エピソード

  • Episode #55 | Tansel Ali - Train Your Brain: Memory Secrets for Every Teacher

    Episode #55 | Tansel Ali - Train Your Brain: Memory Secrets for Every Teacher
    2025/06/15
    In this episode with Tansel Ali, we dive into how teachers can sharpen their memory, boost mental clarity, and use practical memory techniques to connect more deeply with students and teach more effectively. Tansel shares actionable tools that can be applied immediately in the classroom, for both educators and students. Key Takeaways: Memory is a skill, not a gift: Anyone can improve their memory using proven techniques like visualization, association, and storytelling. Remembering student names builds stronger connections: Tansel shares simple strategies to help teachers recall names quickly and with confidence. Mind mapping reduces overwhelm and boosts comprehension: Organising information visually helps students and teachers retain and understand complex material more easily. Speed reading improves learning by turning words into images: The goal isn’t speed for speed’s sake—it’s better comprehension through visual encoding. Teachers don’t need to master every subject: Being just one step ahead of students is enough to teach effectively and reduce overwhelm. Managing overwhelm is key to memory and focus: Practical tools like the “one-minute rule” help overcome procrastination and build momentum.
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    51 分
  • Episode #54 | Melo Calarco - Beating Burnout: Game-Changing Strategies for Teachers

    Episode #54 | Melo Calarco - Beating Burnout: Game-Changing Strategies for Teachers
    2025/06/08
    In this episode with Melo Calarco, we dive into the practical tools and powerful mindset shifts teachers can use to protect their wellbeing, prevent burnout, and perform at their best. Drawing on decades of experience, including cycling 30,000km across five continents, Melo shares transformational strategies tailored for educators working in high-pressure environments. 6 Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is the #1 skill to prevent burnout: Melo explains why you “can’t change what you don’t notice”—and how educators must tune into early signs of stress and exhaustion before they spiral into burnout. Burnout is more than tiredness, it’s complete depletion: He outlines the three core indicators of burnout: persistent exhaustion, emotional detachment, and a loss of professional efficacy—plus how to tell if you’re “just stressed” or truly burnt out. Micro-breaks are a game-changer for teacher wellbeing: Teachers often wait until holidays to rest. Melo recommends 90-second breath breaks throughout the day to recharge, reset the nervous system, and protect long-term energy. Role modelling wellbeing isn’t optional, it’s essential: From meditation to mindful breaks, Melo emphasises that educators who model wellbeing practices help students develop their own emotional regulation skills. A strong school culture can prevent staff burnout: Toxic environments can amplify stress. Melo encourages open conversations, shared resources, and checking in on colleagues regularly to build a healthier team dynamic. Train your mind like your body—with challenge and consistency: Drawing on personal routines and endurance feats, Melo urges teachers to seek discomfort intentionally and build mental resilience through daily habits—even just one push-up or a 5-minute breath session.
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    50 分
  • Episode #53 | Dr Huu Kim Le - Gaming Addiction Is Real: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know

