Transforming Teaching Podcast

Episode 8

Beyond Recycling: Rethinking Environmental Education with Dr Lisa Siegel

In this episode of Transforming Teaching, host Dr Katie Hotko speaks with Dr Lisa Siegel, lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University and President of the Australian Association for Environmental Education. Lisa shares her journey into environmental education and why it’s about so much more than “reduce, reuse, recycle.”

Episode 7

Bush Kinders: Nature-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education

n this episode of Transforming Teaching, host Dr Katie Hotko talks with Dr Chris Speldewinde, lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Southern Cross University. Chris shares his research and experiences with Bush Kinders—nature-based programs that take learning beyond the classroom and into the wild.

Episode 6

Co-Designing Learning Environments: Lessons from Reggio Emilia with Dr Vanessa Miller

In this episode, Dr Miller reflects on her wide-ranging career in education, from rural Queensland to university lecturing, and how her respect for early childhood educators led her to study the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy. Vanessa discusses the importance of relationships, resilience, and community—especially in rural and remote settings—and how seeing children as capable and creative shapes meaningful learning.

Episode 5

Bridging Early Childhood Education and Health Services with Dr Charmaine Bernie

In this episode, Charmaine Bernie shares insights from her extensive experience in paediatric occupational therapy, highlighting how early childhood educators can identify developmental needs and support families in accessing health services.

Episode 4

The Importance of Rituals in the Early Childhood Classroom with Pedagogista Lucia Stacchiotti

In this episode, Lucia Stacchiotti, an experienced educator and psychotherapist, discusses the concept of 'slowness' in early childhood education. The episode highlights the benefits of slowing down, Reggio practices, reflective practice, and the impact of rituals on learning.

Episode 3

Visual Arts Learnings with Professor Alexandra Lasczik and Dr Katie Hotko

In this episode, Professor Alexandra Lasczik, an expert in Visual Arts education with more than 40 years of teaching experience, discusses the importance of Visual Arts in early childhood settings. The episode covers her experiences, the concept of enabling constraints, and the significance of materials in artmaking.

Episode 2

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives with Madison Rybka

In this episode Madison Rybka, a proud Arrernte woman and experienced teacher, discusses integrating Indigenous perspectives into early childhood education. The episode covers practical strategies for educators, the importance of cultural knowledge, and how to approach this work respectfully.

Episode 1

Digital Technologies with Dr Amanda Levido and Dr Jubilee Smith

This episode explores the role of digital technologies in early childhood education with experts Dr. Jubilee Smith and Dr. Amanda Levido. They discuss the impact of digital tools on children's learning, specific applications, and professional development for educators.