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
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Transforming Teaching Through Catalyst with St Patrick's Primary School
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.
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Leading HITP from the classroom with Zoe Cawdron & Lauren Maher
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.
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High Impact Instruction Conversations with Dr Greg Ashman
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.
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Harnessing the Science of Learning with Dr Nathaniel Swain
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
Tune in to hear Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn teachers share their knowledge and change journey with Catalyst, an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning
New Zealand