    Episode #53 | Dr Huu Kim Le - Gaming Addiction Is Real: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know
    2025/06/01
    Dr Huu Kim Le is an Australian child and adolescent psychiatrist specialising in internet gaming disorder and ADHD. Based in Adelaide, he founded CGI Clinic, Australia’s first telepsychiatry service dedicated to gaming-related mental health. Dr Le is a board member of the Australian Gaming and Screens Alliance and is a prominent advocate for responsible gaming. He has consulted internationally and frequently speaks at conferences on the psychological impacts of digital technology on young people. In this episode with Dr. Huu Kim Le, we dive into the hidden dangers of gaming addiction, how screens are rewiring young brains, and what parents and teachers can do to set healthy, realistic boundaries. Here are 6 key takeaways you won’t want to miss: Gaming addiction is real and it’s growing fast: Dr. Le shares how screen addiction is tearing families apart, with some children refusing school, becoming aggressive, and even experiencing suicidal thoughts due to compulsive gaming. Screens are reshaping young brains during key development years: Excessive screen time between ages 12–15 can impact the frontal lobe, reducing attention, self-control, and emotional regulation, similar to the effects of a mild brain injury. Modern games are built to be addictive: Dr. Le breaks down how game mechanics like loot boxes, daily rewards, and the “hook–habit–hobby” cycle are designed to keep kids playing and spending for as long as possible. Boundaries beat battles when it comes to screen time: He recommends tools like the TP-Link Deco M4 mesh router to automate screen limits and reduce arguments, alongside clear family agreements built on mutual understanding. Schools must step up with stronger screen policies: Without clear rules, students are gaming in class on school devices. Dr. Le explains how this deepens educational inequality and calls for a shift in school tech strategy. A meaningful real-world goal is the best protection: Young people need purpose outside of screens. Dr. Le says when kids have real-life goals they care about, they’re less likely to retreat into gaming for reward and identity.
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    44 分
  • Episode #52 | Ali Casiano - How educators Can Model Emotional Intelligence and Create Stronger Connections

    Episode #52 | Ali Casiano - How educators Can Model Emotional Intelligence and Create Stronger Connections
    2025/05/26
    Here are 6 powerful takeaways you won’t want to miss: EQ isn't a one-time lesson—it’s a life skill. Ali explains why emotional intelligence should be part of everyday classroom routines like journaling, breathing exercises, group sharing, and “good things” check-ins. Model it before you teach it - One of the most impactful things a teacher can do is show students how they manage their own emotions and challenges. That modelling builds deep trust and connection. Connection leads to performance - Students thrive when they feel seen and heard. Simple moments of reflection and conversation can boost empathy, engagement, and classroom culture. Big tech EQ strategies work in schools too - Ali shares how strategies from her work at Amazon—like daily reflection prompts and chatbot check-ins—can be adapted for schools using tools as simple as whiteboards or Google Forms. AI can help—but the teacher is still the heart - AI should support self-awareness and reflection, not replace human connection. It’s a powerful assistant, not a replacement for real conversations. Kids need space to practise real-life skills - Conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional awareness don’t happen by accident. Alinnette explains how role-play and storytelling can help kids develop these essential life skills early.
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    35 分
  • Episode #51 | Dr Mark Williams - How the Brain Really Learns

    Episode #51 | Dr Mark Williams - How the Brain Really Learns
    2025/05/18
    In this episode with Dr Mark Williams, we dive into the science of how we learn best—exploring why connection is at the heart of effective teaching. Dr Mark shares powerful, brain-based insights into how face-to-face interaction boosts memory, why classroom connection must come before content, and how small changes—like dropping the “hands-up” rule—can dramatically improve learning. We also unpack the real impact of technology on young minds, how to rewire negative self-talk, and a simple practice proven to improve brain health and longevity.
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    52 分
  • Episode #50 | Damien Porter - Inclusion, Empathy, and Education: Lessons We All Need to Hear

    Episode #50 | Damien Porter - Inclusion, Empathy, and Education: Lessons We All Need to Hear
    2025/05/12
    In this episode with Damien Porter, we dive into the power of inclusive education and the lived experience of raising a family where disability is part of daily life. Damien shares heartfelt stories and practical insights on how schools—and society—can better support, empower, and include people with disabilities. Here are the key takeaways from your podcast episode with Damien: Inclusive Education Builds Belonging: Mainstream schooling helps students with disabilities develop social skills, confidence, and equality by learning alongside their peers. Support Staff Make a Big Difference: Student Support Officers (SSOs) are crucial in mainstream settings to assist with non-academic needs, enabling students to participate independently. Lived Experience Should Shape Systems: Involving people with disabilities in school planning, accessibility design, and policy-making leads to more practical and inclusive outcomes. Empathy Grows Through Curiosity: Damien encourages open dialogue—letting children ask honest questions about disability helps normalise difference and build empathy early. Self-Worth is Key to Post-School Success: Young people with disabilities need to believe in their value and potential to thrive in employment—not be limited by outdated assumptions. Never Assume—Always AskMany assumptions are made about people with disabilities; real understanding only comes from asking, listening, and learning from lived experience.
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    46 分
  • Episode #49 | Steven Payne - Design Thinking in Action: How Students Solve Real Problems

