Our Season 7 will be 4 x episodes looking at more difficult issues in education.
Episode 34: Are Teacher Unions overstepping the mark?
Teacher unions are promoting political and social issues to teachers, something that has never happened in the past. Where teachers years ago could bank on support on nearly any issue, it now depends where you sit on the political and social fence. A teacher who doesn’t toe the political and social agenda of their union can receive no help at all.
Is being a member of a teacher union really worth it? We look at the facts and the alternatives.
Episode 35: Cognitive load theory and the neuroscience of learning
Teachers are taught many things during teacher training, but the neuroscience of learning is something seemingly ignored. As a past educator in the School of Medical Sciences at UNSW, I (Phil) became increasingly interested in this while working with electroencephalographs (EEGs) to observe brain response.
I’ll be talking to experts about cognitive load theory and how to use it in the classroom. I’ll also be adding my own hints about how to get your students to ‘the learning brain’.
Episode 36: Teaching Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha are those born between 2010 and 2024. If you teach preschool, K-6 or early high school, you are teaching generation Alpha students.
How do they differ from other students and what is the best way to teach them. We ask the researchers at McCrindle Research what teachers must know about Generation Alpha.
Episode 37: The Year in Review (take the survey HERE)
For many teachers, increased salary, covid decline and less administration has meant a much better year than 2022. Thank God for that!
We’ll be looking at how your job has changed over the past year and touchy subjects like:
Have you noticed an improvement in student behaviour during 2023?
Have you noticed a change in the way you’re treated by bureaucracy and administration?
What are the big issues facing you now and in 2024?
A survey for teachers has been organised and can be accessed HERE. Please share the survey link with other teachers.
Yo can also email us at markingtherole@gmail.com or markingtherole@substack.com