What

While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? Brendan will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, he will go beyond summarising research—he’ll delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. Brendan will also focus on implementing each key idea effectively within school settings.

How

We know that our working memory is limited and learning best occurs when it is spaced out over time. This course follows those principles and allows learners to access new bits of information in bite-sized chunks. By the end of each session, participants will leave with an actionable plan to implement. A workbook will be provided to support your learning over the five sessions.

Who

This course is ideal for teachers who are new to your school and relative novices in their understanding of the science of learning. Brendan will space out specific key ideas over the 15 weeks. It has also intentionally been scheduled for the afternoon so that schools don't necessarily have to hire substitute teachers.

If teachers have strong foundational knowledge of the science of learning and explicit instruction, then they might prefer to attend the program over two days here.

When

2pm-4pm AEDT

5 x 2 hour sessions spaced out over 15 weeks

1. Mon 3 March, 2025

2.Mon 24 March, 2025

3. Mon 5 May, 2025

4. Mon 19 May, 2025

5. Mon 9 June, 2025

Where

100% Online - This format increases accessibility. While we’ll miss the positive energy from in-person sessions, participants will still have ample opportunities to collaborate and network from the comfort of their home or office. 😊

You will be sent the Zoom link prior to the first day.

Overview of the 5 Sessions

Session 1 (Mon 3 March):

This session will provide a brief overview of the science of learning before delving into Daily Reviews in maths. He’ll review the do's and don'ts, common mistakes, and how to address them.

Session 2 (Mon 31 March):

Session 2 will unpack the key principles required for effective maths instruction and with a particular focus on why building fluency is vital and how teachers can go about doing it.

Session 3 (Mon 5 May):

Brendan will explain the significance of the Instructional Hierarchy for teachers, detailing the “what” and “when” of specific teaching tactics. He will explain what this looks like in the Modelling (I do) phase in maths.

Session 4 (Mon 19 May):

Session 4 will build on the previous session and look at various scaffolding techniques to support maths learning. Brendan will also describe how teachers can use the concrete-pictorial-abstract framework effectively.

Session 5 Mon 9 June):

This last session will look at what types of assessments teachers can use and how the data can be useful. Finally, he’ll explore word problems and how to strengthen students' skills in approaching them.

About Brendan
Brendan Lee is a seasoned primary school leader and educational consultant based in NSW, dedicated to bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. His passion for improving education was sparked when he delved into research and realised the challenge teachers face in accessing clear, actionable insights—especially in teaching maths. While the science of reading was well-documented, the path to effective maths instruction was less defined. Determined to address this, Brendan embarked on a journey to uncover the science of maths, discovering key principles that can transform teaching practices.

Now, Brendan shares his findings to save other educators the time and effort of combing through research. He has collaborated with organisations such as AERO, CIS, Grattan Institute and Think Forward Educators. Brendan is also on the Board for Ochre Education. He travels across the country offering professional learning for teachers, writing insightful articles on his blog Learn with Lee (learnwithlee.net), and hosting the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, where he continues to champion evidence-based education.

FAQ

1. Can multiple participants attend from the same school? Yes, but they all need to individually register (you'll receive a 10% discount for 4 or more participants). They can watch the presentation together, but it is recommended that they all have individual mini-whiteboards.

2. Will it be recorded? Yes, if you miss a session, you’ll receive a recording within 24 hours. However, attending live is recommended for maximum engagement.

3. Can I join if I'm located outside of Australia? Absolutely! The event is fully online, so anyone with an internet connection can participate. Just be mindful of the time difference from AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).

4. Is there pre-reading or preparation required? No mandatory preparation is needed, but reviewing basic concepts on the science of learning and explicit instruction can be helpful, especially for those newer to the topic.

5. Can I ask specific questions about my classroom or school challenges? Yes! Brendan encourages participants to bring real-life examples and questions, and there will be Q&A periods and interactive discussions where he can provide tailored insights.

6. Will I get access to the presentation slides or resources after the session? Yes, all participants will receive access to the presentation slides and other relevant resources after each session for further reference.
7. Will there be a certificate of completion? Yes, participants will receive a certificate upon completing both days, which may contribute to professional development hours.