# Episode 3: Running the Secondary Room

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-dust-7274496/episode-3-running-the-secondary-room
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-dust-7274496/episode-3-running-the-secondary-room.md
Podcast: [Chalk Dust](https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-dust-7274496)
Published: 2025-06-16T22:25:05+00:00
Episode link: https://chalkdust.media/p/episode-3-running-the-secondary-room
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/165982046/3904991f59604448b259b32c47805c62.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/chalk-dust-7274496/episodes/episode-3-running-the-secondary-room
Duration seconds: 2021

## Resource

Summary In this episode of Chalk Dust, Rebecca Birch and Nathaniel Swain explore effective teaching practices in secondary education, focusing on engagement strategies; the importance of chess for listening and thinking; and the application of self-determination theory. They discuss the significance of structured lesson plans, guided note-taking, and fostering student participation. The conversation emphasises the need for flexibility in lesson structure and the value of collaborative planning in enhancing student learning. In this conversation, Nathaniel and Rebecca discuss various teaching strategies, focusing on the importance of checks for listening (CFLs), checks for understanding (CFUs), and checks for thinking (CFTs) and how they enhance lesson quality. They explore the application of knowledge in real-world contexts, the significance of critical thinking, and the link between instruction and student engagement. The hosts also address the importance of creating a safe environment for student participation and the dynamics of teacher presence in the classroom. The conversation concludes with insights on effective pair shares and the rationale behind cold calling students to foster engagement and learning. Mentioned resources and explainers AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation) The Australian Education Research Organisation supports schools and teachers by providing evidence-based resources, video libraries, and research to improve teaching practice. Melissa’s lesson comes from their publicly available classroom video collection. Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) EDI, developed by John Hollingsworth and Silvia Ybarra, is a structured, teacher-led instructional model. It includes clear learning intentions, worked examples, guided practice, and frequent…

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## Transcript

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