares stories from her time back in Australia, while Sunny reflects on the final stretch of Term 3 and her focus on creating more Opportunities to Respond (OTRs) in the classroom. She unpacks practical strategies for boosting student participation and the powerful role of data in tracking progress. Despite the ups and downs of trialling new approaches, Sunny highlights why OTRs remain one of the most impactful practices discussed yet on Pedagogy to Practice. Tune in for thoughtful teaching insights, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the real work of passionate educators.

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Episode 13 Opportunities to Respond

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:17:27 GMT

In this special fact to face episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny delve into the concept of Opportunities to Respond (OTR), a crucial element of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0. They explore the significance of providing students with frequent opportunities to engage and respond during lessons, highlighting how this practice enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. Beth shares insightful data and practical strategies to ensure all students are given equal chances to participate, while Sunny reflects on how she plans to implement these strategies in her teaching over the next two weeks. Tune in to discover how OTR can transform your classroom dynamics and improve educational experiences for both teachers and students.

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Episode 12 Teaching Boys Reflection

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:23:46 GMT

In this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, join Sunny and Beth as they reflect on the past two weeks and Sunny's classroom experiences after implementing strategies from the previous episode on teaching boys. While this episode focuses on approaches that support boys’ learning, here at pedagogy to practice, we emphasise that these strategies are applied with respect for all gender identities, fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Tune in to hear about the challenges, successes, and insights gained from the past two weeks, as they discuss how these practices strengthen relationships, engagement, and overall classroom culture.

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Episode 11 Teaching Boys

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:22:42 GMT

In this conversation, Beth and Sunny discuss their pits and peaks of the last month, the beginning of term 3 and the dynamics of teaching boys in a classroom setting. They explore personal experiences, the wins and challenges of managing a classroom with a majority of boys, and the importance of understanding adolescent brain development. The discussion also touches on strategies for engaging boys in literature and the role of teachers as role models. The conversation concludes with reflections on the insights gained and future strategies for effective teaching. At Pedagogy to Practice, we deeply respect and affirm all gender identities, and we’re committed to inclusive conversations that recognise the diversity of learners in every classroom. While we might talk about trends or patterns across genders, we know that every student is unique.

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Episode 10 Educational Support Staff

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:36:49 GMT

In this conversation, Sunny sits down with Zuzi, Lynda and Robyn- three incredible education support staff members. They discuss the essential elements of creating an effective classroom environment, explore the importance of engagement, the role of graduate teachers as well as the challenges they face, and strategies for supporting students with additional learning needs. The discussion emphasises the significance of teamwork between teachers and education support staff to foster a positive learning experience for all students.

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Episode 9 Checking for Understanding Reflection

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:32:03 GMT

In this episode, Sunny reflects on her teaching experiences over the past two weeks, focusing on strategies that Beth shared last episode on checking for understanding in the classroom. They discuss the importance of peer feedback, building a culture of error, and adapting teaching methods to engage students effectively. Sunny shares insights from a recent visit to a primary school, highlighting effective teaching practices and the need for continuous improvement in teaching strategies. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of teaching different student groups and the significance of feedback in enhancing teaching effectiveness.

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Episode 8 Checking For Understanding

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:14:53 GMT

In this episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of teaching: Checking for Understanding. Together, they unpack why this strategy is essential across every subject area and year level. Beth shares a toolkit of invaluable, research-backed techniques that every teacher can implement straight away. She also explores the power of fostering a "culture of error", a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow through feedback. Meanwhile, Sunny brings practical insights from the ground, sharing how teachers at her school are checking for understanding in real time. From what’s worked well to what’s flopped, she offers honest reflections and creative solutions that listeners can take into their own classrooms. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to ensure your students aren’t just present, they’re learning.

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Episode 7 Explicit Instruction Reflection

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:50:53 GMT

In part 2 of Explicit Instruction, Sunny and Beth kick things off by sharing highlights from their week, before Sunny dives into her journey of using explicit instruction more deliberately in the classroom. The conversation explores how explicit instruction can look across different subject areas—including English, Science, and P.E.—before narrowing in on how Sunny applied it in her Year 10 Literature class. She unpacks how her school is working with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, and how insights from cognitive load theory helped her deliver clearer, more effective instruction. Sunny also discusses how the Five Es instructional model guided her lesson planning, offering a structured yet flexible approach. Throughout the episode, Beth brings her wealth of teaching experience to the table, offering practical tips and thoughtful reflections that enrich the discussion.