    Episode #49 | Steven Payne - Design Thinking in Action: How Students Solve Real Problems
    2025/05/04
    Here are the key takeaways from your podcast episode with Steven: Game-Based Learning Builds Real Skills - Minecraft and similar games foster critical 21st-century skills like resilience, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Unlike traditional lessons, students persist through challenges because they’re immersed and motivated. Design Thinking Empowers Student Voice - Design thinking allows students to define real-world problems, ideate solutions, and test their ideas—giving them ownership of the entire process. This approach promotes empathy, iterative learning, and purposeful creation. Minecraft as an Inclusive Learning Tool - Minecraft Education is widely accessible in Australian schools and suits all year levels—from Year 1 to Year 12. It lowers the barrier to entry and can highlight strengths in students who may not normally excel in traditional settings. Wellbeing Themes Come to Life - Projects like the Growing With Gratitude theme park in Minecraft showed how empathy and gratitude can be embedded into engaging digital environments, helping students internalise wellbeing lessons in a meaningful way. Teachers Don’t Need to Be Minecraft Experts - Teachers can focus on setting meaningful learning goals, while students lead the way with technical know-how. With structured lesson libraries and curated worlds, it's easy to start small and integrate Minecraft meaningfully into the curriculum.
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    33 分
  • Episode #48 | Brett Salakas - Raw, Resilience, Recovery, and the Power of Educator Connections

    Episode #48 | Brett Salakas - Raw, Resilience, Recovery, and the Power of Educator Connections
    2025/04/27
    In this powerful episode with Brett Salakas, we explore his remarkable journey from personal hardship to becoming one of the world’s most influential educators. Brett shares how authentic connection, purposeful technology, and embracing challenge can unlock true potential — for both students and teachers — while offering deep insights into wellbeing, leadership, and the future of education. Key takeaways: From Rock Bottom to Global Impact: Brett shares how losing everything — including his home, identity, and confidence — led him to rediscover his love for teaching. Living in a men’s shelter while acting as a school principal, he began tweeting from rock bottom, which became the foundation of the #aussieED movement. The Power of Connection: #aussieED grew from one man tweeting alone to a 20,000-strong weekly education network. Brett shows how authentic connection and shared purpose can transform isolation into global influence. Wellbeing Through Challenge: Using the metaphor of a rugby front rower and a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Brett powerfully explains how challenge and discomfort are essential to developing true resilience — in both life and learning. Tech as an Enabler of Potential: Brett shares the story of a student with autism who, thanks to voice-to-text tools, moved from struggling to write a sentence to earning a PhD in physics. It’s a clear example of how thoughtful use of tech can unlock potential and wellbeing. World Exclusive Book Reveal: Brett announced his upcoming book, F-AI-ble — a collection of Aesop-style fables that explore complex AI-in-education issues in bite-sized, reflective stories designed for teachers and school leaders. Wellbeing Meets Technology: From sentiment analysis to proactive interventions, Brett shares examples of how tech can support student mental health — but emphasises the importance of balance, context, and ethical use. Global Lessons, Shared Struggles: Despite cultural and system differences, Brett highlights the universality of teaching challenges — and the importance of supporting each other as “brothers and sisters in the same trench.” Call to Action: Brett invites educators doing innovative things to reach out — especially if they’re looking to amplify their impact through partnerships like HP’s Reinvent the Classroom initiative. Plus much more.
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    48 分