Pedagogy to Practice

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.