In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) (www.edresearch.edu.au), Australia’s national evidence body for education.

Together, they unpack why nine education ministers backed a shared “national evidence institute” approach. Moreover, they explore how AERO turns research into practical guidance for schools. Importantly, the focus stays on what improves learning, not just what sounds appealing.

Jenny explains why outcomes did not always match investment after the Gonski reforms. However, she also highlights what changed with the later focus on how funding is used. As a result, the conversation centres on teaching practice as the key lever. It also challenges the idea that money alone lifts results.

The episode then dives into initial teacher education reform. First, Jenny outlines four core areas every graduate should master. These include cognitive science, explicit instruction, classroom management, and responsive teaching. Consequently, the goal is classroom-ready teachers with consistent foundations nationwide.

Next, Steve and Jenny explore what explicit instruction looks like in practice. For example, lessons are sequenced to reduce cognitive overload. Then, students practise with guidance before working independently. In addition, classroom routines are taught clearly and reinforced consistently.

Professional learning is also under the microscope. Notably, AERO tested “booster” sessions using rigorous trials. Surprisingly, the extra sessions did not improve outcomes. Therefore, the findings help systems invest in what truly sticks.

Finally, the discussion turns to equity, disability, and First Nations education. AERO is examining concentrated disadvantage and access to effective teaching. Meanwhile, a national survey on disability in classrooms is planned for 2026. There is also close attention on two-ways learning approaches, with benefits that may extend to all students.

This episode offers grounded insights for teachers, leaders, and policymakers who want evidence that reduces guesswork and supports better learning.

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Jim Meskimen is the voice behind hundreds of beloved characters, and has a career most voice actors could only dream of! Hechats with Rach and Eddie about his fascinating career, the power of observation, and his tips on how students can grow their skills.

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Meet Dr Annette Marner who has spent eight years documenting her ‘patch’, South Australia’s geologically extraordinary Southern Flinders ranges. With patience and respect for wildlife, and some very fancy camera gear, Annette captures in her book very up close and personal moments with the animals and birds of the region, and explains in beautiful prose the tumultuous geo-history of the region and why it contains such unique species.

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Meet Eleanor Elliott Thomas, a former lawyer turned author, who’s written a darkly comic tale about a family fracturing over the best and worst of problems - a lotto win! Skeletons begin emerging from the family closet as the three very mismatched Halloway siblings gather around their mother, rightful owner of the winning ticket, who lies in a coma.

Guests
Annette Marner, author and photographer of “The Southern Flinders; A Celebration of Wildlife and Landscapes”

Eleanor Elliott Thomas, author of “Do We Deserve This?” and also “The Opposite of Success”

Other books that get a mention:

Annie Hauxwell author of the Catherine Berlin crime series

“Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason

“Flying Hero Class” by Thomas Keneally

“ Normal Women - 900 years of Making History” by Philippa Gregory

INSTAGRAM

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@eleanorelliottthomas

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