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
Transforming the Science of Learning with Rebecca Birch & Dr Nathaniel Swain
In this rich and highly practical conversation, I sit down with Dr Nathaniel Swain and Rebecca Birch - two of Australia’s leading voices in evidence‑based teaching - to explore how the science of learning can transform teaching and learning in secondary schools, with a deep dive into writing instruction.
Nathaniel and Rebecca unpack how learning really works, why attention matters so much, how explicit instruction supports all students (including high achievers), and what high‑impact writing instruction looks like in secondary classrooms.
Whether you're a secondary teacher, school leader, instructional coach, or anyone curious about the science of learning, this episode is full of practical insights you’ll want to take straight back to the classroom.
27 Nov 2025
Beyond the Science of Reading: A Conversation with Natalie Wexler
Today, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Natalie Wexler, an acclaimed education writer and thought leader whose work has shaped conversations around literacy, cognitive science, and equity in education. Natalie is the author of Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning and The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It. She also co-authored The Writing Revolution and The Writing Revolution 2.0.
Natalie’s insights have reached audiences across the U.S. and beyond, and she continues to share her expertise through her Substack newsletter Minding the Gap and as host of the Knowledge Matters Podcast.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Natalie wrote Beyond the Science of Reading as a follow-up to The Knowledge Gap
The critical role of writing in learning- Why writing reinforces reading comprehension, boosts memory, and encourages deeper thinking—and why it’s often overlooked.
Practical advice for teachers
22 Sept 2025
Implementing HITP with St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School
In this episode St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School’s (West Wyalong) assistant principal, Nickey Harland, and classroom teachers, Bree Taylor and Carlie Iverach chat about High Impact Teaching Practices (HITP).
Nickey will unpack for us:
Insights from HITP implementation and how to keep momentum.
How to embed HITP in daily school life, both inside and outside the classroom.
Coaching and Supporting Others
The implementation of three Direct Instruction programs - Connecting Maths Concepts, Spelling Mastery and Reading Mastery, including how this change was communicated with parents
Bree and Carlie individually discuss how they implement HITP throughout their day and what this looks like, providing plenty of actionable examples that can be applied to your classroom. You’ll also hear how this sounds in their classroom, with snippets from their lessons.
Who has been a guest on Teacher Insights from Catalyst
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St Patrick’s Primary School Staff
Zoe Cawdron
Lauren Maher
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5.0 / 5
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Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
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13
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
60
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