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Episode 6 Explicit Instruction

Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:20 GMT

In this episode, Beth unpacks the power of explicit instruction and shares evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference in the classroom. Drawing on current research and practical experience, she explores what effective explicit teaching looks like—and how teachers can use it with intention and clarity.

The episode also emphasises the importance of understanding your school’s instructional model and provides a snapshot of the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. Beth also touches on useful insights from the Five Es Instructional Model, offering accessible entry points for teachers looking to sharpen their practice.

Throughout the episode, Sunny shares how she’s using the Know-Wonder-Learn chart to track her understanding of explicit instruction. She reflects on what she knows, what she wants to learn, and how she plans to implement more deliberate strategies in her classroom over the next fortnight.

Whether you're new to explicit instruction or refining your approach, this episode is packed with practical tips and reflective tools to support your teaching.

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Episode 5 Organisation with Aimee

Tue, 06 May 2025 05:32:38 GMT

In this bonus episode of Pedagogy to Practice, Beth and Sunny are joined by the incredible Aimee from Base Planners—teacher, business founder, and AITSL Lead Teacher. Aimee dives into all things organisation: how to stay on top of your workload, create systems that actually work for you, and why looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your students. They chat about her journey from the classroom to running a business (and back again!), what inspired her to launch Base Planners, and how she balances it all. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of teaching, this one’s for you. Tap the link below to check out Base Planners on Instagram and explore tools for calm, confident teaching!

Instagram

2025 Weekly Base Planner – Base Planners by Aimee

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Episode 4 Making Connections Reflection

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:15:40 GMT

In Part 2 of Making Connections, Sunny reflects on the final weeks of Term 1 and the small, intentional ways she built rapport with her students. From bonding over shared interests in books and music to bringing props onto yard duty, she highlights how these seemingly simple moments can leave a lasting impact. Beth offers insight into the world of relief teaching, where time is limited but opportunities for connection still exist, and how these connections lay the groundwork for setting clear expectations. The conversation highlights the power of ending each lesson on a positive note and the importance of making space for quieter students to feel noticed and valued. This episode reminds us that connection is always possible—and always worth it.

More on Skinner - https://www.nu.edu/blog/behaviorism-in-education/

More on firm, fun, fair - https://amzn.asia/d/bjG8l3v

SWPB - https://www.vic.gov.au/SWPBS

Restorative practices - https://www.vic.gov.au/restorative-practice

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Episode 3 Making Connections

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:28:18 GMT

As Victorian schools approach the final weeks of term, Beth and Sunny reflect on the importance of building connections with students. Beth shares strategies for being fun, firm, and fair, engaging with quieter students, and using restorative practices to repair damaged relationships. She also discusses how turning students into allies can help them find a sense of purpose in the classroom. Sunny reflects on her own use of restorative practices and considers ways to strengthen her connections with students both inside and outside the classroom in the final few weeks of the term.

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Episode 2 Routines Reflection

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:24:19 GMT

In Part 2 of Routines, Beth and Sunny reflect on their pits and peaks of the week before diving into Sunny’s experiences implementing routines in her classroom. From structured session openers to effective free writes and discussion starters, Sunny shares her reflections on the past few weeks. Beth highlights how routines foster connections, set expectations, and provide stability for students who need extra support. You'll also hear insights from another young graduate teacher, along with real classroom experiences that showcase the impact of routines in creating a positive and structured learning environment.

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Episode 1 Routines

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:01:12 GMT

In this conversation, Beth and Sunny discuss the significance of establishing routines in the classroom as the school year begins. They share personal experiences and insights on how routines can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The discussion covers various strategies for implementing effective classroom routines, managing student behaviour, and fostering a positive learning environment. In this conversation, Beth and Sunny discuss various teaching strategies aimed at enhancing student engagement and participation in the classroom. They explore the importance of thought-provoking questions, the implementation of Socratic seminars, and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for all students to contribute.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

04:11 The Importance of Routines in Education

05:56 Implementing Effective Classroom Routines

24:50 Managing Classroom Dynamics and Student Behavior

30:18 Engaging Students Through Thought-Provoking Questions

34:01 Fostering Classroom Discussions with Socratic Seminars

38:53 Encouraging Participation from All Students

44:57 Effective Routines for Wrapping Up Lessons

56:05 Implementing Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Resources

Do Now - https://teachlikeachampion.org/wp-content/uploads/TLAC-MARCH-GRAB-N-GO.pdf