Author Archives: mwalker

Should we worry about socioeconomic segregation in Australian schools?

Posted on December 24, 2024 by mwalker

As we enter the Christmas Holiday period in Australian Schools it’s time to reflect on some trends and wonder are we getting better. I know that’s a broader query but a recent Google link on my phone this morning got … Continue reading →

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Wondering if all teachers in training and graduate teachers are being taught to instruct all students in reading as though they were in the red?

Posted on September 29, 2024 by mwalker

I have this wondering that we are teaching all students in the class – as a whole class lesson – in the junior years as though they all needed the intensive phonic instruction and frequent repetition. Yes some explicit instruction … Continue reading →

Posted in Deakin Teachers in training, Deakin University, Reading, trainee teachers | Leave a comment

Why Why is the question we all need to answer!

Posted on May 31, 2024 by mwalker

In my work with school educators this is the question I ask them to resolve for themselves. What drives you to lead / teach young people and why? What happened to you and why is that important. I was reminded … Continue reading →

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The push to teach discipline!

Posted on May 1, 2024 by mwalker

A recent report also found the “disciplinary climate” in schools in Australia was among the least favourable in the OECD according to student reports. This is based on a 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) index, which asked students how … Continue reading →

Posted in Collaborative Communities, Deakin Teachers in training, Instruction, Leadership, politics, Reading, Teaching, trainee teachers | Leave a comment

Harvard Data Wise Institute in Melbourne

Posted on January 28, 2024 by mwalker

Last week 19 school teams came to Melbourne during the last week of school holidays to attend a 5 day Harvard Data Wise Institute. There were long 8 hours days of intensive learning where participants shared their ‘why’ stories with … Continue reading →

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Jez – the old chestnut – ability grouping or streaming – is still being touted as a solution to falling standards!

Posted on January 6, 2024 by mwalker

Sorry Natasha, education editor for the Australian Newspaper, wrote a recent article on the state of education in Australia using the results of the recent PISA tests to say that our students are bored out of their brains at school, … Continue reading →

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Writers Workshop Toolkit

Posted on January 6, 2024 by mwalker

Every month I receive en email with this months “tips” on how to I think strategise a little more in your writers workshop. The tips are divided by grade levels (e.g. K-1) – Yes, it’s an American resource – one … Continue reading →

Posted in curriculum, Deakin Teachers in training, Instruction, Uncategorized, writing | Leave a comment

Another article tells the same story – postcodes predict education performance.

Posted on January 4, 2024 by mwalker

Reading an article in the Australian newspaper this morning (School system fails ‘fairness’ test, as PISA results show learning gap) which show lower academic performance in areas of socio economic disadvantage, rurality and indigenous communities. Here are some quotes: It … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Data Wise Program, Harvard, school, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

What I consider a balanced article to the issues around learning to read and reading to learn.

Posted on December 15, 2023 by mwalker

Why we’re failing to build the knowledge students need Age Newspaper 15/12/2023. In the early years of school, teaching should focus on systematic instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics, exposure to rich literature through read-alouds, and explicit teaching to build … Continue reading →

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Jason Day tells how he made it to number 1 in the world and more …….

Posted on December 12, 2023 by mwalker

I have listened to this clip several times now as he describes during his childhood experiences he found a passion for golf and family. It’s worth a listen for anyone either interested in golf or wanting to get better at … Continue reading →

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Sensibility on Reading – a balanced approach

Posted on September 1, 2023 by mwalker

I recommend that all new teachers and those in training watch this short 8 min video on the teaching of reading – its a balanced approach as the title indicates.

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Reading Instruction, Yes it’s still a debate!

Posted on July 24, 2023 by mwalker

Today, I’ve stumbled upon two “texts”, one a discussion podcast and one an article around the Science of Reading. As one who has taught and led the teaching of reading for many years in and around schools I find the … Continue reading →

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Changes to Teacher Training

Posted on July 11, 2023 by mwalker

Newspapers (e.g. Age , Sydney Morning Herald)are reporting that an “expert teacher education panel” recommendations have been accepted by the various States education ministers to reform initial teacher education. The report identified several perceived weaknesses with initial teacher education includes … Continue reading →

Posted in Deakin Teachers in training, Deakin University, Feedback, Instruction, professional learning, school, Teaching, trainee teachers, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lesson Timing

Posted on June 1, 2023 by mwalker

Often I speak to pre service teachers (PST’s) during their placements in schools/classrooms and the feedback they are receiving is that their lesson timing needs to be tightened or a goal. This is fine if there is a shared understanding … Continue reading →

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Teachers in Training

Posted on April 19, 2023 by mwalker

Why it’s important to notice and implement school routines.

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